Ricky Starks signs with AEW, answers Cody’s TNT title challenge

Former NWA TV Champion Ricky Starks has signed with AEW following him answering Cody’s TNT title challenge on Wednesday’s Dynamite.

After Cody talked about last week’s assault from Jake Hager, his manager Arn Anderson said that he had an opponent for Cody, someone who would be a good test.

A video package then aired featuring Starks who positioned himself as one of the hottest free agents in pro wrestling. After a back and forth match, Cody retained the championship following the Crossroads.

After Dynamite ended, Tony Khan announced that Starks had signed with the promotion with Starks confirming he signed soon after. On Wednesday’s WOR, Dave Meltzer reported that the decision to sign Starks came during the match and that a program has already been set up for him. 

After being signed to the NWA since last August, Starks left after his contract with the company expired earlier this year. They haven’t run any shows since the pandemic began.

He won the NWA TV title at Hard Times back in January, defeating Trevor Murdoch in the finals. He lost the championship to Zicky Dice in March and also competed in the NWA National title tournament.