Former AEW wrestler Ricky Starks made his NXT debut last night after months of speculation as to when he would be released from his contract. Starks has been on the outs with the upper crust of All-Elite Wrestling due to his siding with CM Punk following his scuffles with Kenny Omega, the Young Bucks, and Jack Perry.
Starks hasn’t wrestled for AEW since March of 2024. He has been occasionally wrestling for indy promotions in the meantime.
Tony Khan has kept Starks on the shelf for nearly a year, but why? Undoubtedly, his so-called Executive Vice Presidents are in his ear, effectively driving his business into the ground while rival promotions lap him routinely.
Whether you’re a fan of Starks or not, he’s got charisma, and his star power was on the rise until Khan attempted to snuff it out.
Only one day after his AEW contract expired, he appeared on WWE NXT, but the promotion didn’t mention him by name. The crowd began chanting his name once he appeared, but there’s a chance that WWE will rename him so that they can retain rights over the character.
“If ‘NXT’ is the future of professional wrestling, well, guess what, you need an absolute superstar of the future. If this is the hottest brand, well, you need the hottest free agent right now, baby. Everyone’s been asking when the revolution will be televised again. Well, I’m right here, aren’t I?”
Ricky Starks
There has been no indication suggesting Starks will be a part of NXT’s Vengeance Day pay-per-view this Saturday, but there are betting odds offered for each match that has been announced prior to the event.
Ethan Page vs. Je’Von Evans
- Ethan Page -150
- Je’Von Evans +110
Ethan Page is another AEW transplant who was able to retain his namesake. Page is a slight favorite to win over Je’Von Evans at Vengeance Day.
NXT Title Triple Threat Match
- Oba Femi (Champion) -10000
- Austin Theory +800
- Grayson Waller +1000
Oba Femi is rated as a sure winner in this triple-threat match for his NXT Championship. Gamblers will have to risk $100 on a Femi win just to win $1.
WWE NXT Women’s North American Title Match
- Stephanie Vaquer -700
- Fallon Henley (c) +400
WWE betting sites are projecting a Women’s North American Title change as current champion Fallon Henley is a heavy underdog to challenger Stephanie Vaquer.
WWE NXT Women’s Title Triple Threat Match
- Giulia (Champion) -4000
- Bayley +700
- Roxanne Perez +900
Giulia is expected to retain her title this Saturday, but there are some hefty payouts available for players brave enough to place a wager on Bayley or Perez.
NXT Vengeance Day begins Saturday at 6 p.m. on Peacock.