Some of the most legendary names in pro wrestling descended on Greensboro, NC last night to watch the final match of the Icon known as Sting.
In the main event of the show, Sting and Darby Allin retained the AEW World Tag Team Championships against Matthew and Nicholas Jackson, who with their heel term have ditched their Young Bucks moniker. This win means that Sting will end his AEW career undefeated. After the show, Sting spoke passionately to the fans in attendance and was grateful for all the support he has been shown during his retirement tour and throughout his professional wrestling career.
Wrestling Legends at AEW Revolution 2024
Given the influence of Sting’s career on pro wrestling, it was fitting that some legends of the mat made the trip to Greensboro to support the legend. In the crowd during AEW Revolution 2024, fans could spot Magnum TA, Nikita Koloff, and Scotty Riggs.
Ric Flair was also at AEW Revolution 2024. Flair has been a key component of Sting’s retirement tour since joining AEW last year. Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat and Lex Luger were also reported to have been in attendance.
The AEW World Tag Team Championships have been vacated now that Sting has retired from the ring. A tournament will determine the next team to hold the gold.
Sting’s final wrestling match was a spectacle to behold at AEW Revolution 2024, and the Icon didn’t want to end his career against anyone other than the Young Bucks.
In the weeks leading up to AEW Revolution 2024, much was said about the Jackson brothers being given the honor of being Sting’s final opponents. Some believed a singles match should have marked the end of Sting’s career, possibly against Allin. The more cynical of fans argued that the Jacksons were inserting themselves into a storyline they didn’t need to be a part of.
Sting on Matthew & Nicholas Jackson
Sting was allowed a ton of say over his final match; a sign of respect and appreciation from Tony Khan. Sitting down with Sports Illustrated, Sting made clear that he chose to face the brothers, not the other way around.
“Whose choice was it? It was mine. Matt and Nick, they deserve everything good that’s coming at them. I didn’t want to do this last hurrah with anyone else.”
The Icon added that he doesn’t care about “rumors” that are spread about the AEW EVPs and reiterated that he has immense respect for the brothers.
“I don’t see any flaws in these guys in the ring… They consider AEW as a whole and what’s best for their opponents. I have so much respect for these guys.”
With Sting being such an inspiration to wrestlers, it’s hardly a surprise that many in the industry have paid tribute to the legend. On Twitter, Heath shared a selfie with the WWE Hall of Famer.
AEW commentator Jim Ross was appreciative to Tony Khan that he was able to call Sting’s final match. JR had a blast working with Tony Schiavone and Excalibur.
Stokely Hathaway used a gif of Darby Allin’s dive through a pane of glass, saying it was akin to Sean Kingston when he saw a beautiful girl. The song of the same name by Kingston includes the lyrics “You’ll have me suicidal, suicidal.”
Sting went through many different phases in his almost 4 decades-long wrestling career. One such phase that came very early in his run was his tag team with Jim “Justice” Hellwig, who would later become known as the Ultimate Warrior.
Teaming with Warrior got The Icon some of his early opportunities in wrestling but according to the wrestling veteran himself, it could have also killed him.
The former champion took part in the media scrum following his retirement match at AEW Revolution 2024 where he talked about the different stops of his career. Answering a question about his time with Ultimate Warrior, Sting mentioned how they got opportunities because they looked pretty intimidating together:
“I think it was definitely good that we were both together to begin with, because, he just, he looked like a freak. I was 265 pounds and I looked like a little kid compared to him. But both of us together were pretty intimidating. And you know, we had a lot of people saying, ‘Maybelline Road Warriors,’ I don’t know if you remember any of that. But yeah. But we thought who cares? You know, we get a match with the Road Warriors, we hit the big time.”
Sting Comments On Past Steroid Usage
The former WCW Champion then mentioned that while they were meant to start together, the tag team wasn’t meant to last long. According to Sting, the duo would have killed each other due to steroid abuse if they stayed together:
“So, but you know, I think it was good that we ended up splitting up it was good that he went his way and I went mine. We were not meant to be together. We were meant to start together and it got us in the door for sure.
But he needed to be on his own and I needed to be…we were gonna kill each other, literally on the road. Two roided out young man. That’s what it was then. Two roided out guys. Just shooting straight here. That stopped in 1990 for me, so yeah. It didn’t stop for him, but it stopped for me.”
Ultimate Warrior sadly passed away at the age of 54 back in April 8, 2014, only three days after his induction into WWE Hall of Fame. An autopsy confirmed that the legend died of a heart attack caused by atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Sting had one of the greatest farewells in the history of wrestling at AEW Revolution 2024. After his retirement match, there are lot of questions about his future with the company and according to The Icon himself, he’ll make a decision after having a talk with Tony Khan about it.
The wrestling veteran alongside his partner Darby Allin appeared on the post-Revolution media scrum after the brutal retirement match. During the interview he was asked about his future with the company.
The former world champion mentioned that he doesn’t want to be a manager or an agent. So he’s going to have to talk to the AEW President to see what else can he offer to the promotion:
“Tony has mentioned me staying on board in some form or fashion, we haven’t really worked anything out there yet, but I’m sure we’ll have some kind of conversation. I am saying ‘maybe.’ We’ll see what happens. I have no interest in you know, being a manager or an agent. I don’t want to do any of that kind of stuff. So I don’t, I’m not sure what I can offer.”
After Sting’s comments, Tony Khan took the lead and claimed that Sting is the greatest legend that has ever performed in AEW. He noted that the door is always open for his return and they’d love to have the legend around in some capacity:
“Well, you are one of the greatest legends, certainly the greatest legend ever in AEW and I think one of the greatest wrestlers, if not the greatest wrestler of all time. Nobody’s ever had a career that has spanned more than yours.
And what you’ve done for us here, we’re all in your debt. So please, not only is the door always welcome and open for you, but I hope you will be back. Like I’ve said, we’ll figure it out. We want you here.”
Sting then reiterated that they will have a chat about his future with the company after tonight. It’s very likely that we will see Sting on AEW programming again in the future.
AEW Revolution went off the air, with Sting and Darby Allin celebrating as champions. That was quite a moment, but there is more in store. The sad part is that Sting’s legendary career is certainly over at this point.
Sting has officially retired from wrestling, wrapping up his career as a tag team champion. You can click here for highlights from the big match.
A new report from Sean Ross Sapp on Fightful Select shed new light on what is next. Of course, the company needs to deal with their tag team title situation, but this is all a part of the plan.
