AEW wrestler Ricky Starks faced criticism for attending WWE WrestleMania 40. However, Starks recently defended his decision in an interview.
Starks explained his attendance wasn’t just about Cody Rhodes winning the WWE Championship. He highlighted Cody’s friendship and positive impact on his life and family, even outside of wrestling. Starks believes loyalty and respect are earned through actions, and Cody’s support has secured his loyalty.
Supporting Friends’ Success
Starks doesn’t see wrestling as a reason to avoid supporting friends. He witnessed not only Cody’s win but also Jade Cargill’s WrestleMania match.
He emphasized the shared dedication and training these wrestlers put in, as well as the importance of celebrating each other’s achievements. He believes true friends do the same for each other.
Starks rejects the idea of “tribalism” in wrestling fandom, where fans only support their preferred promotion. He previously attended a WWE event to see Cody at the Royal Rumble, proving his support extends beyond company lines.
While he’s a proud member of the AEW roster, Starks clearly values personal relationships and celebrates the success of his fellow wrestlers, regardless of their promotion.
