-1.jpg?q=50&fit=contain&w=1140&h=&dpr=1.5)
As AEW continues to prove its ability to create stars, with Wheeler Yuta the latest example, the promotion's next big star should be Ricky Starks.
As a member of Team Taz, Ricky has shown his incredible talent during his near-two-year run in AEW, but it's time to take things to the next level, and the promotion should really push the FTW champion and allow him to become the huge star he is very capable of becoming.
Whether it's his incredible promos, his superb in-ring work, or even his entertaining commentary on Rampage, Starks has shown he can do just about anything, and his rise to the very top of AEW feels inevitable.
He Just Oozes Charisma
Throughout his time in AEW, one thing has been very clear, Starks just oozes charisma. There's absolutely no denying he has the IT factor, and he has constantly been a standout star in any show he's a part of.
The former NWA man feels like a star, acts like a star, and looks like a star, and it's only a matter of time before he's booked like a star. Debuting as a member of Team Taz, Starks' insane charisma eventually played a part in him outshining the original focal point of the group in Brian Cage, and the Machine was no longer the most important member of the faction. Instead, Starks outgrew Cage, leading to the former Impact champion's exile from the stable, giving the 28-year-old priority.
In modern-day wrestling, too often wrestlers don't feel genuine in their characters, especially the outlandish heels, but Starks does. His charisma in the role feels natural and considering he's still on the right side of 30, the sky really is the limit going forward for him.
He's Superb In The Ring
You can have all the charisma in the world, but if you aren't a decent worker inside the squared circle, there's a limit to what you can achieve in AEW. The promotion heavily prioritizes the in-ring work of its competitors, but fortunately, Starks is just as talented in-between the ropes as he is outside of the ring.
His matches with Cage, Jay Lethal, and Shane "Swerve" Strickland have all shown just how great the FTW champion is in the ring, and he's put on some incredible bouts throughout his time in AEW. There are some truly superb wrestlers situated at the top of AEW's main event scene, and eventually seeing Starks engage with the likes of CM Punk, Bryan Danielson, and Adam Cole in the ring is an exciting prospect for all fans.
He Can Be A Great Heel Or Babyface
Debuting in AEW through Cody Rhodes' TNT Title open challenge back in June 2020, Starks has really come into his own as one of the most entertaining heels in the promotion. He thrives in the villainous role and has no problem drawing heat from audiences, but he's also very much capable of being a babyface.
While he hasn't had much chance to show it so far, a recent episode of Dynamite in Starks hometown showed the 28-year-old receive a huge ovation from the audience, and he played up to it in a segment after the show went off the air. Aligning briefly with the Blackpool Combat Club, Starks helped beat down Max Caster, all while being the most popular wrestler in the segment, showing just how well he slots into the role as a good guy.
Having the ability to play both sides of the coin is a very handy one. All the biggest stars in the industry can switch flawlessly between the two, with The Rock, Chris Jericho, and Hulk Hogan just three prime examples, and AEW would be wise to utilize Starks' ability to be both among the main event scene.
He's Never Disappointed
Despite being involved in a number of different storylines throughout his time in AEW, Starks is yet to disappoint fans, with each feud he's involved in entertaining fans largely down to his impressive work.
Team Taz's feuds with Darby Allin and Sting, Cage, and more recently with Keith Lee and Strickland, have all been some of the highlights of any show they're featured on, and Starks is a major factor in that. He's both hilarious on the microphone, and dynamite - pun intended - in the ring.
As Hook's popularity continues to surge, it may be time for Starks to move on from Team Taz, allowing the youngster to become the stable's biggest star, and preventing the FTW champion from being overshadowed. Sure, leaving the faction you made your name in can often spell trouble for a wrestler, the only way is up for Starks, and it's about time AEW takes advantage of his supreme talents.