Jim Ross Doesn’t See Ricky Starks as “The Next Shawn Michaels”

Jim Ross Doesn’t See Ricky Starks as “The Next Shawn Michaels”

After being released alongside Luke Gallows in WWE’s latest round of roster cuts, Karl Anderson has taken steps to secure his next move. On February 12, Anderson filed applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to trademark the terms “Automatic” and “AKA” for commercial and entertainment purposes.

The official description of Anderson’s trademark filings includes:

• Professional wrestling competitions
• Providing wrestling news and information via the internet
• Live wrestling exhibitions and performances
• Television appearances by professional wrestlers and sports entertainers
• Personal appearances for promotional and entertainment purposes
• Online interviews with professional wrestlers and sports entertainers in the field of wrestling

Additionally, Anderson’s filings cover apparel, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, bandanas, and hats. This suggests that he may be planning a new independent venture or merchandise line following his WWE departure.

Jim Ross Weighs In on Ricky Starks’ WWE NXT Debut

While Anderson is moving on, another former AEW star is making waves in WWE. Ricky Starks’ WWE NXT debut was met with mixed reactions, and Jim Ross recently shared his perspective on Grilling JR, his podcast.

Ross addressed fans who have compared Starks to WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels, dismissing the idea that Starks is on the same level but acknowledging his potential.

“I don’t know if he can be the next Shawn Michaels at his size, but he does have a unique future,” Ross said. “He has a big personality, so hopefully, he does well and lives out his dream. It seems like for many talents, the dream is just getting to WWE and calling it a day. But that’s not the finish line—it’s just the beginning.”

Ross continued, revealing that Starks’ debut caught him off guard:

“I watched NXT last night and was surprised to see Ricky Starks. I don’t know how he’s going to do. He has a high opinion of himself, and he’s got a lot of ability—there’s no doubt about that. So we’ll see how things go for him. It’s never easy to break through, and hopefully, he can succeed and stick around as a top star. But that remains to be seen. We’ll just have to wait and see how it all plays out.”

Can Ricky Starks Live Up to the Hype?

The comparison to Shawn Michaels places immense pressure on Ricky Starks, who is still in the early stages of his WWE career. While Michaels revolutionized pro wrestling with his charisma, in-ring storytelling, and undeniable star power, Starks has yet to prove himself on the WWE stage.

However, Starks possesses several qualities that could make him a major player in WWE:

• Strong mic skills – He has a natural charisma that resonates with fans.
• In-ring versatility – His wrestling style blends athleticism with storytelling.
• Marketability – WWE values wrestlers who can connect with audiences beyond the ring, and Starks has the confidence and presence to do so.

But as Jim Ross suggested, getting signed by WWE is just the beginning. To become a main-event-caliber talent, Starks will need to:

• Adapt to WWE’s system – The transition from AEW to WWE isn’t always seamless.
• Prove he can handle long-term storytelling – WWE operates differently from AEW in terms of character development and feuds.
• Maintain momentum – Many wrestlers debut with buzz but fade if they don’t capitalize on early opportunities.

For now, the WWE Universe is watching closely to see how Starks develops. Will he thrive and prove the doubters wrong, or will he struggle to stand out in a stacked WWE roster?

The Road Ahead for Starks and Anderson

As Karl Anderson secures trademarks for what appears to be post-WWE ventures, Ricky Starks embarks on a crucial new chapter in WWE.

Both men face different challenges—Anderson is looking to build something new outside WWE, while Starks is trying to establish himself within the biggest wrestling company in the world.

Jim Ross’ comments reflect a cautious optimism—acknowledging Starks’ potential while emphasizing the uphill battle he faces. If Starks can prove himself in NXT and eventually the main roster, the comparisons to Shawn Michaels might one day feel less like hype and more like reality.

However, the road to superstardom is far from guaranteed. It’s up to Ricky Starks to seize this moment and define his legacy in WWE.