Why WWE Didn’t Hammer Out Ricky Starks’ Name Situation Prior to NXT Debut

Ricky Starks is now part of WWE, but fans still don’t know if that’s the name he’ll be using long-term.

After his February 11 debut on NXT, WWE made a point not to acknowledge him by name on-screen, sparking speculation about whether he would undergo a rebrand. However, according to Sean Ross Sapp on The Hump, Starks is officially signed and internally listed as Ricky Starks.

A WWE source confirmed to Fightful Select that the company often works on sync agreements, which allow them to use a wrestler’s name and trademarks while they’re signed. Because Starks’ deal came together so fast, WWE is believed to be taking a cautious approach before making any public declarations about his ring name.

This situation adds another layer of intrigue to Starks’ WWE run, especially considering he trademarked “Ricky Starks” under his Dream Palace LLC in May 2024. If he keeps the name, it could be a huge boost for his brand recognition as he steps into WWE’s spotlight.

For now, Ricky Starks is officially in WWE, but whether “The Absolute” keeps his name or gets hit with a classic WWE rebrand remains to be seen. With the company playing it safe before making any public declarations, fans will have to wait and see if Starks walks into WrestleMania season as himself—or if WWE decides to shake things up. Stay tuned, because this story is just getting started.