We reported that AEW announced they signed Ricky Starks as soon as his tryout was over, but it goes a step further than that.
AEW already had a plan in mind for Starks in the middle of his tryout match against Cody Rhodes. They were forming a program for him to work before officially signing him because they were so impressed. AEW did not shy away from noting his time in NWA, describing him as a former NWA Television champion. Arn Anderson announced Starks as Cody Rhodes opponent for the TNT open challenge. Cody won with the Cross Rhodes.
Starks did win the NWA World Television champion earlier this year, however, he lost the title days later due to not re-signing with the company.
(Credit: f4wonline.com)