SEScoops

Tag: Sting

  • Sting Makes Unannounced Dynamite Appearance

    Sting Makes Unannounced Dynamite Appearance

    It’s STING!!!

    Darby Allin had picked up a big victory at Dynasty this past Sunday, defeating Andrade to become the new #1 Contender for the AEW World Title. He had then announced that fans will not have to wait long as he will be cashing in his opportunity on this week’s Dynamite.

    So it was no surprise when Allin’s mentor Sting, made an unannounced appearance on the show tonight. The wrestling legend showed up backstage just before Darby went out for his main event match against MJF.

    Darby Allin asked the former WCW star if he had any advice for him. Sting told him to take it all in before telling his former tag team partner that he’s got this.

    The actual match turned out to be a short affair. MJF tried to use his dirty tricks by distracting the referee and low-blowing his challenger. Darby, however, returned the favor and then delivered not one but four coffin drops to become the new AEW Champion.

    The locker room emptied after the title change, and Sting was the last to join Darby Allin as he celebrated becoming a triple crown champion in AEW.

  • Wrestling Legend\’s Son Makes AEW Debut Before Dynamite

    A new star rises.

    The annual Winter is Coming special of Dynamite took place from the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia, this Wednesday night, featuring names such as Toni Storm, Swerve Strickland, Hangman Page, and more in action.

    One notable moment of the night came before the Dynamite broadcast began, however, when Steve Borden Jr. made his debut for the promotion. The former College Football star & the son of the legendary Sting, faced Kiran Gray in this dark match and picked up the victory.

    This wasn\’t the only dark match before the show, as Ortiz also made his in-ring return in a pre-show dark match on December 10. This was his first match for AEW in almost two years, and Ortiz lost the bout to HOOK.

    Inaugural Women’s Tag Champions Crowned On Dynamite

    Borden Jr. made his wrestling debut earlier this year in October at a non-traditional wrestling event, taking place inside an exhibition of artist Raymond Pettibon.

    The young star also competed at a DEFY Wrestling event in Seattle last month. He had picked up a victory against Kiran Gray at the indie show too.

    It\’s unknown if the son of the wrestling legend has signed with Tony Khan\’s promotion. Stay tuned to SEScoops for more updates on his future.

  • Sting Admits Hypocrisy Over Extended Career: \’I Blew Them All Out of the Water\’

    Sting has candidly admitted to being a hypocrite when it comes to wrestlers who extend their careers into their later years.

    The wrestling icon, who worked across five decades in the industry, reflected on his younger self\’s harsh judgment of veteran performers during a recent appearance on Going Ringside. What started as criticism eventually became his own reality.

    \”I was the guy who said, \’I don\’t understand all those old guys hanging out for so long.\’ And I could not understand it. I said, I will never do that,\” Sting told Scott Johnson. \”And I blew them all out of the water. Four decades later, here I am.\”

    The self-awareness has become a defining characteristic of what Sting calls his final persona. After transitioning through numerous characters throughout his career, he\’s embraced this latest version with humor.

    \”This one\’s different. This is what\’s called old man Sting,\” he explained. \”But there\’s so many different versions of Sting over the years. You got surfer Sting, you got Crow Sting, Wolfpack Sting, Joker Sting, and now old man Sting.\”

    The Final Chapter

    Rather than viewing his extended career with embarrassment, Sting has found meaning in connecting with generations of fans during his retirement tour. The experience has provided unexpected rewards beyond what he anticipated.

    \”It\’s been a massive blessing to me, that\’s for sure. I mean, I can\’t tell you how many stories that I get to hear,\” Sting said. \”That\’s what this seems to be about is stories. I\’m hearing fans tell me stories about how I affected them or how wrestling affected them way back when.\”

    The legendary performer\’s willingness to acknowledge his changed perspective demonstrates the growth that comes with age. What once seemed incomprehensible to a young Sting now represents the culmination of an extraordinary career that few could have predicted would span so long.

