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Ricky Starks is in NXT… but will he actually be called by that name?
Starks made his debut on Tuesday night’s episode of NXT. However, he was never called by that name. The commentary team and WWE’s social media posts acknowledged how big the moment was. Starks also only referred to himself as the “Absolute One.”
The omission appeared to be intentional, as a YouTube video recapping Starks’ debut also refrained from using a name. The highlight video posted to the official WWE YouTube account was titled “The NXT debut that shocked the world” and the description simply referred to him as “a new competitor” in NXT.
What name will Ricky Starks use?
Ricky Starks already owns the trademark on his name. He applied for it in 2023 through his Dream Palace LLC, so it is still possible that he might use it in WWE.
WWE also licenses names from talent if they want to use it and that name was created before that person signed with WWE. For example, WWE applied to trademark Ethan Page after he’d signed (and was the reigning NXT Champion at the time). WWE holds the license while a performer is under contract. However, talent would retain ownership if they left WWE. This is similar to AJ Styles confirming he licenses his “P1” logo to companies he actively works for.
Ricky Starks only became a free agent on Monday, likely giving little time to file paperwork for any trademarks through WWE.
Earlier this week, WWE applied to trademark multiple ring names, including Osiris Griffin, Haze Jameson and Trill London. Some fans speculated on the possibility (or poked fun at) Starks using one of those names. That doesn’t appear to be the case, however, as some of the names are already being used by WWE Performance Center talent. Former NFL star Joshua Black is now using Osiris Griffin on social media. Former volleyball player Hayley Montoya has claimed Haze Jameson, and Karyn Best is now using Summer Sorrell.
WWE could have another name in mind for Starks. It also could be a case of waiting for things to play out from a legal perspective. Either way, Starks’ NXT debut drew plenty of attention and as he said on Tuesday night, the revolution is being televised once again.
