Darby Allin is grateful for his three years with Sting and got the opportunity to express as much in the written word.
One of the pillars of AEW was given a platform to speak his mind on “The Player’s Tribune” and starts it off by when he first got paired with “The Man They Call Sting” and how it didn’t click with him at first.
“When I got paired with Sting, I didn’t know what to expect. It’s funny — for weeks they had me up in the rafters, and I wasn’t sure why. You’d think I would’ve put two and two together, but I didn’t. I was just like, ‘Sit in the rafters? OK cool.’ But then at some point someone said, ‘Yo….. you know why we’re doing this, right? Sting’s coming.’ And I just remember thinking how crazy that sounded. Like, I couldn’t process it. STING? And in his first show back…. he’s going to have a staredown with ME? Haha what the f***.”
Allin notes that it was Cody Rhodes who implored Darby to be introduced to Sting before they had a moment in the ring together. He recalled when “The American Nightmare” took him to meet the WWE Hall of Famer.
“He was like, ‘Alright. Sting’s here. I want you to meet him before you go out there.’ Then he walked me over to Sting’s trailer. It happened so fast, I barely had time to remember how nervous I was. But there was nothing to be nervous about. We started talking through the segment, and it was actually wild: there was no ego from him, no big-timing, no This is how it’s gonna happen, kid. None of that. If anything, it was the other way around. He was asking me how it’s gonna happen, and if I was OK with this, this and this, and if everything was cool.
“We’re talking about a guy who’s headlined some of the biggest shows ever, made shitloads of money, been on top longer than I’ve been alive. He’s showing up for this massive return. And his main concern is that I’m feeling comfortable. A 27-year-old nobody who he’s probably thinking jacked half his look. I was just like, WHAT IS HAPPENING. THIS IS INSANE. HOW IS STING SO NICE.”
Sting is not only genuinely a nice person, but he’s been notoriously nice for AEW as a major star. Sting, along with Darby, are set to square off against The Young Bucks in what is more than likely the main event of AEW Revolution on March 3 in Greensboro, NC.
Sting has certainly given his all since signing with AEW. Few fans thought that he would get involved in AEW matches like he has, and now The Icon is set to have his final match at Revolution on March 3rd, and he wanted to go out with all guns blazing at this point.
Sting Insisted On Danger
Darby Allin and Sting took on the Don Callis Family during AEW’s Homecoming episode in Daily’s Place. That match ended with The Stinger going through a table, but that wasn’t supposed to be his spot.
Sean Ross Sapp reported on Fightful Select that Darby Allin was supposed to take the big bump in Daily’s Place that ended their tornado tag team match, but that wasn’t how things turned out. It seems that Sting insisted on taking that bump instead.
In asking around about the road to Sting’s retirement match, there were some backstage that had pushed for Darby Allin to take the bump at the end of the Daily’s Place tag team match instead of Sting, but Sting was insistent. Obviously he’s been fine in the follow up.
Sting Was Advised Against This
Darby Allin previously spoke about that dangerous spot at Daily’s Place. He told Sting not to take the bump, but that didn’t convince The Icon from doing it anyway.
What’s Next For Sting
Sting and Darby Allin are set to take on The Young Bucks at AEW Revolution on March 3rd. That will be a historic event at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina, and it will also mark the company’s first pay-per-view in the city. It will also be the end of Sting’s in-ring career, so odds are the whole pro wrestling world will be watching.
SEScoops will have continued coverage of Sting’s final days as an active wrestler for AEW.
Sting means a lot to pro wrestling fans, and they are all ready for the road for his big retirement match at AEW Revolution. Sadly, his father passed away this week, which took priority over his commitments to Tony Khan’s company this week.
Sting’s Plans Changed
During this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite, Sting and Darby Allin appeared via video to address The Young Bucks’ attack on Sting’s sons in a previous episode. The WWE Hall of Famer was not actually in the building this week, but there was a very good reason for his absence due to his father’s passing.
Ric Flair was spotted backstage with The Young Bucks, suggesting a potential betrayal of Sting at AEW Revolution. In the end, Sting was not on the show, but that was not the original plan.
During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer discussed AEW’s intentions for Sting on Dynamite. There was a plan for The Icon to be on the show, but they had to change those plans when his father passed away.
“Originally, Sting and Darby were going to be on the show doing something, whatever they were gonna do. That needed to be taken off, because they had shot all that at Sting’s house in the Dallas area, I think.”
Ric Flair shares his… disappointment in Sting's final match at #AEWRevolution?
It was also noted that Christian Cage and Daniel Garcia’s segment right after that may have needed an alteration, but it carried on anyway. Christian went into one of his “dead dad” promos on Garcia, and he even dropped an address in the process that is a legit cemetery. Meltzer noted that this segment may have been in poor taste, considering the fact that they had just announced that Sting’s father passed away this week.
Many fans also chimed in on Twitter/X to share the sentiment that the Christian Cage segment could have been saved until next week.
Sting has been a part of the AEW family for over three years and currently plays a significant role in one of AEW’s major storylines. His recent appearance on Dynamite, however, didn’t go as planned. They were able to figure out how to progress his storyline despite his absence.
AEW Revolution will still see Darby Allin and Sting team up against The Young Bucks in Sting’s final match. We will have to see how the company continues to build toward that match.
