Details behind Ricky Starks in NXT (Patreon)

Ricky Starks has debuted in NXT. At least that's who we THINK HE IS!

Starks debuted on the February 11 NXT, notably not actually saying his name. The crowd knew however, and chanted it repeatedly. We're told this was the expected reaction, and that not mentioning him by name wasn't an accident. However, we've not been told why specifically that is.

Fightful had heard word of AEW releases Friday, but they didn't end up becoming official until this week. We're told that these had long been considered, with Ricky Starks among the names that were in the plans for the release.

As one would expect, the deal with Ricky Starks came together very quickly once he became available. As of December, we'd been told that nobody from WWE had communicated interest to Starks, but those we spoke to there knew he'd be signed if he became available.

As for why Starks showed up on NXT, Fightful inquired with NXT and main roster sources. Those we spoke to on the main roster said that they believe the majority of creative heading into WrestleMania is planned, and NXT would be much more fluid working him into the fold.

Word of Starks being on the show circulated around the WWE PC by about 30 minutes before the show.