“Shouldn’t Villify”: Ricky Starks Seemingly Slams Tony Khan’s Treatment of CM Punk, Teases Reunion Amid WWE Links

CM Punk doesn’t have the best of reputations for instilling and upholding a stellar locker room atmosphere. The Second City Saint has a notorious record of rubbing people the wrong way through his extremely outspoken demeanor. No matter what promotion he belongs to, the former AEW star tends to shroud himself in a layer of controversy and keeps on collecting brickbats offhandedly. But does any counter-view that can force us to see the former WWE World Champion in a more flexible light exist at all?

Former AEW tag team champion Ricky Starks has got the answer for the wrestling faithful.

Ricky Starks takes an indirect jibe at Tony Khan for vilifying CM Punk

Starks, 34, has heavily been in the discussion lately as his AEW contract is reportedly reaching its end amidst his ongoing hiatus since 3/30 AEW Collision. On top, a recent report suggested Tony Khan disbanded a reunion with former tag team partner Big Bill, intensifying the ‘underused’ theory. Moreover, the rumor mill has run rampant of a potential switch to WWE for the former FTW champion.

In this situation, it seems quite natural for the Starks-Tony Khan relationship to deteriorate. However, the Stroke Daddy isn’t only offended by his humiliation. Rather, he didn’t approve of Khan’s CM Punk treatment.

Divulging his pro-CM Punk sentiment during a recent interview, Starks noted, ”I was the one that came out with the Louie bag. And I dressed every time he would see my outfit, he would laugh and be like, this is perfect. So there was a great collaboration going on in that regard. So that’s why I have no issues with Punk. I don’t give a f**k what anybody tries to tell me. I don’t care. He has never done me wrong. And you can have your opinions on him and all that, but don’t, you shouldn’t vilify someone for thinking differently than you.”

In the same discussion, the former FTW champion vented his frustrations about his exile from AEW programming for no apparent reason.

Starks breaks his silence on being undervalued in AEW

Ricky Starks has been one of the most entertaining stars in Khan’s troop over the last couple of years. His exceptional promos and standout performances fulfilled every demand a company could ever have asked for. That said, he didn’t get his deserved time in the spotlight in AEW. Every time he got close to get a push, it fizzled out quickly. Expressing how disappointing it felt, Starks noted he had no clue why he hadn’t appeared on TV. Despite giving his 1000% effort, the unreasonable setback he faced in AEW remains the biggest lesson of his career and life. The AEW star was also asked about his contract status, but he kept details close to his chest.

Given his positive outlook about Punk and a good camaraderie with Cody Rhodes, will we get to witness a union in WWE? Well, it’s even hard to imagine a ‘no’ for the answer. What’s your take on Ricky Starks opening up about his stance on Tony Khan’s CM Punk treatment? Let us know in the comments.