In a recent episode of the “Insight” podcast, AEW star Ricky Starks deliberated on his professional animosity with fellow wrestler CM Punk. Starks emphasized how Punk’s input greatly influenced his overall persona and presence on the live screen.
Succeeding in seizing victory against Punk at the climax of the 2023 Owen Hart Memorial tournament, Starks had a lot of behind-the-scene tales to share.
Starks shared some words about his experience, “It was fantastic. Punk played a significant role in shaping my image on the screen. I came with a bag full of ideas. I planned to capture my arrival at the arena, carrying my bags – something we often see in WWE. This concept was inspired by the NBA players showcasing their apparels while walking into the games. I pushed for this idea. I informed Punk about it and he loved it. I’d appear in my usual attire and he found it amazing. I certainly knew what I wanted to look like and where I wanted to see myself also had to convince the other side. Punk was incredibly supportive in this journey. I remember carrying a Louis Vuitton bag in a promo. They asked me, ‘What’s in the bag?’ and my response was, ‘uncertain.’ They asked, ‘why carry it?’ and I said, ‘I wanted to flaunt what I purchased and what they lack.’ Punk had a significant contribution in this. He suggested having pyro all over for a good ten mins and I was like, ‘Why not. Let’s go for it.’ Our collaboration was fantastic, particularly during the Owen Hart tournament.”
In an exclusive interaction with Tokyo Sports, wrestling icon Kota Ibushi expressed his concerns about his future in the wrestling world, citing that his legs might not be in the best shape given his recent injuries.
Ibushi underwent a surgical procedure to mend a tear in his right tibiofibular ligament and multiple injuries to the lateral ligament of his right ankle that happened in January.
He expressed, “My legs are on the verge of giving up, they might fail any day. I aimed at maximizing the time I left before I completely lose the ability, and that’s why I played today’s game. I’m walking on a tightrope, but I still want to contribute to the pro wrestling world, so I am participating in a variety of events. AEW will be issuing visas again next year, but I observed the Japanese wrestling industry was in a downward spiral, and I wanted to lift it up. This time, we are performing voluntarily with no charges.”
Ibushi has been a part of merely four matches since August and hasn’t made an appearance in AEW after November 2023.