Our thoughts go out to Sting’s family during this time as they go through this terrible loss.
Welcome to a new feature for SEScoops, the Daily Drop – a rundown of the top stories in pro wrestling all in one place.
Our mission is to provide our readers with the most important and interesting news from WWE, AEW and more that’s timely, informative and engaging. The Daily Drop is a destination where you can catch up and the wrestling news you need.
WrestleMania 40 COUNTDOWN: 51 days days away
Here’s the Daily Drop news report for Wednesday, February 15, 2024:
WWE News
– The Rock and Roman Reigns are advertised for tomorrow’s WWE SmackDown from Salt Lake City, Utah. (Tickets)
– WWE released Matt Camp from his contract sometime last week. This news broke on February 14th, and it was also a big shock for many. Camp never missed an episode of The Bump, and his departure was not mentioned on this week’s show, either.’ We’ve updated our WWE Releases tracker to reflect this departure.
– Jade Cargill was removed from her planned spot in the Elimination Chamber match. Cargill made her in-ring debut at the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble and was slated to be part of the upcoming Chamber match from Australia, based on a graphic that leaked on WWE.com showing the participants. This would have been another chance to feature Cargill in a multi-person match that would have protected her, but it seems those plans have been scrapped.
– Shotzi Blackheart was legit injured during the NXT television taping this week. She seriously hurt her knee, and reports later confirmed that she left the NXT Arena on crutches. We’re still awaiting word on her condition.
“Dive into the world of WWE, where fans walk in the footsteps of legends, immersing in sights, sounds, and epic stories of global stars. Every guest will enjoy a front-row seat, unparalleled access to exciting opportunities, and moments exclusive to WWE.”
AEW News
– During AEW Dynamite this week, they finally announced Sting’s final match. The Icon will team with Darby Allin to take on The Young Bucks in an AEW World Tag Team Title match at AEW Revolution on March 9th.
– Jeff Hardy was possibly injured during the AEW Rampage taping this week. Sammy Guevara went for a shooting star press, and it appeared that his knee struck Hardy in the head. The match was then called off. We do not have any more updates at this time.
this is NOT the first time Sammy Guevara has injured Jeff Hardy with his amateur hour bullshit
– QT Marshall is returning to AEW. He will not be wrestling, but he will work with the company in a backstage capacity. Marshall left the company at the end of 2023, but came to terms on a revised role.
Marshall’s ‘new’ promotion Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling is expected to continue. TCW held its return event last week at the Nightmare Factory training facility, where they crowned inaugural champions.
– Rob Van Dam returns next week in an all-star 6-man tag match on AEW Dynamite. The ECW legend will team with Hook and Hangman Page against Samoa Joe, Swerve Strickland and Brian Cage.
What’s Next
– WWE Elimination Chamber takes place next weekend, Saturday, February 24 from Perth, Australia. This will be the final stop on the road to WrestleMania 40.
– The following weekend, All Elite Wrestling presents AEW Revolution 2024 live on pay-per-view from the historic Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. The event will feature Sting’s retirement match and Samoa Joe defending the AEW World championship against Hangman Page and Swerve Strickland.
Check back tomorrow for the next installment of the Daily Drop wrestling news report and make sure to Follow SEScoops on Google News, Facebook and Twitter.
AEW is preparing for Sting’s final match, marking the end of his iconic career. The Stinger has done a lot in his career, and now we know who he will wrestle at the big AEW pay-per-view.
Sunday, March 3#AEWRevolution LIVE on PPV! Greensboro, NC#AEW World Tag Team Titles Sting & Darby Allin (c) vs Matthew & Nicholas Jackson @youngbucks
Sting & Darby Allin will defend the AEW World tag team titles against The Young Bucks at AEW Revolution on March 3, 2024, at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina.
This event will mark AEW’s inaugural Pay-Per-View in North Carolina. It was revealed a while ago that Sting will wrestle for the last time at the event.
Sting and Darby Allin won the AEW Tag Team Titles from Big Bill and Ricky Starks, giving them their first title run in AEW. They will now defend those titles at AEW Revolution, and they have a big match planned.
Nick and Matt Jackson turned heel in a big way, making themselves known to Sting and Darby Allin. This week on AEW Dynamite, they made their upcoming match official.
The Young Bucks confirmed during AEW Dynamite that they will wrestle Sting and Darby Allin at AEW Revolution. That match will be for the AEW Tag Team Titles. The Jackson Brothers seemed very confident about their chances.
What’s Next
Sting impressed many people with performances in AEW. Few saw a flying Stinger in his later years, but he certainly gave his all for Tony Khan’s company. Now, he is set for this one final match, and odds are he will make it an iconic performance.
SE Scoops will have continued coverage of this story, and everything else involving AEW Revolution, as more information is made available.
Last week saw a notable title change in the main event of AEW Dynamite, with Darby Allin and Sting defeating Ricky Starks and Big Bill to claim the AEW Tag Team Championships.
This win is particularly relevant given that Sting is set to wrestle in his retirement match alongside Allin at AEW Revolution on March 3, meaning that “The Icon” may now be heading into his final match as a champion.
Before the duo gear up for Revolution, Allin took a moment to soak in the glory of becoming one-half of the new AEW Tag Team Champions.