Currently, the plan is to resolve the tag team title situation promptly. However, Darby Allin isn’t anticipated to retain the titles with a new partner. AEW sources indicated to the outlet that the decision for the Young Bucks to emerge without securing victory was made weeks ago, but they were intended to remain closely involved in the tag team title scene.
All Elite Wrestling and Tony Khan were insistent on Sting concluding his career on a high note, holding a championship. The management at AEW has consistently emphasized the importance of appropriately honoring Sting.
AEW Revolution Main Event
Although it was teased that Sting’s last match wouldn’t main event Revolution, the idea of Sting headlining and main eventing the show had been in the works virtually since the moment of his retirement announcement. He also reportedly played a significant role in selecting the Young Bucks as his final opponents, as previously reported. The event’s location was also changed from the originally planned Midwest location to better accommodate Sting’s retirement, although efforts are underway to rectify this for Midwest fans.
During the recent event, there were several individuals vying to obtain one of the bats hanging backstage as a memento. Additionally, some talent was getting items signed by Sting at last week’s show.
THANK YOU STING! – From the entire wrestling world.
Notably, Lex Luger, Ricky Steamboat, Scotty Riggs, and several others were present backstage to support Sting and were not kept out of view before the AEW Revolution show.
Following Sting’s indication to his sons, they walked alongside the ramp to the backstage area. They returned after the show for Sting’s off-air speech. Tony Khan was brought out and thanked by Sting, with the entire roster joining on the ramp to bid farewell to Sting. Darby jokingly mentioned that he had to leave for the hospital.
As of right now, there have been no announcements regarding additional dates for Sting. It appears that he is now officially retired, but you also can never say never in pro wrestling.
Sting put his heart out for his final wrestling match at AEW Revolution 2024 and there was no one in the Greensboro Coliseum that wasn’t emotional after the brutal tag team main event.
As promised, both The Icon and his partner Darby Allin held nothing back for this retirement match and there were many spots in the match where audible gasps could be heard from the crowd in the arena.
At the end, however, Sting managed to overcome the odds one final time. Once Darby recovered from a brutal dive spot, he took out Nicholas. After a Scorpion Death Drop on Matthew, Allin hit the Coffin Drop. Sting then locked the AEW EVP in the Scorpion Deathlock one final time to pick up the victory.
The wrestling legend celebrated this final victory before addressing an emotional crowd. He thanked the people in the Greensboro Coliseum while remembering his history in the arena.
“I’ve been thanking you all since March of 1988. Nature Boy- Sting 45-minute draw for the world title. Thank you Ric. I don’t even know if Ric is still here but Thank you Ric. Greensboro, you were incredibly in ’88 and beyond. All the way to this very night.
I’ve been saying in all kinds of interviews, I just want this to be a night that wrestling fans will not forget. A night of wrestling that will be etched in your minds for years to come. And it is me that is saying that this is a night I will never forget. Thank you, Greensboro. You are awesome.
Sting also put over Darby Allin as the best tag team partner he has ever had before mentioning how they both are daredevils:
“This is definitely a time to give thanks for sure. Thank you to the greatest tag team partner I’ve ever had – Darby Allin. I wonder how many stitches this is gonna require tonight. I knew it from the very first time I saw Darby in action he is a risk-taker. I was a risk taker in my young days and you know what I’m kind of old now but I’m still a risk taker, especially if I’m here in Greensboro.”
What Happened With Sting After AEW Revolution 2024 Went Off Air
The Icon then called out both his sons who were dressed as classic Sting into the ring. He finally asked Tony Khan to come on too and mentioned how all this wouldn’t have been possible without the AEW president:
“I was hoping that this night would be surreal in many ways. The video package that you saw before we got to the ring and to see – this is the exact boots, tights, and jacket that I wore way back when, against the nature boy. And then in later years we got some cool Wolfpac Sting going on right here. We’re off the air now so I can do that.
You know what Greensboro? You still got it. I just don’t have any words other than to say thank you, I love you all so much. Yeah, you know what, I would like to call another very important personal. It wouldn’t be possible without Tony Khan. Tony, this is my last night so I can say – Tony hustle. come on.”
Darby Allin addressed the crowd one more time after Sting’s promo. He thanked Tony Khan and the crowd for giving Sting the flowers he deserved before leaving for the hospital:
“I really don’t know what else there is to say, I really don’t. The fact that Tony Khan felt that Sting deserved this and you guys gave it to him, and he performed. He said that he was gonna leave absolutely nothing left in this ring by the end of the night. I hope you felt you got your money’s worth. “
After this promo, the whole of the AEW roster came onto the stage to applaud Sting again and the night ended with everyone joining in to celebrate the Icon one more time.
You can check out Sting’s full uncut address after Revolution 2024 below:
Sting wrestled his final match at AEW Revolution, and it was quite a historic event. The North Carolina crowd was into the match for the entire contest, and there was a lot to take in.
Sting received an amazing entrance, first with a short movie called The Final Showtime, where The Icon sat in an empty movie theater and watched some career highlights, and then both Surfer Sting and Wolfpac Sting received love during his final entrance on pay-per-view. That was only the intros.
The Young Bucks took on Darby Allin and Sting in the main event with the AEW World Tag Team Titles on the line. This match pulled no punches, spilling out into the arena, and weapons were also heavily involved in the tornado tag team match.
Darby Allin took a brutal bump through glass off a ladder, and that left Sting to fend for himself. Ric Flair also got involved, as he tried to protect him. Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, who was guest timekeeper, also got into the action there.
Sting hulked up against The Young Bucks, and he tried to close the deal, but could not pull off a win with the Scorpion Death Drop. Then Sting kicked out of an EVP Trigger, and then he kicked out at the one-count after a second EVP Trigger.
The Icon was ready to take more abuse, and the crowd was all behind him. The Young Bucks then set Sting up for the TK Driver, which is the re-named Meltzer Driver, but Darby Allin broke up that move.
Suddenly, Sting got a Scorpion Death Drop on Matt Jackson, and he kicked out. Darby Allin, who was covered in blood from that glass spot, hit a Coffin Drop on Matt before Sting latched on a Scorpion Death Lock for the win.
Sting won the match for his team, and will retire 1/2 of the AEW World Tag Team Champions. It was a fitting end to a historic career, and now Sting will ride off into the sunset. After the match, Sting gave a speech, where he wondered how many stitches Darby Allin would need after lacerating his back as he did with that glass stunt. Then, the event ended with fans chanting, “You still got it.”
The icon known as Sting, alongside others, was gifted a commemorative, engraved baseball bat to mark the end of his in-ring career at the AEW Revolution 2024 event.
