Ricky Starks’ strange WWE debut has kept people guessing about his identity in his new home but latest reports suggest that the answer to it might not be as exciting.
The former AEW star made his surprise debut for the Endeavor-owned promotion during this week’s Vengeance Day go-home episode of NXT. To the curiosity of fans, Starks was not mentioned by name during his appearance, making many believe that he might be getting a new moniker in the company.
A new report from Fightful Select suggests an alternate reason for holding off his formal introduction, however. The site noted that WWE works on sync agreements with performers that allow them to utilize names and other trademarks not belonging to the company.
Since Starks’ debut was put together on very short notice after his AEW release, the belief is that the two sides were still working on that deal when the former FTW champion made his NXT appearance.
Though the company is listing him as Ricky Starks internally and with the wrestling star owning the trademark for his name, there seems to be no reason why a deal cannot be reached sooner than later.
The newest WWE signee cancelled a scheduled indie appearance for the weekend after his NXT debut, and it’s believed that he’ll be part of Saturday’s Vengeance Day special from CareFirst Arena in Washington D.C.