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.

Tony Khan Says Warner Bros Executives Will Be Attending 10/28 AEW Fright Night Dynamite Show
WWE: John Cena on “The Wait Is Over, The Speculation Ends” For His 11/2 WWE RAW Show Appearance, Elio LeFleur Makes In-Ring Return From Injury at 10/27 WWE NXT Tapings, Hidetora Hanada Reportedly Signs With WWE, Johnny Gargano on Planking Storyline In WWE
WWE NXT Notes: Noam Dar & Romeo Moreno vs. Hank & Tank Set for Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic 2026 Finals, Myles Borne vs. Tavion Heights in Weapons Wild Match Set for NXT Halloween Havoc, Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo Makes Injury Return, Special Wednesday Date, John Cena To Appear, and More for 11/4 Show