It was fitting that Sting’s retirement took place in Greensboro, North Carolina, a city he competed in countless times during his days with the NWA and World Championship Wrestling.
Talk about an ICON-ic night! Coliseum Deputy Director Scott Johnson presented this group of LEGENDS with their custom bats, and Chris Wilson, Deputy City Manager of @greensborocity, presented Sting with a proclamation that March 3 is officially THANK YOU STING DAY in Greensboro! pic.twitter.com/uLmTcvgKmP
The Greensboro Coliseum Complex was pleased to gift Sting an engraved black baseball bat, complete with his name as well as the name and date of AEW Revolution 2024.
The Icon wasn’t the only one to receive a gift, as Tony Khan, Darby Allin, Ric Flair, the ‘Greensboro G.O.A.T’ Tony Schiavone, and the ‘Hall of Fame Voice of Wrestling’ Jim Ross also received a commemorative bat.
Darby Allin has learned a lot from Sting and part of it may be going to the beat of your own drum.
Allin was interviewed by SHAK Wrestling and was asked how much say Sting exactly had in determining all the happenings in his final match this Sunday at AEW Revolution.
“Everything. With the Bucks, everything, and that’s…It’s really awesome, if you really, really think about it, that the fact that this company is letting this man go out on his own terms, in his way, with his vision.
“Because there’s a lot of places that will straight up be like, ‘Alright, you’re retiring, but we’re gonna make sure that you wrestle this guy, and it could be a guy you have no interest in wrestling in,’ and then the fact that you have to tuck your tail between your legs and be a nice, little good boy and get a paycheck and wrestle somebody that you have no desire to wrestle, we’re talking about your career, your life’s work. It’s baffling to me that people are such little bitches. But yeah, anyways, Sting, he’s doing it his way. He’s doing it his way, and it’s amazing, and it’s awesome that AEW’s giving him that.”
Darby will tag up with Sting at Revolution to face Matthew & Nicholas Jackson at Revolution and The Young Bucks got a little sample of that early on the go-home show of AEW Dynamite. Sting came down from the rafters and took out the brothers after they attacked Darby Allin and Ric Flair.
Sting will wrap up his legendary career at AEW Revolution, and many fans are watching to see how he ends everything in the ring. He will also likely wear his black and white face paint for the last time in a pro wrestling ring, which will be an epic moment. The gimmick itself is also a huge point of discussion.
While speaking to Bleacher Report, Sting claimed that he didn’t directly take his gimmick from The Crow. He said that it wasn’t until later, when people started calling him Crow Sting, that he actually picked up on the similarity.
Sting’s Recollection of Inspiration
The Icon looked back at that time of his career, when the Crow gimmick was created, “I do remember those movies, and I was dubbed that name, Crow Sting, and I took from many many different people that influenced me,” Sting said. “From the band Kiss to even Rocky Horror Picture Show. That was like a cult movie in California. You know, Batman. So many people influenced me over the years.”
Sting had many inspirations, and it wasn’t just The Crow, because KISS and Batman were already around.
“I suppose possibly The Crow character may have had some influence but it was nothing that I ever really thought about until everybody said ‘He’s Crow Sting.’ and I went ‘Oh, okay. Yeah, I see that.’ I saw the movie I think. I don’t think I’ve seen the whole movie from beginning to end. I’ve just seen bits and pieces of it over the years, but I remember when it first came out.”When I was developing this Crow character, I wasn’t thinking about the movie at all. I was thinking about Kiss, I was thinking about Rocky Horror, I was thinking about Batman. And there’s others that influenced me over the years.””But it’s just weird, that Crow thing, of all things Crow, why wouldn’t that be something on the forefront? I don’t know”
Conflicting Story To Sting’s Inspiration
In a resurfaced interview with Scott Hall, he told the story of suggesting that Sting wear white face paint and adopt a darker character. Hall then claimed that he asked Sting if he had seen The Crow.
Eric Bischoff chimed in during this clip, and he said how Sting couldn’t get enough of this Crow character. He was all in for the change, and although it was a massive alteration, it certainly made pro wrestling history.
The story of how Sting changed his gimmick to "Crow Sting" and the feud with Hulk Hogan pic.twitter.com/kOHkti4CIz
— Wrestling Pics & Clips (@WrestleClips) March 3, 2024
Sting’s Final Match
Sting will wrap up his legendary career during AEW Revolution. He will team with Darby Allin to take on The Young Bucks with the AEW World Tag Team Titles on the line. His match may not main event the show, but it is still a huge attraction for the pay-per-view event.
The direct inspiration of Sting’s gimmick may be a matter of debate at this time, but there is no arguing that Sting’s contributions to the pro wrestling world help change history and inspire generations after him.
Sting will wrestle his final match at AEW Revolution this year. That match is getting a lion’s share of the attention, but it apparently won’t close out the pay-per-view at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina.
AEW Revolution 2024 is a loaded show, full of big matches. That being said, for some reason, it seems that Tony Khan isn’t going with Sting’s farewell match to close out the show in North Carolina.
As of this writing, it appears that Samoa Joe vs Hangman Page vs Swerve Strickland will close out the Revolution pay-per-view. Renee Paquette mentioned this during the AEW Revolution pre-show.
Renee Paquette just said that the AEW World Championship 3-way match will be the main event of Revolution tonight.
OH WELL. Plans must have changed because Sting's final match was 100% main eventing before. pic.twitter.com/sNVLrCYE6m
Sting will team with Darby Allin one more time to take on The Young Bucks. Sting and Darby’s AEW World Tag Team Titles will be on the line as well. It appears that Revolution is going to close out with a title match, but it won’t be that one.
The fact that Sting’s final match may not main event Revolution is puzzling. Tony Khan picked the North Carolina venue just because of the significance it holds with Sting’s career.
AEW Revolution will go live on pay-per-view at 8:00 PM EST. SEScoops will have full coverage of the event, and you can check out the final lineup here:
Sting will wrestle the final match of his career at AEW Revolution. He will tag with Darby Allin against The Young Bucks with the AEW World Tag Team Titles on the line. That will be a huge moment in North Carolina, but is also something that Tony Khan may have wanted to stall a bit.
AEW already has another date booked for Wembley Stadium. It turns out that Tony Khan tried to convince Sting to prolong his retirement a bit so he could go out at the famous venue.
