Looks like Christmas came early for several AEW stars.
Earlier in the day, it eagle eyed fans noticed that Malakai Black’s bio on AEW’s roster page was removed. This officially confirmed that the former AEW Trios Champion was no longer with the company. This news wasn’t particularly surprising as Black had been phased out of AEW television in 2025.
Buddy Matthews, Brody King, and Julia Hart all rebranded themselves as the Hell Hounds, without AEW mentioning the 39-year-old. However, some unexpected news came out later in the day. It was first revealed that Miro was released from AEW.
PWInsider actually reported that Miro was negotiating his exit for months now. Back in September, the former TNT Champion requested his release. This was months after Miro was sitting on the sidelines; Miro hadn’t wrestled on AEW television since World’s End in 2023. It was first reported that he was dealing with an injury following his match with Andrade, but then news spread shortly after that he was healthy and ready to go. It became a case of Tony Khan not having nothing for the former WWE star. There were some reports that Miro was rejecting creative ideas, but none of these rumors have been confirmed.
The only thing that’s confirmed is Miro’s release. Could we see the return of Rusev Day in WWE?
But perhaps the biggest surprise was the removal of Ricky Starks. The former AEW World Tag Team Champion was taken off of television in early 2024. Like Miro, rumors swirled that Starks was rejecting creative ideas, but Starks has been vocal that he hasn’t done such a thing. The 34-year-old has been making it clear that he’s healthy and ready to go.
However, when it seemed as if Tony Khan was going to simply have him sit out the remainder of his contract (which was supposed to end sometime in the spring or summer of 2025), Starks started competing on the independent scene. But AEW has officially released him from his contract. Both PWinsider and Wrestling Observer confirmed the news.
What’s even better is that Starks and Miro can sign anywhere that they choose as neither man has a 90-day non-compete clause. The jury is still out on whether Triple H is interested in bringing back Miro, but there have been rumors that WWE does see value in Ricky Starks.
Whatever the case may be, Starks and Miro can hopefully find a place that will give them the push that they deserve. Ricky is especially a missed opportunity as he is both gifted in the ring and on the mic. More importantly, he’s still a young guy. Hopefully, Malakai, Miro, and Ricky find happiness wherever they go next.