Ricky Starks is scheduled to make his in-ring return on the next episode of WWE NXT after being medically cleared to compete. The announcement was made by Corey Graves during the latest broadcast of the program.
Following the confirmation of his return, Starks confronted Ethan Page in a backstage segment. Despite having difficulty speaking, Starks informed Page that he would be cleared for action next week and intended to target him. The interaction concluded with Page dismissing the warning. Subsequently, a separate confrontation occurred between Starks and Ashante Adonis, indicating a potential future match.
Starks has been out of action since the May 27 episode of NXT, where he sustained an injury during a North American Championship match against Page. The injury, diagnosed by WWE as a laryngeal contusion, occurred when Starks was driven throat-first into a steel chair. Per a directive from NXT General Manager Ava, the match continued to its conclusion.
Prior to the official announcement, Starks made an appearance on last week’s episode of NXT. He attacked Page following the latter’s championship match against Sean Legacy, setting the stage for his now-confirmed return to competition.