In a recent reflection on his first encounter with AEW talent Ricky Starks, WWE icon The Undertaker praised the young wrestler’s demeanor and regard for the industry. 

In a recent interview, The Deadman—who has dominated the WWE for decades—shared his thoughts on Starks, citing their encounter as a particularly memorable experience.

A First Impression That Lasted

“The first time I met Ricky, I could tell right away that he had that old-school respect for the business. 

He carried himself in a way that showed he understood what it takes to succeed in wrestling,” The Undertaker said in a conversation on his Six Feet Under podcast. Starks, now one of AEW’s rising stars, has been making waves with his charisma and in-ring skills. 

The encounter with The Undertaker was reportedly a significant moment for him, as he has frequently spoken about his admiration for the legends who paved the way.

Mutual Respect Between Generations

The Undertaker is well aware of the importance of deference and commitment in professional wrestling. He has coached and counseled up-and-coming talent throughout his career, stressing the value of perseverance and passion. He identified with Starks’ strategy because he saw the AEW star’s eagerness to grow and learn.

The Undertaker added that Starks makes him think of some of the greats of the past who were able to blend their in-ring prowess with their command of the microphone. “He’s got that confidence, and he knows how to make people care about what he’s doing,” he added.

Ricky Starks’ Rise in AEW

Since making his AEW debut, Ricky Starks has risen through the ranks, winning big fights and proving himself against some of the best in the business. 

His interactions with major-event stars like CM Punk, Bryan Danielson, and MJF have cemented his place as a future main-event competitor, and the admiration of a legend in the business like The Undertaker is a huge endorsement for Starks, who is still building his legacy in AEW. 

Many fans now speculate that this relationship might eventually result in a crossover between AEW and WWE, but for the time being, Starks is concentrating on his AEW journey.

A Meeting That Symbolizes Wrestling’s Evolution

The Undertaker’s recognition of Ricky Starks serves as yet another illustration of the connection between wrestling’s past and present. Respect for the craft is eternal, as evidenced by the fact that veterans like The Undertaker see the promise in up-and-coming talent.

As Starks continues to develop, supporters will definitely keep a watch on how this appreciation drives his career. Is this merely a meeting between two wrestlers who appreciate the industry, or could it be the beginning of a long-term mentorship? Time will tell.