Thanks to a major assist from Team Taz, Ricky Starks won the FTW Championship at AEW Dynamite: Fyter Fest Night One.
Team Taz has been hamstrung by some inner turmoil for weeks, and the conflict has mostly stemmed from a brewing feud between Ricky Starks and Brian Cage. “The Machine” defended the FTW Championship against Starks on Wednesday, and Taz seemingly hoped that the bout would help the group put these issues in the past. But in the end, it was clear that he had another plan entirely.
Cage overpowered Starks, but the challenger wisely targeted the champion’s arm to neutralize this advantage. Starks impressed at various points, as he even dropped Cage with a powerbomb from the second rope.
WOW! WHAT?!
Tune into @tntdrama NOW to watch #AEWDynamite #FyterFest LIVE! pic.twitter.com/8ykDsNNqiu
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) July 15, 2021
Near the end of the bout, Powerhouse Hobbs stopped Starks from hitting Cage with the title belt. But this decision was a ruse, as Hobbs ultimately blasted Cage with the gold following a distraction from Hook. Starks then dropped Cage with a Spear for the win.
This match marked Starks’ return to action after he suffered a neck injury in April.
AND NEW! @starkmanjones is the new #FTW Champion with a little help from @TrueWillieHobbs.
Tune into @tntdrama NOW to watch #AEWDynamite #FyterFest LIVE! pic.twitter.com/wlvPR3o59E
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) July 15, 2021
