Tommy Dreamer on How Ricky Starks Will Thrive in WWE

Tommy Dreamer on How Ricky Starks Will Thrive in WWE

After a long absence from television, Ricky Starks’ official departure from AEW sent shockwaves through the wrestling community. Many speculated that the “Absolute Star” would make his way to WWE, but few expected him to debut so quickly on “WWE NXT” this past week. Now that Starks seems to have found a new home in WWE, wrestling veteran Tommy Dreamer believes this is a golden opportunity for him to reach new heights in his career.

Ricky Starks and His Potential in WWE

Speaking on “Busted Open Radio,” Tommy Dreamer shared his insights into Ricky Starks’ WWE future. He believes WWE will provide the perfect platform for Starks to refine his skills, evolve as a performer, and unlock new career opportunities.

“He’s going to learn different aspects of the industry, be held accountable, and have a clear path for career progression,” Dreamer stated.

He also addressed the criticism that WWE often turns former AEW stars into bigger names, explaining that this has always been how the wrestling business works.

WWE’s Legacy of Developing Stars from Other Promotions

Dreamer provided several historical examples to reinforce his argument that WWE has a long history of refining and elevating talent from other promotions.

One of the biggest names he mentioned was Hulk Hogan—one of the most iconic wrestlers of all time.

“Hulk Hogan, Hulkamania, all of that? WWE didn’t create him. He was first established in AWA. It wasn’t until he exploded in popularity that WWE brought him in and turned him into a global superstar,” Dreamer explained.

Another prime example was “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, who struggled to find his footing before joining WWE. Under his previous persona, “Stunning” Steve Austin in WCW, he was a solid performer but lacked the character that would later make him the face of the Attitude Era.

“Steve Austin is a perfect example of how you rise in the wrestling industry. WWE gave him the opportunity to showcase his true potential, and the rest is history,” Dreamer added.

He also referenced The Undertaker, who initially wrestled in World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) and Memphis Wrestling before WWE crafted him into one of the greatest gimmicks of all time.

Not Every Wrestler Finds Success in WWE

While praising WWE’s ability to develop stars, Dreamer acknowledged that not every wrestler who joins WWE thrives in the company.

Several notable names struggled to make a lasting impact despite their previous success elsewhere:

• Dusty Rhodes – A legendary figure in wrestling but had an underwhelming run in WWE late in his career.
• Terry Taylor – Once seen as a promising talent, but WWE failed to capitalize on his abilities.
• Jordynne Grace – A more recent example of someone who found tremendous success outside WWE but faced challenges in translating that into WWE stardom.

Dreamer emphasized that while WWE offers immense opportunities, it’s ultimately up to the wrestler to adapt and thrive in its highly structured environment.

Can Ricky Starks Become WWE’s Next Breakout Star?

Ricky Starks’ NXT debut suggests that WWE has serious plans for him, and his future in the company could be bright if he plays his cards right.

Strengths That Will Benefit Starks in WWE:

• Charisma and Mic Skills – Starks has a natural ability to engage with audiences, a skill that WWE highly values.
• In-Ring Talent – His wrestling ability is already polished, which means he won’t need major adjustments to fit WWE’s in-ring style.
• Marketability – WWE is always looking for stars who can draw attention beyond the ring, and Starks has the look and personality to do just that.

Challenges He Might Face:

• Adjusting to WWE’s System – WWE has a very structured way of operating, and Starks will need to adapt to their way of storytelling and match pacing.
• Competing for Spotlight – WWE has a stacked roster, meaning he will have to work hard to stand out among top stars.

If Starks can navigate these challenges, he has the potential to become one of WWE’s top superstars in the coming years.

Will WWE Be the Right Fit for Starks?

With his transition to WWE, Ricky Starks is at a career crossroads. The move presents both incredible opportunities and significant risks.

• If he adapts quickly, builds connections with fans, and delivers standout performances, he could rise to main-event status.
• However, if he struggles to find his place, he could end up lost in the shuffle, like many talented wrestlers before him.

One thing is certain: WWE fans will be watching closely to see whether Starks can live up to his “Absolute” nickname and prove that he belongs among wrestling’s elite.

Final Thoughts

Ricky Starks has officially stepped into WWE, and his journey from AEW standout to potential WWE megastar is just beginning. While success is never guaranteed, he has all the tools necessary to thrive in WWE’s competitive environment.

The question remains: Will WWE be the platform that catapults Ricky Starks into superstardom, or will he become another name that struggled to find his footing in WWE’s system?

Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—the wrestling world will be paying close attention to every move he makes in WWE.