Ricky Starks joins the AEW roster

Ricky Starks signs with AEW.

Debuts of free agent talent are a big part of professional wrestling. On Wednesday, All Elite Wrestling introduced a major signing when Ricky Starks made his promotional debut and was later announced as a new signing to the organization.

If you are not familiar with Starks, now is the time to change that. The New Orleans native has performed across the independent scene but his recent work in NWA helped him gain the exposure that helped lead to this moment. He is a former NWA Television champion where he had matches against the likes of Matt Cross, Eddie Kingston, Tim Storm and others. It was during this time that he showed that he has an ability to deliver a colorful promo which is nearly as important, if not more so in the professional wrestling world.

A few months back he announced that he was a free agent, and it looks like that was the right move to take for his career.

On Wednesday, Starks made his way down to the ring to face off against Cody for the TNT Championship. Each week, Cody presents an opportunity to any AEW or free-agent wrestler. Starks made the call, much to the excitement of commentators across social media.

Even though he was defeated in this match, the idea of Starks joining the promotion was felt to be a positive by nearly anyone talking about it online. Later that night, AEW President and CEO Tony Khan, confirmed that Starks is the newest edition to the roster.

AEW continues to build a strong roster of men and women month after month. Starks, or “Stroke Daddy,” as some may call him, is an individual who can perform in the ring and deliver as a character outside of it. The response from those watching is also a positive signal that the organization made the right move bringing him in as a surprise move.