Tony Khan Wanted Sting To Stick Around
In a recent interview with PWI’s Collete Arrand, Sting revealed that Tony Khan expressed a desire to extend his career, possibly even seeing him retire at prestigious venues. However, Sting was mindful of the toll wrestling took on his body, especially with a new generation of talent waiting to make their mark. Despite the allure of prolonged success, Sting acknowledged the limitations of pushing his body beyond its capacities.
As he reflected on his journey, Sting experienced a range of emotions. While there was a sense of sorrow at the thought of leaving wrestling, there was also a profound sense of liberation. He recognized that it was time to bid farewell to professional wrestling, yet he remained open to embracing the next chapter of his life, whatever it may bring.
“It’s funny, because I was the guy who did not want to get into pro wrestling. I didn’t even know what pro wrestling was when I got started. But I ended up being a pro wrestler, and at the beginning, I was an introvert, the last guy that you’d want to get up there and entertain in front of hordes of people. But it blossomed into what it blossomed into. I’ve had a lot of fun. I’ve enjoyed the fans and cannot thank them enough.“
“After all of these years, having walked through the curtain thousands of times, I’m still a nervous wreck when I go out there, and it gets pretty overwhelming to try to perform at a high level at my age, even in a short match, even if it’s a six- or eight-man tag. Tony (Khan) was actually trying to get me to stay longer, maybe retire at Wembley. But it gets tougher and tougher every time you go out there, and you have all of these young guys who are ready to play—there’s only so far you can push it. It’s kind of sad, of course, but, at some point, you just have to do it. There’s a part of me that’s sad, but there’s another part of me that’s relieved. It’s bittersweet, but I’m looking forward to it.”
The pro wrestling world has spoken out in a big way to give Sting his flowers. You can find a ton of those responses and reactions to his retirement at the link below.
AEW All In London
All Elite Wrestling returns to Wembley Stadium in London, England on Sunday, August 25 for AEW All In London 2024. The pay-per-view event showcases top wrestlers of the current era. Tickets for this event are currently available for purchase.
That event will have some big matches, but Sting won’t be wrestling on the card.
SEScoops will have more information on this story as additional information is available.
Sting is set to wrestle his final match at AEW Revolution tonight. He is walking into the match as 1/2 of the AEW World Tag Team Champions, and there is a big question about whether he will retire a champion. Win or lose, The Icon’s career is still being celebrated in a big way.
AEW Revolution will likely be main evented by The Young Bucks vs Sting and Darby Allin for the Tag Team Titles. The match will be a historic one in a treasured venue as well. The event will take place at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina, making it AEW’s inaugural pay-per-view event in the state of North Carolina.
The pro wrestling world was shocked at first to see Sting arrive in AEW. He doubled down on that shock when he started competing at such a high level for Tony Khan’s company. He has not lost a match yet, and AEW Revolution will be his final chance to perform in a pro wrestling ring.
The match itself will be historic, but the after-match speech will also likely be very emotional. We can only imagine what kind of tributes will pour out after the match, but so many have already contributed with their own tributes.
You can check out some of the best Sting tributes we could find (so far) in the space below. SEScoops will have continued coverage of the event for any further developments prior to Sting’s last match.
Sting gets farewell messages from his family and the AEW roster prior to Sunday night, and this is the most wholesome thing you will see all day today.
— Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. (@RealBrittBaker) March 2, 2024
Finally, taking time to sit back & think about it, Sunday night at Revolution, I’m going to be heartbroken knowing it’s Sting’s last match. The matches we had at Arthur Ashe & the one in Greensboro with Punk & MJF are memories I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.
If you know my story of why I became a fan and ultimately started my own crazy journey in this crazy Biz. Then you know how much @Sting meant to me and how cool this was for me to share a stage and mic with my inspiration as a Man and wrestler! #thankyoustingpic.twitter.com/spUcutsY3Q
— The Murderhawk Monster Lance Archer (@LanceHoyt) March 1, 2024
My dad took me to Starrcade ‘97 in DC to watch Sting win the WCW World Title. We sat in the absolute back row of the arena.
I took my dad to Arthur Ashe Stadium in NYC to watch me referee for Sting on this day. He had better seats.
I have personally requested that we acquire the rights to Sting’s appearance on Vicki Lawrence’s daytime show, “Vicki!” I have yet to receive a response. pic.twitter.com/jKRwQwGlsk
— Aubrey Edwards – AEW Referee (@RefAubrey) March 2, 2024
Thank you, @Sting, for being an inspiration to generations of pro wrestling performers & fans. Your iconic career deserves every bit of praise it gets as you are an absolute GOAT. As excited as your colleagues & fans are for #AEWRevolution this Sunday, we will miss you immensely. pic.twitter.com/44jJtZDrG8
AEW President Tony Khan will always appreciate what Sting has done for AEW, as made clear in a statement ahead of tonight’s AEW Revolution 2024 event.
At tonight’s show, Sting will compete in his final wrestling match. The Icon announced in October that he planned to retire at AEW Revolution 2024, three years on from making his wrestling debut for AEW at the same event. Sting and Darby Allin will defend the AEW World Tag Team Championships against Matthew and Nicholas Jackson, formerly known as the Young Bucks.
Tony Khan on Sting
The prospect of Sting’s retirement has led to countless wrestlers and fans reflecting on their favorite moments from the Icon. Taking to Twitter, Tony Khan gave a heartfelt statement about Sting.
“Tomorrow night, Sunday, March 3, the Greensboro Coliseum in North Carolina will be packed for AEW: Revolution, and fans from around the world will be watching live on pay-per-view to witness the well-deserved sendoff for professional wrestling’s most enduring icon: @Sting.
“Sting first contacted me about All Elite Wrestling in 2020, expressing interest in a comeback. Seizing the opening, I convinced him to make a surprise return to TNT, 25 years after his first appearance on the network, at AEW Dynamite: Winter Is Coming.
