We reported on Tuesday that Ricky Starks was removed from all his future GCW performances following his appearance at the ‘GCW Dream On’ event last Saturday.
Starks’ was scheduled to face off against Matt Cardona at Hammerstein Ballroom, which will no longer happen.
The GCW promoter Brett Lauderdale talked about this recent drama on an episode of the “Game Changer Weekly” podcast.
“The situation with Ricky Starks is a bit odd considering he is an independent contractor. We will eventually test this aspect in wrestling, as independent contractors are supposed to be able to work as they wish. However, in wrestling, these independent contractors seem to be dependent on an employer, making them more like employees. This is beyond my level. As an indie wrestling company, I don’t employ wrestlers under contract. I usually avoid their contract situations and work with talented individuals who approach me. I assume everything is cleared if they can manage to appear on my show. Traditionally, in this level of wrestling, contracts aren’t often breached.”
Lauderdale added, “I learned about this along with everyone else. I don’t have a direct communication line with AEW and have never personally talked to Tony Khan. Any arrangements with AEW workers have been between me and the talent. I’m unaware of the details with Ricky Starks or any other AEW talent. As far as I know, Ricky’s performances have been withdrawn. Unfortunately, I didn’t receive any explanation from AEW and we haven’t been communicating about this. It’s hard to separate rumors from facts without hearing anything directly from AEW. Previous reports about the AEW-GCW relationship have been mostly incorrect if we go by internet reports. The rules don’t appear to be set in stone and seem to vary on a show-by-show, person-by-person basis.”
“In my opinion, GCW and AEW have always been on the same side. Is this supposed to be a punishment for Ricky Starks or for GCW or something else? I’m in the dark as I don’t have that line of communication. It’s disappointing. If there was a way to rectify it, I would love to know. Announcing something and then having to withdraw it is not ideal but when you engage TV or contracted talent, you understand this could happen at any time for any reason.”
“Effy’s statements are his own. He’s an independent wrestler, a contractor who shares his opinions on his podcast, which we don’t endorse or promote at GCW. He doesn’t need to run his comments by me prior. He’s truly independent and doesn’t need my permission. He’s passionate about GCW and sometimes he gets carried away with his emotions. I respect his passion but I don’t have any specific opinions about his remarks. People can interpret his statements differently when taken out of context. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.”
NOTE: Please send any news tips or podcast recaps you’d like us to post to [email protected]. Full credit will be given.