Ricky Starks: Everyone Says AEW Is The Alternative, I Think It's The First Choice

AEW has made great strides in less than two years since being on television, regularly topping Wednesday nights on cable.

AEW has often been described at the alternative to WWE giving fans "pro wrestling" as opposed to the "sports entertainment" that WWE touts.

WWE NXT Level Up Results (12/20): Lainey Reid vs. Kendal Grey

Speaking on Throwing Down With Renee Paquette And Miesha Tate, FTW Champion Ricky Starks explained why AEW has become more than the alternative when explaining why fans should watch the product.

"Everyone says AEW is the alternative. I really think it's the first choice now. AEW is great in the fact that, I think WWE has such a fanbase that they can insult the audience and get away with it. If you watch a TV show, let's say like Lost, I feel like Lost insulted my intelligence halfway through and I kind of fell out of love with it. AEW is the opposite of that. You stay attached and you're rewarded for watching so long. Even for people who haven't followed wrestling, there are people on the show that you can connect to because they are authentic personalities. Watching it, there is something for everybody. Having new viewers or someone who is getting back into wrestling, AEW provides that sweet spot where you can watch it, have fun, you won't feel stupid for watching it, you'll be rewarded. There are great moments that are organic that you can fall in love with. The wrestlers are badass. We have men and women who are badass wrestlers," he said.

Starks is currently feuding with Brian Cage, but has also been referenced by CM Punk.

Elsewhere during the interview, Starks commented on Punk's influence in AEW. You can find his full comments by clicking here.

If you use any of the quotes above, please credit the original source with a h/t and link back to Fightful for the transcription.

Get exclusive pro wrestling content on Fightful Select, our premium news service! Click here to learn more.