Backstage Update on Miro, Ricky Starks, & Malakai Black’s Releases from AEW

As noted before, AEW recently released Miro and Ricky Starks while Malakai Black’s contract with AEW expired on Sunday and is no longer with the company.

Fightful Select reported that their sources provided details regarding Miro, Starks, and Black’s departures from AEW.

In regards to Black, it was reported that Black’s original contract with AEW would have kept him in the company until 2027 but he was able to get out of his deal.

It was reported that Black is still expected to return to WWE and join his wife Zelina Vega in the company. Black is also currently speculated to be joining WWE’s SmackDown brand due to that being the brand his wife currently performs in.

In regards to Miro, it was reported that those spoken to confirmed that AEW officials had granted Miro’s release request that he first asked for in late 2024.

AEW officials reportedly had discussed potential creative ideas with Miro throughout 2024 but he was not used in the end. It was reported that Miro has been healthy and cleared for “quite some time” from his shoulder and elbow injuries.

Prior to his release, Miro’s contract with AEW had been originally set to expire in 2026.

In regards to Starks, it was reported that in late 2023, Starks had asked AEW to not pick up his contract option year that was coming due in the Spring of 2025 but AEW officials chose to do it. It was also reported that Starks was open to working for AEW but the company did not use him following his option being picked up.

It was reported that prior to his release, Starks’ contract with AEW had been set to expire within a few months this Spring.

In regards to Black, Miro, and Starks’ free agency status, it was reported that all three are currently free to go wherever they want and they do not have any non-compete clauses as part of the terms of their releases.