“It’s been an amazing week,” Allin told Denise Salcedo. “I’m a little banged up after Wednesday, but when am I ever not banged up? The big thing about it though to me is having Sting’s career end this way. It’s so insane because I remember my first year in professional wrestling, I saw him essentially have to retire back in 2015 with the neck injury.”
Pro wrestling is full of thrill-seekers who enjoy pushing their bodies to the limits, but Darby Allin is in a class of his own. He is planning to climb Mount Everest in Apriland regularly risks life and limb outside the ring, let alone what he does on television for All Elite Wrestling.
Sting Is The Crazy One
Sting is set to end his decades-long career next month at AEW Revolution. He and Darby Allin will put their titles on the line against AEW Executive Vice Presidents Nicolas and Matthew Jackson, professionally known as The Young Bucks.
Nobody could have expected his 3-year run with AEW would produce so many memorable moments. He’s ending his career on his own terms, with Darby Allin at his side. Sting’s final run in AEW will be remembered for his insane dives.
Can Sting and Darby Allin win gold before Sting retires?
Allin makes it clear that he’s not pushing Sting into any of his crazy stunts. He says the 64-year-old icon hasn’t needed any help with his high-risk offense.
“Then fast forward now and convincing him to get back in the ring, it’s pretty cool to see how far we’ve came,” Allin says of the partnership with Sting. “The fact that he’s so crazy.. he could have just rode off into the sunset, played it safe, but no.
Trust me when I say this, I don’t tell him to jump off those balconies. That’s all him. It’s awesome to see how much he’s willing to push it because he’s got nothing to prove.”
Sting and Allin’s victory last week marked Sting’s first title reign of any sort since 2011, when he captured the TNA World Heavyweight Championship for a fourth time.
For Allin, this marks the beginning of his first tag team reign in AEW, as he’s previously held the TNT Championship on two occasions.
Sting is a champion in wrestling mere weeks away from the end of his career, but he would have been happy ending his career without this title win.
The Icon and Darby All won the titles on this week’s Dynamite, ending the reign of Big Bill & Ricky Starks. The former champions had held the titles since the October 7, 2023, edition of AEW Collision, where they dethroned the record-holding two-time champions FTR.
Sting Against World Tag Title Win
Sting was adamantly against winning the AEW World Tag Team Championships for a long time, Fightful Select reports. The WWE/TNA Hall of Famer was also against the idea of competing for them. Some people in AEW argued that from their point of view, Sting and Allin’s undefeated record as a team meant they had to get a title shot. Tony Khan recently announced they were introducing its ranking system. This system aims to provide a sense of legitimacy to the company’s matches by ensuring those who win the most receive championship opportunities.
The decision for Sting and Allin to win the AEW World Tag Team Championships “was made well in advance” and Sting went along with it. Sources said that the Icon was “all smiles” after the match backstage. This victory marks Sting’s first championship victory since 2011.
What’s Next?
After their victory, Sting and Darby Allin were attacked by the Young Bucks, and the two teams are expected to face off at next month’s Revolution pay-per-view. Fightful adds that The planned Revolution location was changed from the midwest to Greensboro to fit Sting’s send-off.
Why did the Young Bucks attack Sting and Darby Allin on this week’s Dynamite…
The Young Bucks recently explained their actions on this week’s AEW Dynamite as they brutally attacked Sting and Darby Allin.
On last night’s edition of AEW Dynamite, Sting and Darby Allin 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.
The show also received an overrun for the match, which saw thrilling spots, including Sting and Allin hitting Big Bill with multiple Stinger Splashes in the corner. Allin also hit a Coffin Drop on Big Bill to the outside.
In the final moments, Sting executed a Scorpion Death Drop on Starks and captured the tag-team titles.
However, their celebration didn’t last long as the Young Bucks (Matthew and Nicholas Jackson) brutally attacked the new champions.
Young Bucks explain their actions
In a digital exclusive, The Young Bucks commented on their decision to attack the new champs. Apparently, Matthew felt guilty. However, Nicholas noted that they did what they had to do.
Matthew Jackson: What a bummer, man, that Sting and Darby forced our hand and made us do that. That was terrible, I feel awful. Sting’s a freaking legend, and Darby’s a sweet dude.
Nicholas Jackson: He’s an icon. But you know what, as EVPs, we have to do the tough things. We have to make the tough decisions. It’s just business, and we had to do it. There’s no one else in this company that would do what we just did.
“MJ: We gotta protect what’s ours, guys. I hope you understand.
NJ: This is our baby.
MJ: Sting, I hope you feel better.
NJ: This isn’t Sting’s baby.
MJ: Darby, I hope you feel better.
NJ: He’s just happy making a payday. We had to deal with business, and business was that. We had to take care of business.
MJ: We messed up our suits, too. What the hell, guys?
NJ: How the hell are we gonna get this blood out of our $5,000 suits?
MJ: Just really disappointed in you, guys. I called you a role model employee, Sting. Maybe I was wrong. This is what it took to get your guys’ attention? I just wanted a conversation. I just wanted to talk like men. Look at us, we’re covered in your freaking DNA now.
Sting will wrestle his final match at AEW Revolution on March 3rd. Fans are gearing up for that big night in pro wrestling history, and it appears that Sting and Darby Allin will enter into that match as champions.
Sting & Darby Allin Win AEW Tag Team Gold
Big Bill and Ricky Starks put their AEW World Tag Team Titles on the line against Sting and Darby Allin during the February 7th episode of Dynamite. This match was the main event of the night.
