The Absolute Truth: Unpacking Ricky Starks' Personal Life And Relationship Status In 2025

The question of whether professional wrestler Ricky Starks is gay or bisexual is a common and persistent query among fans, driven largely by his charismatic and flamboyant on-screen persona, "The Absolute" and "Stroke Daddy." As of December 15, 2025, the reality is that the former FTW Champion keeps his personal life fiercely private, and there has been no official confirmation or public statement from Starks regarding his sexual orientation. This deep dive will explore the facts of his relationship status, the origins of the speculation, and the latest updates on his career, which recently saw a major shift to the WWE's NXT brand.

The intense curiosity about Ricky Starks' dating life stems from a combination of his magnetic charisma, his fashion-forward style, and the confidence he projects, which often blurs the lines between his character and his real self. While his professional career is an open book with a recent, significant move to WWE, his personal relationships remain a closely guarded secret, leading to ongoing fan speculation across social media and wrestling forums.

Ricky Starks: Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Ricky Starks, known for his electrifying presence and smooth in-ring style, has rapidly ascended to become one of the most recognizable stars in professional wrestling. His career has been marked by significant runs in both major American promotions, AEW and WWE.

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• Ring Name: Ricky Starks
• Real Name: Richard Starks
• Date of Birth: February 21, 1990
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 35
• Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
• Billed From: The Absolute
• Height: 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
• Weight: 205 lb (93 kg)
• Current Promotion (2025): WWE (NXT Brand)
• Major Career Highlights:
  • AEW FTW Champion (Team Taz)
  • AEW Tag Team Championship Tournament Finalist (with Big Bill)
  • NWA World Television Champion
  • Wrestled in WWE on the NXT brand (as of early 2025)
• Notable Aliases: The Absolute, Stroke Daddy, The Charismatic Star

The Private Life of "The Absolute": Relationship Status and Dating History

The biggest factual answer to the question "Is Ricky Starks gay?" is that his relationship status is officially "Unknown" because he chooses not to share that aspect of his life with the public.

In the current landscape of professional wrestling, many stars are open about their marriages, dating lives, and family, often integrating them into their public image or reality shows. Ricky Starks, however, takes a distinctly old-school approach, creating a clear boundary between his on-screen persona and his personal affairs. His social media presence is almost entirely focused on his wrestling career, his stylish outfits, and his professional achievements.

Multiple reports as of late 2024 and early 2025 indicate that Ricky Starks is currently single, or at the very least, not publicly dating anyone. This extreme level of privacy means that any rumors about his dating history, whether with men or women, are purely speculative and unconfirmed. He has never been publicly linked to a spouse, partner, or significant other in a verified capacity.

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For a star who thrives on attention and charisma, this level of privacy is a deliberate choice. It allows the character of "The Absolute" to remain a mysterious, larger-than-life figure whose focus is solely on being the best in the ring, rather than on tabloid headlines.

The "Stroke Daddy" Persona and Speculation on Sexuality

The fan speculation about Ricky Starks' sexuality is inextricably linked to his most popular and compelling on-screen character traits. His "Stroke Daddy" nickname and his overall presentation are high-energy, confident, and often flirtatious, leading some fans to wonder if his real-life sexual orientation aligns with the perceived energy of his character.

Starks' in-ring style is often compared to legends like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, known for their swagger, verbal skill, and fashionable presentation. Starks elevates this with a unique, modern flair, often engaging in highly theatrical and sometimes provocative segments with opponents like MJF, which fuels the curiosity about his personal life.

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The On-Screen Intimations

The most direct source of speculation comes from his own work. Some wrestling forums have noted that Starks has, in the past, cut promos that could be interpreted as intimating a bisexual identity, or at least a fluid sexuality for his character. For instance, in 2022, he was announced for a match against Cassandro, a famous *exótico* (a male wrestler who competes in drag or an effeminate style) at Effy's Big Gay Brunch, which is a popular event celebrating LGBTQ+ wrestlers and allies. While Starks himself is not confirmed as a member of the LGBT community, his willingness to be part of such an event and his character's inherent confidence certainly align with an allyship or an open-minded approach to his persona.

It is important to remember the distinction between the wrestling character and the person. In professional wrestling, a character's traits—whether they are arrogant, tough, or sexually ambiguous—are often crafted for maximum entertainment and to elicit a strong reaction from the audience. Ricky Starks is a master of this craft, using his charisma to keep the audience guessing.

The Topical Authority of Privacy

In the world of celebrity gossip, the lack of information often leads to the highest levels of speculation. Ricky Starks' decision to keep his dating life out of the public eye is a powerful statement about his desire for privacy. By not confirming or denying rumors about his sexuality, whether gay, straight, or bisexual, he maintains control over his personal narrative.

This approach is particularly respectable in a public-facing industry. It forces the focus back onto his immense talent and his work, which, as of early 2025, has placed him firmly in the spotlight on the WWE NXT brand. Fans are left to appreciate his "Absolute" talent inside the squared circle without the distraction of unverified personal details.

Ricky Starks’ Career Shift to WWE NXT in 2025

While the questions about his personal life persist, the most significant and *fresh* news surrounding Ricky Starks is his professional trajectory. After a highly successful run in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), which included a notable reign as the FTW Champion and main event matches against stars like MJF and Chris Jericho, Starks made a major career move.

As of February 2025, Ricky Starks is signed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and is actively performing on the NXT brand. This move is a huge development, signaling his ambition to reach the highest levels of the industry. The wrestling world is buzzing with anticipation over what "The Absolute" will achieve in this new environment.

His transition to NXT is a testament to his status as a top-tier talent. It also presents a new opportunity for his character to evolve. The charisma, the style, and the confidence that sparked the original questions about his personal life will undoubtedly be amplified on the global stage of WWE.

Conclusion: The Only Absolute is His Talent

To directly answer the core question: There is no confirmed, official information that Ricky Starks is gay, bisexual, or straight. His relationship status is private and unknown to the public.

The speculation is a byproduct of his incredible success in crafting a captivating, charismatic, and stylish on-screen persona—the "Stroke Daddy"—who exudes confidence and allure. Ultimately, Ricky Starks has chosen to let his in-ring work and his mic skills define him, not his dating life. With his recent, major move to WWE's NXT brand in 2025, the only "Absolute" truth fans should focus on is his undeniable talent and his potential to become a global superstar.