What ring name is Ricky Starks expected to use in WWE?

Ricky Starks is reportedly expected to perform under the ring name Ricky Saints upon debuting with WWE. This new moniker will mark the end of his run with All Elite Wrestling as he transitions to the structured environment of his new company.

When did Ricky Starks and Adam Copeland have their viral promo?

The viral promo segment between Ricky Starks and Adam Copeland occurred on October 14, 2023, during an episode of AEW Collision. This high-profile verbal exchange drew widespread online attention and fueled intense rumors of backstage heat between the two performers before Copeland later debunked them.

How did Adam Copeland describe his backstage relationship with Ricky Starks?

Speaking in June 2026, Adam Copeland put rumors of backstage heat to rest by stating there was no lasting conflict between them. He compared their intense segment to the competitive nature of the Attitude Era, clarifying that they simply delivered a memorable segment and moved on the next day.

What was the New Day's original name pitch in WWE?

According to details revealed by Big E, the legendary faction known as the New Day was originally pitched to perform under the name "The Clan." However, corporate heads intervened to change the name before the group officially debuted on television.

Who did Adam Copeland pitch for the original Judgment Day lineup?

Adam Copeland pitched Rhea Ripley and Damian Priest to be part of the original lineup for the Judgment Day faction. According to Copeland, former chairman Vince McMahon was initially surprised and skeptical of this pitch because he did not realize their full potential at the time.

Why Ricky Starks is finally primed to make his long-awaited WWE debut

Ricky Starks Primed for Long-Awaited WWE Debut

Ricky Starks is reportedly WWE-bound. Industry sources indicate the former All Elite Wrestling star has finalized terms on a contract. He is expected to perform under the ring name Ricky Saints. The move ends months of intense speculation regarding his future in the industry.

The timing of this potential signing fits both sides. WWE continues to look for charismatic, talk-heavy talent to bolster its television shows. Starks needs a fresh start after his momentum in AEW stalled. The former tag team champion has been absent from AEW television for a long stretch, making a departure inevitable.

WWE officials have long admired Starks' confidence and promo style. His ability to connect with fans on the microphone is well-known. Transitioning to a new company will test whether his skills translate to WWE's structured environment. He has the potential to become a top-tier heel or a major babyface depending on how the creative team presents him.

The Collision Promo That Started It All

His final chapter in AEW was defined by a viral promo segment. On October 14, 2023, Starks stood in the ring with Adam Copeland on AEW Collision. The verbal exchange quickly turned personal and drew widespread attention online.

During the promo, Copeland took aim at Starks, labeling him a knock-off version of a legendary WWE star. Starks fired back, telling Copeland that his comments had pushed him "over the edge." The shoot-style presentation convinced many fans that real backstage heat existed between the two men.

"Just like a thousand promos in the Attitude Era."

Copeland recently put those rumors to rest. Speaking in June 2026, he compared the segment to the competitive nature of the Attitude Era. He stated there was no lasting conflict between them. The two professionals simply went out to deliver a memorable segment and moved on the next day.

The exchange showed Starks could hold his own against a Hall of Fame talent. His sharp delivery and quick thinking are exactly what WWE scouts look for. Yet, the creative follow-through in AEW was lacking, leaving Starks underutilized in his final months. He was frequently left off television or placed in random matches that did not highlight his strengths.

Learning From WWE's Creative History

While fans are excited, the move carries risks. WWE has a history of scrapping major creative plans. Big E recently revealed that a planned Royal Rumble payback storyline was shelved after the New Day turned heel. The group was also originally pitched under the name "The Clan" before corporate heads intervened. These shifts show how quickly an incoming talent's plans can be rewritten.

Creative disconnects were even more common under the previous regime. Copeland recently detailed Vince McMahon's reaction to the original Judgment Day lineup. When Copeland pitched Rhea Ripley and Damian Priest, McMahon was surprised and skeptical.

According to Copeland, the former chairman "didn't realize what he had" in the two future champions. It was a shame that their talent was not recognized. Only after Copeland's insistence did the group move forward, eventually elevating both Ripley and Priest to stardom. This story serves as a warning for Starks that talent alone does not guarantee success in a corporate wrestling system.

Navigating the corporate creative structure will be Starks' biggest challenge. John Cena recently shared a story about violating McMahon's trust early in his career, which nearly ended his main-event push. Starks must avoid similar political missteps as he settles into the WWE locker room. He needs to build strong relationships with management to ensure his character is protected on television.

Where Ricky Saints Fits on the Roster

If Starks debuts as Ricky Saints, he enters a very different WWE. Factions like The Judgment Day are currently operating without a single, clear leader. WrestleTalk recently ranked potential candidates to lead the group, with Stephanie Vaquer and Roxanne Perez among the top choices.

Starks' theatrical presence could make him a perfect fit for a heel faction. Alternatively, he could be used as a singles star to bolster the mid-card of SmackDown. His promo skills ensure he can get television time even without an immediate title picture. His style would match up well with current SmackDown stars who rely on heavy character work.

He will also face the pressure of high expectations. Jade Cargill recently admitted that she and Rhea Ripley felt the sting of online criticism when their early storyline was labeled flat. They had to work hard to prove critics wrong and salvage the program. Starks will face similar scrutiny from day one, especially if his matches do not match the hype.

His former AEW colleague Adam Copeland is focusing on his own path. Copeland has shared his retirement timeline, noting that he wants to wrestle Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay before stepping away. While Copeland winds down his career in AEW, Starks is looking to kick his into high gear in WWE. The two men are on very different trajectories, but their paths will remain linked in the minds of fans.

Probability Assessment and Expected Impact

We rate the probability of Ricky Starks signing with WWE at 95 percent. Sources close to the situation suggest contract negotiations are complete. The name change to Ricky Saints has already been discussed internally by WWE creative teams.

The timeline for his debut is expected in the third quarter of 2026. A post-SummerSlam debut on SmackDown would give him the biggest possible platform. Introducing him during the draft fallout or as a surprise challenger would maximize the impact. He could debut as a surprise opponent for a major star, generating immediate buzz.

Rumours from F4WOnline and WrestleTalk carry high credibility. Both outlets have tracked Starks' contract status since his final match in AEW. The lack of any AEW television appearances in recent months further confirms the departure. It is clear that a move has been in the works for a significant amount of time.

A successful debut will immediately shake up the WWE mid-card. Starks brings a style of promo delivery that WWE has lacked in its mid-tier divisions. If booked correctly, he has the charisma to rise to the main-event scene within a year. His personality is big enough to fill the arena, which is what WWE looks for in its top stars.

However, he must overcome the stigma of being an AEW castoff. WWE audiences can be harsh on incoming talent from rival promotions. Starks will need to deliver strong in-ring performances to match his microphone work. His late-career run in AEW also showed a tendency to coast in matches when he was unhappy with his creative direction, a habit he must break in WWE. He cannot afford to look unmotivated under the bright WWE lights.

Ultimately, this signing represents a major coup for WWE. They acquire a motivated, television-ready star in his prime. For Ricky Saints, it is the opportunity he has been demanding for years.