As noted before, Ricky Starks has been out of action for AEW since this past March due to a head-injury scare incident and AEW officials not currently having any plans for his return.
WrestlePurists’ Ibou reported that his sources stated that Starks had asked for his release from AEW in recent months but was denied by AEW CEO Tony Khan and will have to wait out his remaining time left on his contract.
Ibou reported that those spoken to stated that a lot of things led to the situation for Starks asking for his release and most of which will never be reported. Ibou also reported that Starks currently plans to stay relevant by working independent dates.
In regards to Stark’s contract status, Fightful Select reported that their sources stated that Starks’ contract with AEW is currently set to expire this Spring. It was reported that the exact expiration date for Starks’ contract is currently not known.

WWE: Becky Lynch on Her Current Abscense From WWE TV, AJ Styles on His Issues with Bron Breakker’s Booking in WWE & Wasted Potential as WWE World Heavyweight Champion, YouTube TV Integrates with ESPN Unlimited Ahead of WWE SummerSlam 2026
Potential Spoiler for CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes Match at SummerSlam 2026 & Night 1 Match Order Leaked [Update: No Special Stip Planned for CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes Match]
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night 1 Notes: Stephanie McMahon & Triple H’s Daughter Vaughn Evelyn Levesque Sings ‘God Bless America’, Nick Aldis Competes In His First WWE Match, Mickie James Appears, Bella Twins Turns Heel on Paige, Randy Orton Surprise Appears, Oba Femi Wins Hell In A Cell Match

