Update: Ricky Starks has shared a post on his Instagram Stories noting the previous post about giving CM Punk his “public flowers” was the result of his account being hacked. He did not clarify whether his Twitter account comments were also the result of being hacked, and we are working on clarification.
Earlier today, Ricky Starks became one of the lone AEW stars to invoke the name CM Punk since the “Real AEW World Champion” was terminated last week. Starks took to Twitter and shared his respect for Punk and Bryan Danielson as well, giving them a salute face emoji to boot. Punk worked with Starks on AEW: Collision since practically the beginning of the show, and the two were rumored to face off at AEW: All Out. However, following Punk’s termination, plans seem to have changed, with Danielson taking The Second City Savior’s spot in a brutal Strap Match.
Now, Starks is sharing even more admiration for Punk on social media, sharing a photo on his Instagram Stories of the two men with a brief message attached.
“Public flowers for you man @cmpunk,” he wrote. “Thank you.”
Punk’s termination from AEW comes after an internal investigation into a backstage altercation he had with Jack Perry moments before AEW: All In London went live on the air. Various reports of the altercation have come out, with the general consensus being that it began with an argument before elevating to pushing and eventually a chokehold from Punk on Perry. The action took place in the Gorilla position, and AEW President Tony Khan was present for the altercation. Khan has since said that he feared for his life during the incident.
Starks’ presence on Saturday nights has not waned with Punk no longer in the mix, or involved in the creative process. This week, Starks and his new muscle, Big Bill, interrupted Danielson’s emotional address to the crowd announcing he has less than a year left as an active in-ring competitor. Starks and Bill eventually attacked Danielson, leading to Moxley running to his aide, before being dropped as well. Moxley will now defend his title against Bill this Wednesday night on Dynamite.