Booker T Tips AEW Star To Find Success In WWE

Booker T thinks a current AEW star could follow in the footsteps of a different former All Elite name in WWE.

Ricky Starks may have a contract with AEW until well into 2025, but that seemingly doesn’t mean he’ll be on television during that period.

Starks hasn’t been seen on television since March, repeatedly denying he’s injured, and turned down the chance to return to work. Despite being on the sidelines, the company has picked up an option on the star’s contract to keep him around for the immediate future.

Although it’s something of an open secret that WWE has an interest in Starks, his contractual situation means any potential deal will have to wait. Rey Fenix has also been linked with a move to WWE and has found himself in a similar situation, meaning he’ll remain with AEW into 2025.

Booker T Thinks Ricky Starks Would Excel In NXT

During a recent episode of his Hall of Fame podcast, NXT announcer Booker T gave his thoughts on Starks and he was full of praise for the star. Booker said that while he hadn’t seen a whole lot of Starks in the ring, he doesn’t see why he can’t have a similar impact to another former AEW star Ethan Page.

“Do I think he would fit in NXT? Of course. Just like Ethan Page, I think he can make a huge difference as far as that roster goes. Just because he is very charismatic. He’s a guy that has an upside.” Booker T said.

I haven’t really gotten a chance to see Ricky Starks go out there and do a whole lot in the ring. But, like Ethan Page, when he came to NXT, I hadn’t seen a whole lot of him either. However, he showed me what he was worth very, very quickly—almost immediately.

I said, ‘This guy is coming in at the right time when guys like Ilja Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes are leaving for the main roster.’ I say this is a guy who can fill that hole. He’s done it very, very well. So, a guy like that, if he came over, I think could do the same thing.”

After signing with WWE in May 2024, Ethan Page immediately found himself in the main event picture and went on to win the NXT Championship at Heatwave in July. The former AEW and TNA star lost the gold on October 1st to Trick Williams with CM Punk counting the pinfall.

Meanwhile, Page is set to take part in the Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge at Deadline on December 7th. The winner will become the number-one contender for the NXT Title.

H/t to Wrestle Zone