AEW also received an overrun for the match, pitting the two teams against each other in a competitive tag team match. The crowd was also very excited to see the AEW World Tag Team Titles defended in such a high-stakes situation.
The match was full of good spots, including Sting and Allin nailing Big Bill with multiple Stinger Splashes in the corner. This was before Allin nailed a Coffin Drop on Big Bill to the outside.
Later on, Sting kicked out of a spear from Ricky Starks after he hit the exposed turnbuckle. Starks also hesitated a bit before landing that move. Eventually, Sting nailed a Scorpion Death Drop on Starks and won the titles.
They didn’t get to celebrate long, because the Young Bucks jumped them to end Dynamite with a beat down this week.
Sting’s Memorable Moment
Sting has won a lot of titles before in his career, but this marks his first title run in AEW. It is fitting that Sting and Darby Allin will have that run together, because the entirety of Sting’s time in AEW has been alongside the former TNT Champion.
SE Scoops will have more updates on Sting’s final weeks as an active pro wrestler. This was definitely a big night for his career.
We’re closing in on Sting’s final match and his opponent(s) are still technically up in the air. On the Homecoming episode of Dynamite, the Young Bucks returned and seemingly challenged Sting and Darby Allin for AEW Revolution. The match has yet to made official.
In the meantime, Allin and Sting have some important business to take care of. On Dynamite, Allin told a story of how he flew to Texas when Sting signed with AEW. He wrestled Sting in his own ring that he has in his garage. Within minutes, he told the veteran he still had it. After winning 27 matches together, Allin confirms that “The Icon” still has it.
Allin pointed out that the rankings are back and thus they are the number one contenders for the tag team titles. Allin asked Sting if he wanted to end his career as tag team champions. Sting replied that he was “all in!” (as an AEW ALL IN graphic was on the screen behind him).
Later in the night, Ricky Starks and Big Bill accepted their challenge. Starks pointed out that it was fitting that he would be facing them since Sting’s first match back was against himself and another partner (Brian Cage). “It’s very fitting that now, me and the best partner I have will be the end of you. You are not making it to Revolution, my man.”
After hearing what Sting & Darby Allin had to say. The #AEW World Tag Team Champions Ricky Starks & Big Bill have their reply.
It wasn’t lost on Konosuke Takeshita that he recently competed in the ring against Sting and The Icon gave quite the hat tip to the young star.
With Sting’s retirement match impending at AEW Revolution, Takeshita took to social media to make note of his recent battles against Sting. Takeshita and Stinger competed in a multi-man tag match at the latest PPV and on the January 10 episode of Dynamite, the two fought once more in tag action. Konosuke noted how he admired Sting’s early work against a name star against someone like Great Muta.
“To be honest, it was very special to be able to fight against Sting. Sting vs Great Muta VHS had a huge impact on me as a kid. Thanks.”
Sting reciprocated Takeshita’s comments with even higher praise, saying that Konosuke has all the abilites to be the next Great Muta.
“Another Great Muta in the making. He has all the tools, for sure.”
Sting’s team came out victorious at AEW World’s End and also won his tornado tag this Wednesday on AEW Dynamite against Takeshita and Powerhouse Hobbs.
Sting’s road to Revolution should have its fair share of drama as it was indicated his final opponents appear to be Nick Jackson and Matt Jackson as The Young Bucks returned to the company. The brothers had heelish new looks and it’s likely Sting will team up with his “pillar” protege in Darby Allin.
However, Allin reportedly was messed up real bad in the match up after his neck bumped harshly off the ring ropes following a big toss by Hobbs and Takeshita.
AEW veteran commentator Jim Ross recently expressed his desire to call ‘The Icon’ Sting’s final match at AEW Revolution in March.
Good Ol’ JR has been a familiar voice in the world of pro wrestling and has lent his voice to several iconic matches over the years. He wants to be a part of the history when Sting graces the squared circle one final time.
During the main event of AEW Dynamite ‘Homecoming’, Jim Ross made his return to the commentary booth and joined the regular team of Tony Schiavone and Excalibur. They called the match which featured the team of Sting and Darby Allin taking on Konosuke Takeshita and Powerhouse Hobbs.
Jim Ross wants to be part of the history
Speaking on Grilling J.R podcast, the veteran commentator shared his thoughts on the match which he called on Dynamite. Ross went on to state that he’d like to be a part of the commentary team call with Tony Schiavone for Sting’s final match at AEW Revolution. He revealed that he mentioned it to AEW President Tony Khan to which Khan agreed that it makes sense for that to happen. Here is what he said:
“Me too, me too (I’m hoping to be on the call with Tony Schiavone for Sting’s final match). I mentioned that to Tony Khan last night. He agreed. It’s only right, it makes sense. I said, you know, ‘God dang, mother nature’s gonna tag in somewhere along the way with two old timers like Schiavone and I.’ We’re both feeling good. I’m feeling better today than I’ve felt in a long time. I still got the wound on my ankle. I’m seeing my doctor on Friday to go over an M.R.I., just to double check I didn’t have any bone disease on my tibia. So, I have a doctor’s appointment on Friday morning to go over all that deal and so, I just had a great night. It was one of those really feel good nights.”
