Multiple industry insiders are reporting that Ricky Starks has officially asked for his AEW release but his request was denied by AEW President Tony Khan.

Starks has not been seen on AEW television since the March 30, 2024 episode of Collision, losing in a tag team match with Big Bill against Top Flight.

One of the people reporting on Starks’ request for release, Chris Featherstone, also added that the 34-year-old never turned down creative ideas contrary to what was reported in the past but the powers that be have simply opted not to utilize him.

Starks joined AEW in 2020 and it’s unclear how long his contract runs for.