“Sting in AEW would fit like a glove. The Stinger had kept himself in incredible condition, and for his return to the ring, I recommended a partnership that grew to be a bond far stronger than any wrestling hold. In our early phone conversations about a comeback, I told Sting that I saw a great deal of him in a tremendous young wrestler named Darby Allin, and I thought that they could be a great team, although I never imagined what close friends they’d become outside the ring as well. Sting’s surprise arrival in AEW kicked off a mentor-protégé relationship with Darby Allin, which led to a tag team street fight at AEW: Revolution 2021 against Team Taz, Ricky Starks and Brian Cage, as Sting stepped in the ring again for the first time in years. Sting and Darby continued teaming in exciting matches for years to come on TNT and TBS, leaping off of stages, balconies, and ladders with reckless abandon as they accumulated an undefeated record. Finally, they captured the AEW World Tag Team Championship, and they went to bask in the glory of a victory celebration with Sting’s family, only to have the timeless moment stolen in an abominable attack by AEW’s jealous EVPs, Matthew and Nicholas Jackson, going against everything that the company is meant to represent when they desecrated a legend and hurt Sting’s loved ones. And now, at AEW: Revolution, this Sunday, 3 years after the comeback began, it all comes down to one last grudge match, The Final Showtime: Sting and Darby Allin defending the AEW World Tag Team Championship against Matthew and Nicholas Jackson, the Young Bucks. Before we all gather on Sunday to witness the culmination of one of the greatest runs in wrestling history, the AEW locker room and Sting’s family wanted to share their favorite memories in tribute to The Icon himself. We cannot thank him enough for everything he’s given us over his nearly 40-year career.”
Tomorrow night, Sunday, March 3, the Greensboro Coliseum in North Carolina will be packed for AEW: Revolution, and fans from around the world will be watching live on pay-per-view to witness the well-deserved sendoff for professional wrestling’s most enduring icon: @Sting.… https://t.co/TflJpVh21p
The throwback entrance on AEW Dynamite was a fitting way for Sting to wrap up his in-ring career. He hadn’t done that stunt for a long time, and greatly nixed it after Owen Hart’s passing when he died doing a similar stunt.
Sting Opens Up About The Stunt
Sting opened up about bringing back that lost entrance as he spoke to ESPN. The 64-year-old Hall of Famer explained to the outlet what went through his head when he did that entrance one final time.
“You climb and step over that rail, and it’s like, ‘It’s time to let go now. I used to say my sphincter muscle gets very tight in those moments. And it does. It can be scary. I had one little pang when I was up there. It was like a 30-second pang when I realized I’m getting ready to do this here again.
“We’re having this casual conversation. ‘All right, you ready to go?’ I’m ready. Let’s go.”
Tony Khan received permission from Dr. Martha Hart before they did this stunt with Sting. Of course, Owen Hart tragically lost his life in 1999 at WWE Over the Edge when a repelling spot from the rafters went wrong.
AEW Revolution 2024 Card
AEW Revolution should be a fantastic night of pro wrestling, and a historic one at that. You may check out the card for the event below.
Julia Hart and Skye Blue vs. Kris Statlander and Willow Nightingale (with Stokely Hathaway) – Zero Hour Tag team match
Sting and Darby Allin (c) (with Ric Flair) vs. The Young Bucks (Matthew Jackson and Nicholas Jackson) – Tornado tag team match for the AEW World Tag Team Championship (Note: This will be Sting’s retirement match.)
Orange Cassidy (c) vs. Roderick Strong (with Matt Taven and Mike Bennett) – Singles match for the AEW International Championship
Samoa Joe (c) vs. “Hangman” Adam Page vs. Swerve Strickland (with Prince Nana) – Three-way match for the AEW World Championship
“Timeless” Toni Storm (c) (with Mariah May and Luther) vs. Deonna Purrazzo – Singles match for the AEW Women’s World Championship
Eddie Kingston (c) vs. Bryan Danielson – Singles match for the Continental Crown Championship (Note: If Danielson loses, he has to shake Kingston’s hand.)
Will Ospreay vs. Konosuke Takeshita – Singles match
Christian Cage (c) (with Killswitch, Mother Wayne, and “The Prodigy” Nick Wayne) vs. Daniel Garcia – Singles match for the AEW TNT Championship
FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) vs. Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley and Claudio Castagnoli) – Tag team match
Chris Jericho vs. Wardlow vs. Powerhouse Hobbs vs. Lance Archer vs. Hook vs. Brian Cage vs. Magnus vs. TBD – All-Star Scramble match (Note: The winner will receive a future AEW World Championship match.)
In late 2020, Sting made his surprise debut in AEW. Despite his advanced age—at that point, 61—his iconic stature meant that the debut generated a lot of buzz. That included speculation about whether he’d work dream matches against the likes Kenny Omega, MJF, or CM Punk.
Be it a shrewd call on the part of Sting himself or AEW management, he actually hasn’t worked any singles matches in his run with the company, despite getting in the ring for 27 bouts to date. Using The Icon in tag team, six-man tag, and other team scenarios has protected him nicely.
These formats have allowed him to give other wrestlers the rub by teaming with or battling against them. Additionally, with a number of other bodies in the mix–including the steady presence of dynamic Darby Allin who is always willing to take big bumps–Sting has had the chance to contribute a key high spot or two each outing that highlight what he’s still capable of without the strain of wrestling at a high level all match long.
Last Fall, Sting announced he’d have his final match at Revolution 2024. Then, on the February 7, 2024 of AEW Dynamite, he and Darby Allin won the Tag Team Championship—a final milestone for The Icon, and also a reinforcement that his rumored last match opposite The Young Bucks was a likely eventuality.
With this final chapter of Sting’s in-ring career so focused on tag team wrestling, it calls attention to the fact that he actually has an underrated legacy specifically as a tag team wrestler, dating back to the mid-1980s.
Sting Launched His Career In A Tag Team With The Ultimate Warrior
Sting got his start in wrestling working with southern and mid-south territorial promotions under the banners of Power Team USA, The Freedom Fighters, and most famously The Blade Runners. His signature partner for these years was the man who’d eventually become known as The Ultimate Warrior.
It’s noteworthy that the team featured two future main eventers who’d come to reign as world champions in WCW and WWE respectively. While neither were necessarily polished in-ring workers, this pairing was foundational to each man’s success in the wrestling business.
Some Of Sting’s Best Work Came Teamed With Lex Luger
Both in real life and on screen, much of Sting’s prime was intertwined with Lex Luger. The two alternated between friendship and rivalry in WCW storylines, including a superb early 1990s tag team match that pitted them against The Steiner Brothers at the original SuperBrawl.
Years later, Sting and Luger had some even more intriguing creative behind them in 1995, when The Total Package returned to WCW at the dawn of the Monday Night War. Sting was at the tail end of his Surfer Sting run that brought him so much acclaim. The worked an ahead-of-its-time angle in which Luger was a tweener, then a full-fledged heel who kept talking his staunch babyface partner into bad situations.
This partnership paid dividends in Sting’s first WCW Tag Team Championship win. More importantly their bond was a key element of Sting feeling betrayed by WCW when fellow babyfaces thought he’d defected to the nWo in 1996. Luger in particular not trusting Sting was a key factor in launching the legendary Crow version of Sting’s character. From there, it’s telling that by 1998, the duo was ready to get back together under the nWo Wolfpac banner.
