In the last few hours, rumors have begun to circulate suggesting that Ricky Starks’ contract with AEW ended several weeks ago. This would make him a free agent at the moment. Additionally, there has been speculation that Starks may have reached an agreement with another company.

Although no specific details have been revealed about which company this could be, according to a recent update from Fightful’s Corey Brennan, while there is no official confirmation of an agreement between WWE and Ricky Starks, it has been reported that WWE has a strong interest in signing Starks and bringing him to NXT. This interest from WWE reflects its intention to continue strengthening the NXT brand with promising talent.

Starks could be a key addition if negotiations move forward. As Fightful wrote, “Regarding the Ricky Starks rumors going around on social media, NXT sources say that there is significant interest in bringing Starks into the brand once he is available.” However, it seems not all fans want Starks to be part of the white and gold brand.

Ryan Satin, an avid pro wrestling enthusiast and head of Satin Productions, took to X to share his belief that Starks should not be made a part of NXT. He wrote, “If Ricky Starks goes to WWE, having him start in NXT would be a mistake. I understand Ethan Page since he didn’t have as much TV time as others in AEW, but much like Jade Cargill, Ricky was used a lot. He should go directly to the main roster.” However, his tweet surely caught the attention of disagreeing fans who believe otherwise.

Many fans did not agree with the opinion shared by the writer/producer. In fact, they had a lot of their own theories backing up their thoughts on why the All Elite Wrestling star should be made part of WWE developmental before making his main roster debut for the Stamford-based promotion.

Fans believe NXT is a must for Starks

Taking to the comments, fans voiced their opinions in support of Starks joining NXT. Many believe that Starks needs to go to the brand for several reasons. Some fans believe that his going to NXT would help elevate the brand further–“NXT really needs Ricky Starks. The brand is struggling with the lack of star power that it’s affecting the quality of the product.”

At the same time, some fans stated that Starks would be stuck in the WWE mid-card, so it would be better to get him some attention in the white and gold brand first. A fan account named Miguel Rivera has said, “Apologized if this was asked. What do you think is a better spot? NXT main event card as they tour or on the main roster in the mid card? How would you use Ricky straight to the main roster?”

One fan believes that Starks should start a feud with CM Punk. Despite the fact that Punk is already in a heated rivalry with Drew McIntyre, this fan believes that Punk should come to NXT as the brand does need some major faces to get more traction. Especially since Bron Breakker got promoted to the main roster. The comment reads, “Gently disagree. Have Ricky Starks appear on NXT’s 1st night in Chicago. Possibly start a program with Punk to get some pizazz on the CW? I suspect Punk would be fine dipping into NXT land for a little bit.”

Another set of fans believed that Starks, while popular in AEW, might still need some hype in the Stamford-based promotion. It is a possibility that many in the WWE Universe might now know who Starks is. So a move to NXT would be the right one to choose. A fan account named Mitch Silver has said, “No, he’s way closer to Lexis King as far as being a Superstar, he’s not main roster ready…. He needs to build hype.”

Kevin Owens benefitted from being on the developmental. So did McIntyre as the Scottish Warrior established himself as a top star before returning to the main roster. So it might also prove beneficial for Starks as it will get him all the attention he needs. A fan account named @blakmakk has written, “I slightly disagree. I think he could benefit from a short stent in NXT. Give him the KO treatment. Give him a good minute to acclimate then send him up.”

We will have to keep an eye on in the coming days to see if Ricky Starks’ departure from AEW and his possible incorporation into WWE is officially confirmed, as rumors suggest. If his arrival in WWE materializes, Starks would meet with Cody Rhodes and Jade Cargill, with whom he maintains a close friendship. His connection to Rhodes is particularly noteworthy. He has even accompanied him to WWE events while he was still under contract with AEW. This has further fueled speculation about his future at the company. So what do you think? Will Starks join WWE? Let us know in the comments.