Sting in AEW
Sting decided to join AEW back in 2020 and ‘The Icon’ has since participated at several high-profile events. The final run of his career has been nothing short of a fairytale for him.
Sting has had a “major say” in his final match, Fightful Select reports. Sting has said in the past that he didn’t want to wrestle a singles match and would prefer to work a tag-team match. As of a few weeks ago, the plan was for Sting and Allin to face the Bucks and the Icon was “on board” with the idea.
Tony Khan & Sting
Tony Khan sees Sting’s retirement as very important and wants to make sure it’s done correctly and is a fitting send-off for the legendary wrestler. Whatever Sting wants for his last match and the build to it, AEW has been willing to do.
Whatever Sting wants to do, it likely won’t involve Ric Flair stepping back in the ring. While Flair got physical on this week’s Dynamite, he hasn’t been considered for any actual matches. Flair has been pushing to do more physical things, including the chops and poke to the eye we saw on Dynamite.
Posted January 11th, 2024 in AEW, News. Tagged: Sting.
Wednesday was a big night for AEW. They celebrated five years as a company at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida. Daily’s Place was AEW’s home during the pandemic era of wrestling.
Dynamite was filled with AEW Originals. The show kicked off with a former member of The Elite, Hangman Adam Page. What’s a homecoming show without an actual homecoming?
In the main event, Sting and Darby Allin defeated Powerhouse Hobbs and Konosuke Takeshita. Following their win, Tony Schiavone asked Sting who his final match would be against. Before he could answer, the familiar sound of the Young Bucks music hit.
Sporting mustaches and long jackets, the Bucks made stood on the stage and stared down “The Icon” and Allin. Allin seemed to welcome the challenge, motioning them to come down to the ring.
Are the Young Bucks calling their shot against Sting and Darby Allin?
Since Full Gear, Brandon Cutler has been posting on social media on behalf of the Jacksons. Immediately following Dynamite, he posted that the return of the Young Bucks has increased backstage morale tremendously.
Sting’s Final Match
Nothing has been signed as of press time, but the events that transpired on Dynamite indicate that Sting’s final match will be a tag contest, teaming with Darby Allin against The Young Bucks.
Whoever is standing across the ring from him that evening, it’s going to be a memorial occasion. AEW Revolution will takes place from the historic Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina on Saturday, March 3, 2024.
Brodie Lee Honored
The AEW Dynamite Homecoming was also a celebration of the late, great Mr. Brodie Lee. Lee’s time in AEW was brief, but made a lasting impression. Many fans associate the venue with Lee. All of his AEW matches took place there, save for the tapings at the Nightmare Factory early on during the pandemic.
To honor Lee’s memory, his two handpicked wrestlers, Preston Vance (“10”) and Anna Jay (“99”) each competed in an 8-person match. They picked up the wins for their respective teams.
Vance wore the ring jacket that Lee gifted him along with an armband with his mentor’s name. Jay wore a Lee shirt. Adam Copeland was part of the team that faced Vance’s. He donned a Jon Huber Toronto Maple Leafs themed shirt and hat.
Eric Bischoff knows Sting deserves a million dollar type send-off and in a universe where the stars aligned, he thinks The Icon would have the ultimate final match dance partner in Ric Flair.
Speaking on the latest episode of 83 Weeks, the former WCW President was joined by special guest co-host Matt Mitchell for an “Ask Eric Anything” episode and was asked about how would he handle Sting’s retirement match. Would he have him do a singles bout or team up in tag action to lighten the load? Bischoff gives a sound reason as to why he wouldn’t have him to a tag match.
“It’s faster paced, usually less emotion as a result of the pace and the fact that your attention is spread out.”
Bischoff then makes the case as to why he’d love to see Flair do his ‘Nature Boy strut’ across the ring from his longtime rival.
“In an ideal world (and it’s not an ideal world, trust me, I know that), but in an ideal world I would love for it to be Ric Flair. And I know I’m gonna get blistered, ‘Ah, Ric, he’s too old, blah, blah, blah.’ Bull****. Now Ric may not be interested in going out there and physically being in that position because again, he was almost dead a couple years ago so and 74 freaking years old so it’s kind of understandable that he’s not going to want to go out there and bounce around, but if he could, if he could go out there it would be the coolest thing in the world to see Ric Flair and Sting.”
Bischoff understands that Flair vs. Sting in 2024 isn’t really possible, but hopes Sting gets a proper sendoff and delivers one more classic match.
“Whoever it is, I would want it to be meaningful from a storyline point of view, and I would want that person to want nothing more in his life than to make Sting look like a million bucks because he deserves that.”
Sting’s final battle will take place at the very PPV he made his AEW debut at three years ago, AEW Revolution.
Sting’s arrival in AEW was a shock for many pro wrestling fans. His WWE contract quietly expired, and a new deal was not signed. The Stinger believed that he could do a lot more in the ring, and he certainly proved that by impressing fans, going above and beyond, time and time again in AEW.
Goldberg was likely watching Sting’s final run in the pro wrestling business. Although Goldberg never ventured to AEW, he still wanted to be a part of Sting’s last match.
While appearing on Steve & Captain Evil, Goldberg stated that he wanted to be a part of Sting’s retirement match. He then went on to discuss what kind of person Sting is, and how he owes his pro wrestling career to The Icon.
