Report: More Details On Ricky Starks Signing With AEW

On last night's episode of Dynamite, Ricky Starks was revealed as Cody's mystery challenger for the TNT Championship. Absolute was ultimately unsuccessful in the match but was offered a contract and Tony Khan announced Starks had signed with the young promotion.

Dave Meltzer revealed on Wrestling Observer Radio that Starks signing with the promotion after his first match wasn't just in storyline and his bout with Cody was actually his try-out match. He impressed people backstage so much, however, that officials had decided to offer him a deal by the halfway point of the contest. Meltzer also noted Starks will be involved in a high-profile storyline from the get-go.

Meltzer said: "During the match they were so impressed, and this was his try-out. He was signed like probably after the match because this was all taped on Thursday of last week. But this was not like he was signed and they debuted him. This was a try-out and midway through the match, he looked so impressive that they came up with a program for him and then signed him… I don't know what they're going to do but they already have something in mind for him."

Catch Ricky Starks in action on AEW: Dynamite every week live and on demand on FITE.