As noted before, Tuesday’s WWE NXT show at the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida featured former AEW talent Ricky Starks making his official debut in WWE.
Fightful Select reported that their sources stated that the reason why Starks; name was never officially mentioned during the broadcast and on WWE’s social media accounts was due to it not being a mistake or oversight. Those spoken to reportedly stated that this was a deliberate decision by WWE officials for his surprise debut appearance and they had expected the crowd to chant his name. It was reported that the reason for the decision is currently not known.
In regards to Starks signing with WWE, it was reported that Starks deal with WWE came together quickly despite WWE not having any direct contact with him as of this past December. WWE officials reportedly had been aware of his potential availability for some time prior to his official release from AEW this week.
In regards to Starks’ status within WWE, it was reported that those spoken stated that they believe WWE’s creative plans for WrestleMania 41 are already mostly locked in and it would be much easier for Starks to work in the NXT brand.
It was reported that word of Starks being at WWE’s Performance Center had spread just 30 minutes before the show started.
AEW Dynamite Notes: Kyle Fletcher Wins TNT Title, Mark Briscoe vs. Fletcher in TNT Title Ladder Match Set for Grand Slam Australia 2026, Private Party Makes Surprise Return, Young Bucks Wins Shot at AEW Tag Titles, Thekla Wins AEW Women’s World Title, Kenny Omega vs. Swerve Strickland Set for 2/18 Show
NJPW The New Beginning in Osaka 2026 Notes: Drilla Moloney Re-Signs with NJPW, Andrade El Idolo Wins IWGP Global Title Shot, David Finlay & Hiromu Takahashi Give Farewells, Ren Narita Wins NEVER Openweight Title, Ricochet Challenges Taiji Ishimori & GOA Challenges Knockout Bros for AEW National & IWGP Tag Titles
Xavier Woods Taking Time Off Due To Shoulder Injury