“Sting is the reason why I broke into the business. Sting set a great example. He’s about to retire. I tried to be part of his retirement match. I would not have chosen to get into the world of professional wrestling if it wasn’t for Sting. He was a normal dude who went out and did abnormal things. Wrestling is like being in the circus, it truly is. I never looked at it with much respect, but after I watched him from afar, I realized that I had the ability to go do it. He was not only a performer. He had self-respect and he commanded respect. He’s one of the best human beings on the planet, and he set an example for me and I just tried to grab it and run with it and make him proud. I had the best time of my life in the ring with Sting.”
Goldberg & Sting’s History
Goldberg and Sting go way back to even before their wrestling days in WCW. They trained together at Goldberg’s gym, where Sting and Lex Luger worked out. Sting played a key role in getting Goldberg into wrestling, which opened many doors for him.
Goldberg may want to pay tribute to Sting by being included in his final match, but it doesn’t appear that is in the cards right now. Tony Khan has been known to surprise fans with appearances in the past, so you never know if that next big announcement could be about Goldberg.
AEW Revolution 2024 Date & Location
Sting plans to retire at AEW Revolution on March 3rd, 2024, at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina, a familiar place for him. Sting has made history in that building before, and he will do it one more time in 2024.
All Elite Wrestling fans are looking forward to witnessing Sting’s last match of his legendary career. On November 29, it was announced that Sting’s retirement match would occur at AEW Revolution on March 3, 2024, at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex in Greensboro, NC. Although tickets went on sale to the general public on December 15, the event is doing very well.
WrestleTix reported on December 17 that AEW Revolution has sold over 11,807 tickets and that the venue is set up for an attendance of 12,717. It’s reported that a little over 900 tickets are left, and on Ticketmaster, the lowest ticket price is currently $35.
AEW Revolution Sun • Mar 03, 2024 • 7:00 PM Greensboro Coliseum Complex, Greensboro, NC
Available Tickets => 910 Current Setup => 12,717 Tickets Distributed => 11,807
+365 since yesterday's update. Continued movement for Sting's final match. Take note of the section that… pic.twitter.com/c9s21xDPCF
Although WrestleTix may have an estimated setup for the event, it is possible to open more seating. The Greensboro Coliseum Complex can hold over an attendance of 22,000.
The report shares that AEW has blocked off behind and the side of where the entrance will be set up. If more tickets are sold for the event, AEW could decide to make changes to accommodate more seating. It’s important to note that AEW hasn’t announced any matches for the show, except that Sting will have his final match. Despite not having an opponent yet, fans are very interested in being in attendance to see Sting compete in the legendary venue.
The Importance Of Sting Finishing His Last Match At The Greensboro Coliseum
“The Icon” ending his career in the Greensboro Coliseum is fitting, as it was where he had his legendary match against Ric Flair. Sting faced “Nature Boy” to a time-limit draw at the NWA Clash Of The Champions on March 27, 1988. Although he lost, it was one of the highlight matches of Sting’s career.
Over 35 years later, Sting may have Flair in his corner to face an unknown opponent. AEW hasn’t shared who “The Icon” will challenge but is making a point to share that Sting has not been beaten since joining the company.
Regardless of the opponent, AEW fans are showing their support for Sting and are looking forward to seeing him put the face paint on for the last time.
The legendary career of the Great Muta has officially come to an end with the character’s final match this past weekend.
Muta is the most famed and successful character of Keiji Muto, who debuted the character in the NWA in March 1989 as the kayfabe son of the Great Kabuki.
The Great Muta would find success in New Japan Pro Wrestling and WCW and would become IWGP Heavyweight Champion in August 1992.
Final Match
For the past few months, Keiji Muto has been undergoing a retirement tour, with his 38-year career set to end next month.
Last night, Muto competed as The Great Muta for the final time at the appropriately named Great Muta Final Bye-Bye event in Yokohama Arena.
The legendary wrestler teamed with long-time rival Sting and fellow AEW star Darby Allin to defeat Hakushi, AKIRA, and Naomichi Marufuji.
The match ended with Muta hitting a Shining Wizard knee on Hakushi for the pinfall win, after Sting and Allin had hit their own finishers.
With Muta now a thing of the past, Keiji Muto’s final match will be against Tetsuya Naito on February 21.
Sting has spent decades building a legacy as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, and now the Icon’s daughter is ready to follow in his footsteps.
D Magazine reports that Sting’s daughter Katelyn is taking her first steps into becoming a pro wrestler herself.
In addition to her training, Katelyn works for All Elite Wrestling as part of the promotion’s social media team.
Katelyn Borden
Katelyn still has plenty to learn in the world of professional wrestling, but the second-generation star has already reached championship glory.
Borden is currently the Rhodes Wrestling Academy Women’s Champion and is in her first reign.
Going by the name ‘Jael’ Katelyn captured the title last July, dethroning inaugural champion Shawna Reed.
The End of Sting
While Katelyn’s career is on the rise, her father’s career, by his own admission is coming to an end.
Speaking to D Magazine, Sting said that he has broached the topic of his final match, which he believes will be for AEW.
The former WCW World Heavyweight Champion added that he realizes the high expectations his final match will have.
“I’ve got some insecurities about that, I guess, mainly due to age. The more focus, now you’ve got to follow that big build-up, you know?”