Sting Won More WCW Tag Team Gold During The Monday Night War
Something interesting happened for WCW’s tag team title and division during the Monday Night War. On one hand, the company had a wealth of iconic teams at different points, like The Road Warriors, The Steiner Brothers, Harlem Heat, Meng and The Barbarian, Kronik, and different permutations of top cruiserweight talents.
On the other hand, particularly when WCW was around the height of its popularity, the tag titles became less of a defined division than a prop for upper card talents who had cycled away from the world title picture. Some of that has to do with the depth of the roster and WCW striving to find a meaningful spot for its top talents. Some of that also has to do with The Outsiders ruling the roost.
Kevin Nash and Scott Hall had main event level heat, but played second fiddle to Hollywood Hogan throughout the original nWo’s hottest periods. On one hand, one might argue they elevated the tag titles on account of their star power. On the other hand, WCW booked itself into a corner in which most traditional tag teams weren’t portrayed as all that credible against them, requiring make shift star teams to assemble to compete, let alone take the titles.
Sting factored heavily into this picture in 1998. First, he and The Giant took the tittles off The Outsiders, only for the partners to turn on each other and feud over who should carry the title forward. The Icon prevailed and wound up seeing through the rest of his reign teamed with Nash.
Interestingly, Sting would enjoy one more tag title reign before his most recent one in AEW. This one occurred in TNA when it was again unconventional circumstances that led him to the gold. He won a four-way match over AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, and Christian Cage to be appointed Kurt Angle’s partner for a two-week reign.
Sting’s In-Ring Career Closes Teaming With Darby Allin
Sting & Darby Allin (Photo: AEW)
The final chapter of Sting’s in-ring career has been all about tag team wrestling in AEW. Every single one of his documented 27 matches to date has occurred with Darby Allin as his partner (and, in some instances, additional partners to make up a three- or four-man team).
So, it’s fitting that Sting would wind up his in-ring career in pro wrestling and AEW alike not only side-by-side with Allin, but reigning as AEW Tag Team Champions. (Incidentally, this title win makes him the only man to have held the tag belts in WCW, TNA, and AEW). This choice not only features Sting while protecting him from too much ring time and physical punishment, but also fits and pays homage to his underrated legacy as a tag team wrestler.
AEW fans will see in the weeks ahead how Sting’s final angle takes shape en route to his final match. Maybe the presumptive angle of Sting and Darby Allin defending the AEW Championship against The Young Bucks will come to fruition, but maybe some more twists in the road lie ahead. Maybe the babyfaces in face paint will drop the titles as Sting “does the honors” in traditional fashion, or maybe he’ll get an ending befitting only a legend of his stature when he retires as champion. One way or another, fans should be in for something memorable in these final stages of one of the greatest careers in pro wrestling history.
After nearly 40 years in the ring, “The Icon” Sting will finish up his wrestling career at AEW’s upcoming Revolution pay-per-view. There, he and Darby Allin will defend the AEW World Tag Team Championships against The Young Bucks in a tornado tag match.
Before Sting steps in the ring for the final time, though, his son, Steven Borden Jr., has penned a heartwarming tribute to him on Instagram.
“You were Sting before I was born,” Borden wrote. “I’ve never known a life where the possibility of you rappelling from the rafters, diving off high objects, and Scorpion death dropping people doesn’t exist. But now that day has nearly come, and I’ve never had more respect and admiration for you than I do today.”
Building Character
Outside of Sting’s “electric” in-ring contributions, Steven Jr. pointed out that his father also upheld his responsibilities as a parental figure at the same time. Namely, Sting taught his son how to be a man of “character, integrity, and grit.” Sting’s impact has been so profound, that Steven Jr. continues to identify him as his biggest hero.
“I know you remember what my answer was that day as a kid in Central Park when I was asked who my hero was. The answer is still the same,” Steven Jr. wrote. “I’m still convinced you’re the coolest dude to walk the planet.”
Steven Jr. ended his statement by admitting that although he’s not ready to see his father’s journey conclude, he is excited to see Sting finally “enjoy the sunset.”
Sting surprised fans as he lowered from the rafters during his final appearance on AEW Dynamite. After that went down, plenty of fans were discussing things, and Owen Hart’s name was brought into the conversation. It seems that Tony Khan knew this was coming.
Owen Hart’s name trended on Google after Sting was lowered from the rafters. That stunt was nixed on a weekly basis after Hart’s tragic death at Over the Edge in 1999. Tony Khan reached out to make sure this was okay beforehand.
Tony Khan Contacted Martha Hart
Sting made what could potentially be his final descent from the rafters during the latest episode of AEW Dynamite.
Although Sting’s use of the entrance sparked discussions about its associated risks and potential insensitivity, Fightful Select reports that AEW and Tony Khan took proactive steps. They reached out to Martha Hart, Owen Hart’s widow, to discuss the spot and obtain her approval.
Martha ultimately gave her blessing for the entrance to proceed, leading to its inclusion in the show. In the end, Sting’s rafters stunt was a boost of nostalgia, and it was also approved by Owen Hart’s widow.
Sting utilizing the entrance led to some reference the dangers associated with the entrance and perceived insensitivities. However, we’re told that AEW and Tony Khan actually called Martha Hart in preparing for the spot to confer with her. Martha ended up giving her blessing, which is why the entrance happened.
That marked Sting’s first rafter drop since his entrance at TNA Slammiversary in 2007. Prior to that, his last one was in WCW back in 2000. Following the tragic passing of Owen Hart in May 1999, Sting had used this entrance sparingly.
Dr. Martha Hart and AEW have worked closely in the past. She agreed to let the company put out the first official Owen Hart merchandise in years. Now, they have a good relationship, and the company has run two Owen Hart Classic tournaments so far.
What’s Next For Sting in AEW.
Sting’s last match will go down at AEW Revolution this Sunday, live on pay-per-view. He will team with Darby Allin to take on The Young Bucks with the AEW World Tag Team Titles on the line.
SEScoops will have coverage of the event, just in case there are any big headlines. You never know what Tony Khan will book for the company’s next outing, which is likely to get a boost of interest because it is Sting’s last match.
AEW Revolution 2024 Card:
Sting and Darby Allin (c) (with Ric Flair) vs. The Young Bucks (Matthew Jackson and Nicholas Jackson) in a Tornado tag team match for the AEW World Tag Team Championship, marking Sting’s retirement match.
