Report: Original Plans For Ricky Starks' WWE Debut Revealed

On this past week’s episode of NXT, former AEW wrestler ‘Absolute’ Ricky Starks made his shock debut in WWE, showing up in the audience to announce his arrival. This appearance came just a day after it was revealed that Starks had been released from AEW deal, so the quickness of his arrival in WWE shocked many. 

When it comes to WWE signing Ricky Starks, Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter noted that WWE had in fact planned to sign Starks even prior to his AEW exit, though his sudden release led to a change in plans. Originally, it was noted that WWE had intended Starks to debut at a major event later in the year for NXT, but when it became clear he was available, WWE changed up their plans and brought him on-screen as soon as possible. 

There were question marks raised following Starks’ debut due to the fact that neither he or WWE mentioned his name, so there was confusion over what he’d be called in WWE. It was reported after his debut that WWE were hesitant to rush into using his name due to it not being trademarked, and that this was all due to the fact that he was signed and debuted in such a quick fashion.

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