Movies

AEW should let Ricky Starks out of his contract

BBG News

AEW should let Ricky Starks out of his contract

As a seasoned gamer of the wrestling universe, I’ve seen many twists and turns in the world of professional wrestling. The recent news about Ricky Starks has left me scratching my head and shaking it in disbelief.

Over the past few days, Ricky Starks has been a hot topic. Not only was he spotted backstage at AEW Full Gear, according to Fightful Select, but there have also been other reports about him. In particular, Fightful announced on November 26 that AEW had exercised an option to extend Starks’ contract into the spring or summer of 2025. This move has sparked some intriguing reactions across various social media platforms.

In case you’re unfamiliar, an option in a contract is a common scenario in professional sports. It refers to a clause that allows the team or organization to prolong a player’s contract for a specified period of time. To clarify, reports suggest Starks’s contract was due to expire in Spring 2024, but this extension will move that date to 2025.

Many people find this situation contentious due to the fact that Starks has not appeared on AEW TV since March, and multiple sources suggest he was considering exploring the free agency market. This decision keeps him within AEW, allowing them to persist in not featuring him on television. Consequently, his standing weakens when it’s time for contract renegotiations or pursuing new opportunities.

In a different context, what WWE has faced criticism for previously doesn’t exactly apply to Tony Khan’s current situation. Recall when the company retained individuals like Mustafa Ali and PAC under contract after they sought release. These athletes were effectively benched from TV appearances while their contracts expired, rather than granting them early release as requested. This move showcased the company’s power over the independent contractors in such instances. However, fans are now applying similar standards to Khan, expressing concerns about keeping Starks under contract and potentially extending it, despite his apparent lack of TV appearances.

The final part of the report published by Fightful stated that they have no knowledge of any plans concerning AEW and Ricky Starks collaborating. If there are currently no television plans for this well-liked and skilled performer, one might question why he is still contractually bound to them. Could it be a tactic to discourage other artists from leaving their contracts early? Or perhaps it’s an effort to strengthen Stark’s negotiation stance as he approaches what could potentially be a free agency competition?

In another scenario, AEW might choose to sever ties with Starks at this moment, demonstrating their commitment to collaborate effectively with wrestling talents. This action would signal AEW’s dedication to nurturing in-ring talent. Additionally, Starks could be utilized as a stepping stone for other rising stars that AEW plans to elevate in the future. If they view him as a valuable asset to keep away from WWE for as long as feasible, then featuring him on television might be an optimal strategy.

This is a stark reminder that no matter how much a promotion claims to be for the fans and the performers, business will always come first. At this time, Ricky Starks is still under contract and that does not seem to be changing any time soon.

Read More

2024-11-27 16:15

Previous post Squid Game season 2 trailer teases terrifying new challenges