Orange Cassidy (c) faces Roderick Strong (with Matt Taven and Mike Bennett) in a Singles match for the AEW International Championship.
Samoa Joe (c) defends against “Hangman” Adam Page and Swerve Strickland (with Prince Nana) in a Three-way match for the AEW World Championship.
“Timeless” Toni Storm (c) (with Mariah May and Luther) takes on Deonna Purrazzo in a Singles match for the AEW Women’s World Championship.
Eddie Kingston (c) squares off against Bryan Danielson in a Singles match for the Continental Crown Championship, with the stipulation that if Danielson loses, he must shake Kingston’s hand.
Will Ospreay and Konosuke Takeshita collide in a Singles match.
Christian Cage (c) (with Killswitch, Mother Wayne, and “The Prodigy” Nick Wayne) defends the AEW TNT Championship against Daniel Garcia in a Singles match.
FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) battles Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley and Claudio Castagnoli) in a Tag team match.
Chris Jericho faces Wardlow, Powerhouse Hobbs, Lance Archer, Hook, Brian Cage, Magnus, and Dante Martin in an All-Star Scramble match, with the winner earning a future AEW World Championship match.
Pro wrestling legend Sting will step foot inside the squared circle for one last time at this Sunday’s AEW Revolution 2024 pay-per-view. He’s letting fans know he won’t fade away quietly into the night – he plans to go out with a bang.
Since Sting’s 2020 AEW debut, ‘The Icon’ has created several special moments for the fans but he has been involved in some spots that defy his age. It appeared that a neck injury would endanger his career in 2015 when he competed at Night of Champions against Seth Rollins. It was regarded as his final match before he joined AEW when it all changed. ‘The Icon’ overcame the hindrances and his illustrious career culminates on his own will. Sting will bring down the curtain on his decorated career with his final match at AEW Revolution 2024.
Ahead of his final match, Sting spoke to Sports Illustrated and urged the fans to capture his one last run inside the squared circle.
“I want people to walk away saying, ‘How was that even possible?’” said Sting. “I want people to be entertained. I want to elevate AEW.
“I never wanted wrestling to pass me by. That’s why I wrestled the way I did. This Sunday, I’m going to wrestle a way that will make people want to save the tape.”
Sting and Darby Allin recently captured the AEW World Tag Team titles after defeating Ricky Starks and Big Bill. This marks ‘The Icon’s first title run in the promotion and it seems that his title run is in jeopardy. The event will emanate from Greensboro Coliseum, the same venue where his 1988 Clash of the Champions bout against Ric Flair took place.
Sting is retiring on Sunday at AEW Revolution, and this is a time when fans can look back at his legendary career. Sadly, they do not have a match against The Undertaker to remember, because it never happened.
The Undertaker and Sting never had their Icon vs Dead Man match that fans wanted to see. Sting wanted to see that match happen too, and he said that he could have ended his career on that note.
Sting Laments About Lost Undertaker Match
Although The Undertaker and Sting were under the same roof, Vince McMahon never booked the match to happen in WWE. If it did take place, The Icon believes that would have been a fitting end to his career.
Sting spoke with Shakiel Mahjouri of CBS Sports, where he said that he thinks that his career could have ended against The Undertaker instead.
“I think if it was done right, it could have been a night, for sure, everyone would remember and never forget. They would be talking about it to this day. But it just was not going to happen. I thought, ‘Well, maybe if I get my foot in the door, we’ll see what happens.’ So I got my foot in the door. We did a WrestleMania with Triple H and then Vince [Vince McMahon] called and said, ‘Hey, I want you to have a world title match with Seth. Would you be willing to do that?’ ‘Yeah, I’d be willing to do that.’ Still, in hopes that somehow I could get in there with Taker.”
Sting went on to say, “I had so many ideas over the years, A lot of times, smoke and mirrors aren’t good things. But in our situation, I think with his gimmick and the mystiques of his character and mine, we couldn’t have enough smoke and mirrors. I think it definitely would have been a night that people remembered.”
The WWE Hall of Famer said that he would have loved a match with Undertaker, and if that happened then,“I wouldn’t have had to do anything else.”
The Stinger had an amazing career with multiple Hall of Fame entries to his name. Now, he is wrapping things up at AEW Revolution on March 3rd. SEScoops will be here with all of the coverage you need for the next AEW pay-per-view.
AEW Full Gear 2024 Card:
Sting and Darby Allin (c) (with Ric Flair) vs. The Young Bucks (Matthew Jackson and Nicholas Jackson) in a Tornado tag team match for the AEW World Tag Team Championship; This will be Sting’s retirement match.
Orange Cassidy (c) vs. Roderick Strong (with Matt Taven and Mike Bennett) in a Singles match for the AEW International Championship.
Samoa Joe (c) vs. “Hangman” Adam Page vs. Swerve Strickland (with Prince Nana) in a Three-way match for the AEW World Championship.
“Timeless” Toni Storm (c) (with Mariah May and Luther) vs. Deonna Purrazzo in a Singles match for the AEW Women’s World Championship.
Eddie Kingston (c) vs. Bryan Danielson in a Singles match for the Continental Crown Championship (AEW Continental Championship, ROH World Championship, and the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship); If Danielson loses, he has to shake Kingston’s hand.
Will Ospreay vs. Konosuke Takeshita in a Singles match.
Christian Cage (c) (with Killswitch, Mother Wayne, and “The Prodigy” Nick Wayne) vs. Daniel Garcia in a Singles match for the AEW TNT Championship.
FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) vs. Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley and Claudio Castagnoli) in a Tag team match.
Chris Jericho vs. Wardlow vs. Powerhouse Hobbs vs. Lance Archer vs. Hook vs. Brian Cage vs. Dante Martin vs. TBA in an All-Star Scramble match; The winner will receive a future AEW World Championship match.
The legendary career of Sting will end this week, but the Icon is going out in style as seen with his appearance on this week’s Dynamite.
The February 28, edition of AEW Dynamite served as the go-home show before Revolution 2024. The event saw AEW World Champion Samoa Joe, Hangman Page, and Swerve Strickland collide ahead of their title match this Sunday.
Sting’s Epic Entrance
During AEW Dynamite, Matthew and Nicholas Jackson were on the hunt for Sting but couldn’t find the WWE Hall of Famer anywhere. During the show, they were blindsided by Darby Allin but were able to overcome the AEW World Tag Team Champion thanks to their numbers advantage.
