In a heartfelt tribute to wrestling legend Sting, AEW CEO Tony Khan has declared the icon’s retirement from active competition as the pinnacle of AEW’s achievements. Sting, whose storied career spanned nearly four decades, concluded his journey in a blaze of glory at AEW Revolution, where he and Darby Allin triumphed over The Young Bucks to retain the World Tag Team Championship and cap off an undefeated streak of 29 matches.
Speaking exclusively to Bleacher Report, Khan expressed his profound belief that Sting’s farewell stands as AEW’s crowning moment. “The greatest thing we’ve ever done in AEW, in my opinion, is the retirement of Sting and the way we handled Sting’s final years as a pro wrestler,” Khan remarked. Reflecting on Sting’s dissatisfaction with his previous tenure in WWE, Khan emphasized that AEW provided him with a platform to redefine his legacy.
“I don’t think he had a great experience with WWE,” Khan noted, referencing Sting’s brief and injury-marred stint in the promotion from 2014 to 2016. “When he arrived in AEW, he did not feel that his prior run had been what he was looking for.”
Khan underscored Sting’s pivotal role in AEW since his dramatic debut at “AEW Dynamite: Winter is Coming” in 2020, culminating in his memorable tag team partnership with Darby Allin. “Sting was undefeated [since] his arrival, teaming with Darby Allin in every match,” Khan recounted. “They had some of our best matches ever, some of our biggest moments, and it built to them becoming the AEW World Tag Team Champions.”
The climax of Sting’s illustrious career came at AEW Revolution 2021, where he and Allin claimed the AEW World Tag Team Championship from Ricky Starks and Big Bill, solidifying their status as one of AEW’s most celebrated teams. Khan hailed their victory over The Young Bucks as an unparalleled send-off in wrestling history.
“Sting and Darby vs. The Young Bucks at AEW Revolution was, in my opinion, the greatest send-off ever in pro wrestling,” Khan asserted. “Sting deserves that because he’s one of the greatest wrestlers ever, and we were very lucky to have him in AEW.”
Throughout Sting’s final matches, the support from his sons, Steven and Garrett, was evident as they actively participated in his farewell bout. Steven’s ongoing involvement in wrestling training alongside Darby Allin suggests a potential continuation of Sting’s wrestling legacy, aiming to honor and perpetuate his father’s enduring impact on the world of professional wrestling.
Sting, a legendary figure in the industry known for his iconic moments and steadfast fan base, has left an indelible mark on wrestling history. His sons’ participation in his farewell match not only showcased familial support but also symbolized a passing of the torch in terms of passion and dedication to the sport.
Steven’s interest in wrestling training with Darby Allin reflects a commitment to learning and potentially pursuing a career path similar to his father’s. This continuation of Sting’s legacy could involve Steven embracing the values and techniques imparted by his father, while also forging his own path within the wrestling community.
As fans and insiders reflect on Sting’s contributions and legacy, Steven’s potential future in wrestling offers a glimpse into the ongoing impact of a wrestling icon and the generational connections that resonate within the sport. Whether Steven decides to pursue a career in the ring or behind the scenes, his involvement underscores the enduring influence of Sting’s legacy in shaping the future of professional wrestling.
