Below are a couple of top WWE news stories of the day, featuring Randy Orton and Ricky Starks.
• Randy Orton hasn’t been seen on WWE programming after being taken out by Kevin Owens with a Piledriver on the November 8th episode of SmackDown.
In an update from PWInsider, Randy Orton will return next month and will be a part of WWE’s European tour.
According to WRKD Wrestling, Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens is the plan for WrestleMania 41. Orton worked with Owens at last year’s WrestleMania too, in a triple threat match for the United States Championship that involved Logan Paul as well.
Owens is currently feuding with Sami Zayn. They will square off in an unsanctioned match at Elimination Chamber this Saturday.
• Ricky Starks debuted in NXT on February 11 under the new name Ricky Saints, sparking questions from fans.
During a Q&A, Mike Johnson of PWInsider was asked why Ricky Starks couldn’t use his ring name in WWE, despite this being his legal name, similar to Jade Cargill. Johnson replied:
“The easy answer is WWE wanted to trademark a ring name themselves.”
It’s possible that WWE thought Jade Cargill was a much bigger signing than Ricky Starks, and that’s why they allowed Cargill to keep her name. This is also the reason behind Cargill debuting directly on the main roster instead of NXT.
Ricky Saints later explained that he chose the name to honor his hometown, New Orleans, referencing its culture and football team while keeping a similar sound to “Starks”.
He made his in-ring debut on February 25, teaming with Je’Von Evans to defeat Ethan Page and Wes Lee.
