Ricky Starks has officially debuted in WWE’s NXT, marking a significant move after his AEW contract expired. While some fans expected him to join the main roster, reports suggest WWE had a strategic reason for placing him in NXT first.
Why Ricky Starks Landed in NXT
According to a report by Fightful Select, WWE’s main roster creative plans were already locked in leading up to WrestleMania. With limited space available, NXT provided an easier entry point for Starks. Additionally, WWE has adopted a new approach for signing talent who weren’t originally part of the company’s developmental system.
The idea is to integrate such superstars into NXT first, allowing them to familiarize themselves with WWE’s work culture and audience before transitioning to the main roster. This move is seen as beneficial for both the talent and the existing roster, ensuring a smoother adaptation period.
How WWE Fans Reacted to Starks’ Debut
Despite not making his debut on Raw or SmackDown, Starks received a strong reaction from the NXT crowd. However, an interesting aspect of his arrival was WWE’s decision not to mention his name explicitly during the show.
Fightful’s report indicates that WWE deliberately avoided calling him “Ricky Starks,” even though the audience recognized him and chanted his name. The reason behind this move remains unclear, but speculation suggests WWE might be considering a name change or a fresh character direction.
What’s Next for Ricky Starks in WWE?
While Starks is currently in NXT, he isn’t expected to stay there for long. WWE might move him to the main roster soon after WrestleMania, similar to how they’ve handled previous signings. Given his star power, a permanent main roster call-up seems inevitable.
Other Major WWE Updates: Nakamura’s Title Defense & WrestleMania Plans
Apart from Starks’ debut, other key developments in WWE include:
- Shinsuke Nakamura’s Title Defense: Nakamura is set to defend his U.S. Title at Elimination Chamber after a long gap. WWE fans have been waiting for a meaningful title defense, and this match could finally give Nakamura’s reign the relevance it needs.
- Potential WrestleMania Triple Threat Match: Reports suggest WWE is considering a major change to its WrestleMania main event. Instead of CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins, officials might prefer a triple threat featuring CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, and John Cena. This could lead to a separate singles match between Reigns and Rollins.