Sting
Sting added that he knows the details of his retirement will be decided sooner rather than later, but he is trying to avoid specifics.
The Icon said that with his final match, the most important thing to him will be how he makes the fans feel, which takes precedence in his view over the setting or the opponent.
Sting has had another run in his legendary pro wrestling career in AEW by being paired with Darby Allin. This was after he wasn’t medically cleared to wrestle following a 2015 match in WWE with Seth Rollins due to him having spinal stenosis.
Allin and Sting most recently teamed together to score a win over Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett at AEW Full Gear. Now that he’s in his 60s, Sting does have an idea in mind for how he wants to end his wrestling career
He shared that information with The Ringer’s Cameron Hawkins and noted that Darby is going to be involved in that match whenever it comes.
The Vision
“I’ve plotted out my endgame. I know Darby’s going to be a part of it, for sure.”
– Sting
Sting has wrestled mostly tag matches throughout his AEW run. It doesn’t sound like that will be changing any time soon.
“I won’t have a singles match at this point,” said Sting. “Darby will be along with me and I’ll be along with him. But I have a few people [in mind] and I really don’t want to say now.”
Sting believes that if the former TNT Champion stays in the wrestling business with AEW, he’ll eventually land a role in creative control and/or leadership. They are heading to Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan to team with The Great Muta (Keiji Muto) in January.
Sting revealed earlier this month that he underwent surgery and had his knees cleaned out. It’s unclear when his next AEW match will take place.
Sting’s AEW run and the things he’s been able to do at this stage of his career are nothing short of incredible. He’s done it all in this business and is very lucky to write his final chapter on his terms – whatever he has planned.
Head over to The Ringer to read their full interview with Sting.
Posted December 29th, 2022 in AEW, News. Tagged: Sting.
Sting is still going strong after decades of being in the pro wrestling business, but from time to time, he needs to repair his body.
Two years ago this month, Sting made his debut for All Elite Wrestling at ‘Winter Is Coming’ and to promote the third annual Winter Is Coming event on Wednesday, Sting appeared on The K&C Masterpiece.
Sting revealed that he underwent surgery six or seven weeks ago to have his knees cleaned out.
“I just had surgery. It’s been six, seven weeks ago now. Basically just a clean out on my very old knees.”
Needed a Clean
Sting
Sting was most recently in action for AEW at Full Gear, where he and Darby Allin scored a win over Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal.
Sting recalled a story about how he blew his shoulders out in a match against Kurt Angle in TNA Wrestling and the surgeon telling him that it looked like a bomb went off inside of his shoulder.
His recovery from surgery may explain why he didn’t accompany Darby to the ring for his TNT Title match on December 7th.
On the most recent edition of the DDP Snake Pit podcast, Jon Alba hosted as “Diamond” Dallas Page and Jake “The Snake” Roberts reminisced on the career of “The Icon” Sting.
Sting’s early career as a professional wrestler
Sting’s beginnings in professional wrestling, now almost recited by many fans as if reading from his Wikipedia entry, were mentioned by the three and how a California promoter named Rick Bassman saw Steve Borden (Sting) and the then Jim Hellwig (The Ultimate Warrior) in a gym and suggested they become professional wrestlers.
Roberts and Page then discussed the anomaly of both wrestlers in a tag team not only becoming huge singles stars, but in separate companies with Warrior in WWF and Sting in WCW. It didn’t always seem that way as The Blade Runner tag team with the two wasn’t an instant success. Alba mentioned Sting’s article from The Players’ Tribune where he said he was ready to quit in the early years, but persevered.
Roberts added that Bill Watts put Sting through hell, but, “Sting was very fortunate to go there because that place, you learn more than any other place on the planet. Bill Watts made you learn,” in Mid-South Wrestling. Roberts mentioned how Watts would never put two green wrestlers together using himself tagging with The Barbarian “to help The Barbarian.”
They moved to Clash of the Champions I, which had a main event of Ric Flair and Sting ending in a 45-minute time-limit draw. Page said he doesn’t think there could be a greater compliment than “The Nature Boy” going 45 minutes with you and then to a 60-minute broadway. He likened it to the then Cody doing something similar for Darby Allin in AEW.
Alba asked if Flair made Sting and the two Hall of Famers were unequivocal in affirming the question that yes, Flair made Sting. They said he had the look, the size, the entrance, the charisma, and even if he was a little green, those matches with Flair made Sting into “they guy.” Roberts said Sting ran with it once he had the position, and Page added that Sting still has it even in his 60s.
Page credited a match with Sting on WCW Monday Nitro on January 8, 1996 for changing his career trajectory. He was effusive is his praise for Sting letting Page lay out most of the match, which led to a funny phone interaction with Michael Hayes.
The birth of “Crow” Sting
They then discussed Sting’s transition to his most iconic character, “Crow” Sting. Page said it was the smartest thing for Sting to do with the n.W.o. running rampant and obliterating babyface “Surfer” Sting. Page added that it was actually the late Scott Hall who suggested to Sting to make the change. Page said that Sting sitting in the rafters for a year while other babyfaces were being beaten down opened up the doors for him to become a top babyface in the company opposite the faction.
