The consensus reaction to AEW Revolution was that it was one of the best shows in the history of the promotion. There’s no question the event’s biggest draw and perhaps most satisfying component was Sting’s last match, a fun spectacle that saw him team up with Darby Allin one last time to successfully defend the Tag Team Championship against The Young Bucks.
Fans were in for a surprise in the post-show media scrum when Sting openly discussed his future with AEW. His comments included that he and Tony Khan had discussed some possibilities, but that he was explicitly not interested in the roles of an on-air manager or a behind-the-scenes trainer or agent. While it’s possible The Icon really will ride off into the sunset or only make the most sporadic appearances, there are some interesting spots he could conceivably still fil for the company.
Sting As A Broadcaster
One of the most obvious routes for Sting to continue his career in wrestling without working matches would be as a broadcaster. AEW has a track record of casting former wrestlers in commentary roles, including Excalibur, Taz, Mark Henry, and Nigel McGuinness.
Sting doesn’t have much experience on commentary, but he does have a big personality and the credibility only a major star brings to the table. It’s unlikely he’d want to commit to this role full time at this stage of life, but having The Icon work PPVs, Battle of the Belts specials, or occasional TV matches to lend them a slightly different aura has a lot of potential if Sting is interested.
Sting As An Authority figure
AEW has mostly avoided the trap of being overly dependent on on-air authority figures. Nonetheless, The Young Bucks have started to flex their real life EVP status more in kayfabe in recent months, hinting at the potential for this element of wrestling storytelling to take a more prominent role.
By virtue of his longevity and legendary status in wrestling, there’s no question Sting would be credible as an authority figure. Additionally, AEW might benefit from casting a babyface in this role to take the place of Tony Khan, whom fans have grown tired of hearing issue “major announcements” over and over. Khan could reserve his own on-air presence for truly huge news while The Stinger could be strike a balance of being an understated authority and more welcome face to announce significant matches or news.
Sting As An Ambassador
There was a longstanding narrative that Vince McMahon sought to have someone serve as “The Babe Ruth of WWE.” Hulk Hogan and Bret Hart were among the figures purportedly pitched the idea, with The Hitman more specifically getting this overture when he signed his infamous twenty-year deal with WWE in the 1990s, which presumably would have carried well past his days in the ring.
The idea of this position is to be an ambassador for the company, showing up on TV here and there, but more so going out in the community to build good will with his public appearances, help market the company, and lend an extra air of gravitas for the product for having such a legend attached to them in retirement. It’s likely Sting will fill this role to some degree in years to come, as long as he remains on good terms with Tony Khan and AEW, but formalizing the relationship could really benefit the company.
Sting As A Panelist
The presentation of pro wrestling has evolved to feel more and more like legitimate sports on a number of levels and that includes WWE leaning into hosting panel discussions, most notably before PLE events. AEW has dabbled in this arena as well, but Sting represents a particularly appealing cornerstone of this kind of enterprise for this company.
Yes, Sting made his name in WCW and worked with TNA for an extended stretch in addition to getting the most eyes on him in WWE during his 2015-2016 run. He also had a substantial AEW career, though, including him choosing to end his in-ring career in their ring. That makes Sting someone the company can present as not only a venerable figure, but someone whom AEW can claim as their own.
Sting As A Creative Consultant
Sting had a long career that spanned decades and major promotions. In addition to his talent and connection with the fans, a defining element of what allowed him to succeed in wrestling for so long was an ability to reinvent himself. More than going with the flow of a promoter’s whims, Sting leaned into distinctive versions of himself.
Most notably Surfer Sting was one of the most over babyface characters in all of wrestling. As the man beneath the gimmick transitioned out of his physical prime, he somehow found even greater success in his Crow gimmick, a darker character that fit the edgier times of the Monday Night War. Combining these presentations with lower-key successes like his Wolfpac variant or the Joker-inspired character he took on in TNA, Sting demonstrated an ability to adapt at a level few wrestlers have ever matched.
This creativity, character work, and mind for the business bespeak some real potential for Sting to thrive as a creative consultant with AEW. He has articulated that he doesn’t want to train talent or help them map out matches but more of a part-time, big picture role helping to shape the direction of the company could be an invaluable complement to Tony Khan. Khan clearly has passion and has demonstrated some good instincts, but many feel has been exposed for his inexperience telling stories in wrestling.
In the end, Sting is in an enviable position. He’s popular with fans, well-respected by his colleagues, and in all likelihood has the money to retire comfortably. As such, there’s no need for him to do anything he doesn’t want to do, and it will be interesting to see if he and AEW arrive a good arrangement for him to remain a part of the company in the days ahead.
