The Undertaker details his history with “Absolute” Ricky Starks.
Following his exit from All Elite Wrestling, Ricky Starks made a surprise appearance on WWE NXT, noting his intention to be the hottest superstar on the brand. WWE Hall of Famers Bully Ray and The Undertaker provided their live reactions to Starks’ NXT debut on Busted Open Radio, with the latter also revealing his extended history with the former AEW Tag Team Champion.
According to The Undertaker, he and Starks first crossed paths on the road to WrestleMania 32, where “The Deadman” was slated to take on Shane McMahon. Years later, Stark also helped Michelle McCool, former WWE Divas Champion and Undertaker’s wife, prepare for a Royal Rumble appearance.
“I’m training at this gym; I notice this kid there every day. He doesn’t say anything, really respectful. As the training went along, and we needed different spotters and different help, he was always right there,” Undertaker said. “Finally, we struck up a conversation and he told me he was trying to break into the business. I kind of talked to him about different things.
“On one of the [Royal] Rumbles that Michelle was a surprise guest in, she wanted to get in the ring and he came down and trained with her,” Undertaker continued. “I’ve seen him a few times here and there. I’ve always had great conversations with him. He’s such a good kid, such a respectful kid. So yeah [Stark’s NXT debut] caught me completely off guard. I hadn’t seen him in probably a year, year and a half, maybe. I just looked up and saw him there, but yeah, that’s how we me. We met in a gym while I was getting ready for Shane [McMahon] at WrestleMania.”
This Saturday, WWE NXT will host its 2025 Vengeance Day event. As of now, there is no word on if Starks will follow his debut with an appearance at the premium live event.
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