Even when Ric Flair showed up to help Allin, he was outmatched by the AEW EVPs. That is when Sting’s music hit and the Jackson brothers made their way to the ramp, ready to attack the Icon.
The pair hadn’t counted on Sting descending from the rafters in WCW fashion, earning a huge pop from the fans in attendance. With his signature black baseball bat, Sting sent his challengers packing in an epic moment from Dynamite.
This is a version of Sting that the EVPs were not ready for!
Sting will compete in his final match this weekend at AEW Revolution 2024. He and Allin will defend the AEW World Tag Team Championships against the Young Bucks. The show will take place at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. Darby Allin has a special entrance planned for Sting at the show.
Tonight’s episode of AEW Dynamite built as ‘Sting’s Final Dynamite’ was an emotional show for many fans and the company did not disappoint when it came to helping people relive the nostalgia one more time before The Icon’s final match this Sunday.
Throughout the show, The Young Bucks were looking for the wrestling veteran but they failed to find him backstage. They finally came down to the ring after the main event match between Chris Jericho and Atlantis Jr.
The EVPs were confronted by a bunch of fans in Sting masks, one of whom turned out to be Darby Allin. Though having the number’s advantage, they took out the former TNT champion. The duo also took out Flair when he turned on them.
This is when Sting’s music finally hit and the Bucks went to the ramp to confront the wrestling legend. Sting however, came from the rafters one final time and used his bat to take down their Revolution opponents. The show ended with Allin nailing Matthew Jackson with a Coffin Drop as Sting delivered a Scorpion Death Drop to Nicholas.
What Happened After Dynamite
The heels retreated to the back after the broadcast ended. Although Sting and Darby Allin remained in the ring and the former WCW Champion addressed the crowd after Dynamite went off air.
In his address, Sting thanked the fans for their support throughout the years. He also put over both Darby Allin and Ric Flair for helping him in his final run.
The Young Bucks will be challenging Sting and Darby for the AEW World Tag Team Championships in a Tornado tag team match at this Sunday’s Revolution PPV.
You can tune in to SEScoops for all the updates during the show.
‘The Icon’ Sting will be going out in style this weekend at AEW Revolution, with a special entrance planned for his last match.
In October 2023, Sting announced that he would retire in 2024 at the Revolution pay-per-view. It was at Revolution 2021 that the Stinger made his wrestling debut for AEW, after arriving in the company the previous December.
Special Entrance For Sting
For his final match, Sting and Darby Allin will put their AEW World Tag Team Championships on the line against Matthew and Nicholas Jackson. Sting was initially against the idea of winning the titles (or even challenging for them) but was talked into the idea.
AEW is expected to go all-out (pardon the pun!) for Sting’s final match and give the wrestling legend a proper send off. Speaking to Fanatics View, Darby Allin spoke about plans for his tag-team partner.
“I got a special thing planned for Sting’s final entrance that I’ve been working on. So, we’ll see how everything plays out in Greensboro.”
AEW Revolution 2024
AEW Revolution will take place on Sunday, March 3, from the Greensboro Coliseum from Greensboro, NC. Here is how the card currently stands.
Sting and Darby Allin (c) (with Ric Flair) vs. The Young Bucks (Matthew Jackson and Nicholas Jackson) (AEW World Tag Team Championship)
Orange Cassidy (c) vs. Roderick Strong (with Matt Taven and Mike Bennett) (AEW International Championship)
“Timeless” Toni Storm (c) (with Mariah May and Luther) vs. Deonna Purrazzo (AEW Women’s World Championship)
Eddie Kingston (c) vs. Bryan Danielson (Continental Crown Championship, If Bryan loses, he must shake Kingston’s hand)
Will Ospreay vs. Konosuke Takeshita
Christian Cage (c) (with Killswitch, Mother Wayne, and “The Prodigy” Nick Wayne) vs. Daniel Garcia (AEW TNT Championship)
Wardlow vs. Powerhouse Hobbs vs. Lance Archer (Meat Madness)
FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) vs. Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley and Claudio Castagnoli)
Samoa Joe (c) vs. “Hangman” Adam Page vs. Swerve Strickland (with Prince Nana) (AEW World Championship)
Pro wrestling legend Sting is retiring soon and another veteran Paul Wight (formerly Big Show in WWE) has shared some lessons he has learned from ‘The Icon.’
Sting joined AEW back in 2020 and ‘The Icon’ has since created some memorable moments with his age-defying spots and moves as he faced several high-profile talents. The final run of his career has been a fairytale for him. In 2015 it seemed that a neck injury would threaten his career, Sting has overcome the odds and he’s ending his storied career on his own terms.
Sting brings more than four decades of experience to the table and has shared his wisdom with several young superstars over the years. It was back in 1994 when Paul Wigh met Sting and they became not only on-screen rivals but also great friends. In the May of 1996, Wight headlined WCW’s Slamboree pay-per-view against Sting which remains to be the former’s landmark match.
Wight recently spoke with Sports Illustrated and recalled some priceless lessons he has learned from Sting. Back in 1995, the infamous brawl between “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff and Vader broke out. While Wight was eager to get a closer view, Sting had another opinion on the matter.
“As I was getting up, Sting said to me, ‘Nothing good will come from that,’” said Wight. “I said, ‘What? I want to see what’s happening.’ And he said, ‘That’s their business.’ So we stayed there and finished the game.”
In the process, Paul Wight learned a valuable lesson.
“I learned something a lot deeper than that, too. I still remember how I wanted to jump right into the chaos. But he was right–it was between Orndorff and Vader. I didn’t have any business getting involved in it.”
Paul Wight couldn’t have asked for better influence than Sting
During the interview, Paul Wight said that Sting had a huge influence on him in shaping his career. He recalled another lesson he’d learned about the business. He said:
“Somebody has to cook and somebody has to eat, and Sting taught me that core philosophy. I learned that my first job in a match is to get my opponent over, then get the match over. That’s Point A and Point B. If you do that right, you’ll automatically get yourself over. That’s not, ‘You do your stuff, I’ll do my stuff.’
It’s bigger than you. Some guys only take care of themselves, and good for them. But the guys I respect most are the ones who make people better in the ring. That’s someone like Ric Flair, he has to be mentioned. So does Sting. I couldn’t have asked for a better influence early in my career.”
Sting and Darby Allin recently defeated Ricky Starks and Big Bill to capture the AEW World Tag Team Championship. This marks ‘The Icon’s first title run in the promotion and it seems that his title run is in jeopardy with The Young Bucks setting their sights on the gold.