Ricky Starks’ future in AEW may continue to remain uncertain, but that hasn’t prevented Starks from capturing gold outside the Elite company.

At the latest DEFY event, Starks captured the DEFY World Championship, ending the 616-day reign of Kenta, who won the title back in June of 2023.

#ANDNEW DEFY WORLD CHAMPION

RICKY STARKS!!!#DEFYHundredth pic.twitter.com/6DZfroeVVO

— Ally Nicole (@allynicole456) February 8, 2025

Starks hasn’t competed for AEW since March of last year. He has confirmed that he is not injured and hasn’t been told why he is not being used.

Last month, it was reported that Starks had requested his release from WWE but despite not using him, Tony Khan turned him down.

Many believe that Starks will head to WWE when he is free. He is close friends with WWE names including Cody Rhodes and Jade Cargill.