Tony Khan Hesitates to Sign “We Want Ricky” Fan Sign

AEW President Tony Khan has always been front and center when it comes to engaging with fans, but a recent post-show interaction after AEW Rampage has fans questioning his stance on Ricky Starks. The fan-favorite wrestler has been absent from AEW programming since March, and Khan’s hesitation to address him has sparked even more rumors.

In a video shared on X, Khan was seen chatting with a couple seated ringside. The pair expressed their enthusiasm for AEW, proudly mentioning it was their fifth show and that they were already planning to attend the next. The interaction took an interesting turn when the fans handed Khan a sign reading “We Want Ricky,” asking for his signature. Khan hesitated, flipped the sign over, and scribbled something on the back instead of directly engaging with the message about Ricky Starks.

The moment has not gone unnoticed by fans, many of whom have been vocal about Starks’ prolonged absence. Combined with reports of backstage issues and Starks being forced to pulled from multiple GCW appearances, Khan’s reluctance to sign the fan’s sign is being interpreted as a sign of unresolved tension between AEW and one of its most talented stars.

While Ricky Starks is scheduled to compete at Glory’s Final Warning event in January, his potential return to AEW remains uncertain. Fans are left speculating whether Khan’s hesitation is a reflection of ongoing backstage politics or something deeper.

Tony Khan’s split-second decision to dodge signing the “We Want Ricky” sign has left fans dissecting every move, wondering if there’s more to the story with Ricky Starks. Whether it’s a case of backstage tension or simply an awkward moment, one thing is clear—fans aren’t letting this one go. With Starks’ AEW future still uncertain, all eyes will be on Tony Khan’s next move.