Alba mentioned that this version of Sting also helped Nitro do big numbers, but Page and Roberts said that Hall and Kevin Nash were the catalysts. However, they did credit the patience to keep Sting from wrestling for a year as “the people want what they can’t have, but you can’t let them have it too soon.” Page said the biggest pay-per-view in WCW was Starrcade ’97 between Sting and “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan, which was built over the entire year.
Page discussed a hilarious moment where Sting was supposed to rappel down, hook up Page, and then rappel back up together. Page said Sting was supposed to come down, no one was supposed to touch them, and they would leave easily. He brought up Roberts discussing the chaos in the ring earlier with his snake and mentioned how with eight guys in the ring, they all want to do their own thing. Page said he wasn’t scared until he heard Sting yelling at the others that they weren’t supposed to touch them.
Sting post-WCW
They touched on the final Nitro match and how apropos it was to have Flair vs. Sting, the two men most synonymous with WCW. From there, they moved to Page’s first post-WWE match, which Alba said was July 2004 for HCW Battle Hawaii where Page teamed with Satoshi Kojima to take on Sting and The Great Muta. Page said he just wanted to show people that he could still go in the ring, and working with Sting, Kojima, and Muta was a dream.
Alba moved to Sting’s hesitancy to sign with WWE because of how WCW wrestlers were portrayed until relenting and signing in 2014, debuting at Survivor Series, then facing Triple H at WrestleMania 31 in a losing, but memorable effort. Roberts said he was “shocked” that Sting signed with WWE as he never envisioned Sting signing with the company. Page said in his opinion, “they pushed the hell out of him” and even if he lost to Seth Rollins in Sting’s final WWE match, it was Rollins who was receiving the rub from Sting.
They ended by asserting that Sting has redefined and rewrote what it means to utilize legends in this business. Roberts said it’s about utilizing them the right way and just having respect for what they’ve done. Page added that there isn’t anyone in the AEW locker room who doesn’t want to take the Scorpion Death Lock.
Chris Jericho is eyeballing a marquee matchup in AEW with one of the company’s biggest legends.
The Demo God and current Ring of Honor world champion was the latest guest to join the AEW Unrestricted podcast, where he spoke about his desire to face off against the Icon Sting, a star that he’s never stood across from inside the squared circle. Sting has been one of the most dominant talents on the AEW roster, but has only competed alongside Darby Allin (and others) in tag team action.
Jericho Is Willing To Bring Out The Painmaker For Sting
When the topic came up in the interview Jericho wasn’t shy of calling out the Stinger as a dream opponent.
“Whenever there’s a Sting-Jericho match which there has to be because Sting and I have never been in the ring together ever, except for when Keith Mitchell retired and we had that after-ceremony. Never been in the same ring ever. Ever, ever, ever. “
That’s not all…Jericho is already drumming up ideas about a potential scenario with Sting. He’s even willing to resurrect his Painmaker gimmick, an act that Jericho created during his NJPW run between 2019-2020.
“There has to be a Sting and Jericho match in whatever way we decide it and that would be a great time for ‘Painmaker.'”
Jericho recently defeated Bandido on Dynamite, his first successful defense of the ROH title since winning it from Claudio Castagnoli. He has since challenged Bryan Danielson to a showdown at the AEW debut in Canada, where the ROH title will once again be on the line.
AEW’s Grand Slam special is now in the rearview mirror, with the promotion’s Grand Slam: Rampage edition taking place last night. The show, which took place from Arthur Ashe Stadium, opened up with the anticipated House of Black (Brody King & Buddy Matthews) vs. Darby Allin & Sting no-DQ matchup, with Julia Hart accompanying the HoB to the ring.
The match was an all-out brawl that saw the daredevil Allin get busted open following an epic crash through a table alongside Brody King. Meanwhile the Stinger was left handcuffed to a chair as Matthews prepared to beat down the legend with his own baseball bat. Right before the attack the lights would go out and the fans in New York would be treated to their biggest surprise of the night, an appearance from Japanese legend, the Great Muta.
Muta came to the ring slowly and looked as if he was about to attack Sting, who he had an intense rivalry with during the early portion of his career. However, Muta instead hit Matthews with a Dragon Screw before spitting his signature green mist in Matthew’s face, which caused him to back up into Julia Hart, who was standing on the apron. Hart was supposed to take the bump and fall through a table, but she seemed to overshoot her jump and instead came crashing onto the pavement.
While many fans were worried about Hart’s condition after her fall, they need not worry for long. Both Hart and King took to Twitter to reveal that Hart is not only doing just fine, but that her scary looking hat is also okay.
King writes, “I just want everyone to know that TheJuliaHart’s Hat made it out safely. Thank you for your concerns.” Hart herself would then confirm this news with her own tweet. She writes, “Me and my hat are okay.”
I just want everyone to know that @TheJuliaHart’s Hat made it out safely. Thank you for your concerns.
Muta would feud with Sting during his WCW tenure in 1989, capturing the NWA World Television Championship from the Icon in September that year.
In 1991, the pair rekindled their rivalry at the WCW-NJPW cross-promotion Starrcade event in the Tokyo Dome, where Muta would again defeat Sting.
The following year, the pair would team together in the Tokyo Dome to defeat the Steiner Brothers at WCW/NJPW Supershow II.
After capturing the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship in August 1992, one of Muta’s first title defenses would come against the Stinger that November.
When appearing for WCW, Muta would often be on the losing end to Sting, coming up short against the WWE Hall of Famer at live events.
