24 hours following his free agency from AEW, Ricky Starks made his surprise NXT debut during Tuesday night’s live broadcast on the CW.
There seems to be a lot of talk amongst wrestling fans and the media regarding Starks not being identified by name from the commentary team during his appearance. It is unclear if that was done as a way to generate more buzz and interest. The fans however, chanted his name, as Starks acknowledged that by saying, “It’s obvious you know who I am!”
Starks is very well known by WWE management and has been backstage at several of the company’s events to visit Cody Rhodes, who he became good friends with during their time together in AEW.
PWInsider is reporting that Starks was not at the WWE Performance Center until just as the talent and crew were preparing to go live on the air.
Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling announced Wednesday that Starks would not compete in his match against Aaron Solo at their event this Saturday, which is on the same night as the NXT Vengeance Day premium live event.
Last Friday, Starks ended KENTA’S 615-day reign as the DEFY World Champion, winning the title at the promotion’s Hundredth 8-Year Anniversary, which took place at Washington Hall in Seattle, Washington.
