WWE Fast-Tracked Ricky Starks’ Debut—Original Plans Were Much Different

Ricky Starks’ WWE debut on NXT had fans talking, but it turns out this wasn’t the original plan.

According to Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE initially wanted to hold off on Starks’ debut until a major NXT event later this year, but once he became available, they sped things up.

“Even before his release, WWE had plans for Starks to debut in NXT at a major event later this year, but sped up the process as soon as he was available,” Meltzer reported.

Starks made his surprise first appearance on NXT during the February 11 episode, sitting in the crowd just one day after his AEW departure was made official. The move sent shockwaves through the industry, with speculation immediately kicking off about what’s next for The Absolute One.

With WWE’s next big NXT specials on the horizon—Vengeance Day on February 15, Roadblock on March 11, and Stand & Deliver on April 19 (WrestleMania weekend)—it’s only a matter of time before Starks steps into the ring and makes his presence felt.

Did WWE make the right call bringing Ricky Starks in early, or should they have saved his debut for a bigger stage? Drop your thoughts in the comments!