  • Sting Praises AEW, Tony Khan & Darby Allin: \’It Felt Like Home To Me\’

    Sting has explained why AEW felt like the perfect destination for his final wrestling run, describing Tony Khan’s promotion as feeling like “home.”

    The wrestling legend, who worked for WCW, WWE, TNA, and AEW throughout his career, was asked to compare his experiences across the different promotions during a recent interview with Scott Johnson for Going Ringside. His answer was unequivocal about where he felt most comfortable.

    “They’re all different in some ways, but the thing that I liked about AEW is it just felt like my brand,” Sting stated. “They just felt.. it felt like home to me.”

    Tony Khan as a Boss

    The Icon reserved particular praise for AEW president Tony Khan, crediting him with making his final run possible. Khan’s leadership style clearly resonated with the veteran performer.

    “He was the best. He was phenomenal. Treated me like gold the whole way through,” Sting said of Khan. “And yeah, I mean, yeah, if it wasn’t for Tony, I wouldn’t have had the run that I had.”

    Sting on Darby Allin

    Sting also acknowledged the importance of his partnership with Darby Allin, which became one of the defining storylines of his AEW tenure. The pairing of the veteran legend with the rising star created memorable moments throughout Sting’s final years in the ring.

    “Darby, my partner,” Sting added. “Darby was your partner. A great up-and-coming wrestler. Still amazing. Yeah, absolutely.”

    The comments highlight how AEW’s approach to utilizing legends differs from other promotions. Rather than simply cashing in on nostalgia, Khan’s company provided Sting with meaningful storylines and creative freedom that allowed him to finish his career on his own terms.

    After spending time with multiple major wrestling organizations, finding that sense of belonging at the end of his career clearly meant something significant to the five-decade veteran.

  • Sting Shares Remaining Dates Of \’Now or Never\’ Facepaint Tour

    Sting will don his iconic face paint for the last time in 2025, and time is running out for fans wanting to meet him in the black and white. On Instagram, Sting shared an updated list of dates for his remaining appearances in the paint that run until the end of 2025.

    After years as \’Surfer Sting\’, the WWE Hall of Fame adopted his iconic black and white look during the mid-late 1990s. The on-screen change was explained as being the result of WCW\’s roster not trusting Sting during the company\’s war with the New World Order. The design is heavily influenced by the comic book character The Crow.

    Sting recently resurfaced on AEW programming in his iconic facepaint. During AEW WrestleDream, Sting aided Darby Allin in his violent I-Quit match with Jon Moxley. The match, which included a controversial spot involving an attempted drowning, saw Allin get the win after Sting ran off the Death Riders.

    Sting\’s Now or Never tour marks the end of one of pro wrestling\’s most iconic looks, proving that nothing lasts forever. For fans of The Icon, the clock is ticking to get their photos with the popular wrestler in the black and white.

  • Tony Khan Reveals How Sting\’s WrestleDream Appearance Came About

    Tony Khan has commented on Sting\’s WrestleDream appearance.

    The Icon made a surprise return to AEW TV during the main event of the company\’s latest PPV. He helped his former tag team partner, Darby Allin in beating Jon Moxley at the show.

    The AEW President was asked about the return and how it came about during his appearance on WrestleDream post-show. Tony Khan explained that Sting remains a part of the AEW family even after his retirement:

    “Sting is still part of AEW and a big part of the family. He’s been away from AEW on-screen, but we’ve seen Sting and he visited us in Philadelphia. We did something off-screen with Sting. It was very awesome for us to see Sting backstage and have him back appearing in the ring.\”

    Speaking about his WrestleDream appearance, Tony Khan suggested that it had been in the works since their 2300 Arena tapings last month, where Sting had made a non-televised appearance:

    \”I had talked to Sting about coming back for something special like this and he was always open to returning to AEW, especially if Darby ever needed anything. The connection between those two is really special. It’s a real thing.\”

    The AEW owner also talked about Bryan Danielson missing the WrestleDream PPV. He gave two reasons behind the American Dragon\’s absence which you can check out here.

  • Sting Appears, Aids Darby Allin In Brutal WrestleDream I-Quit Match

    \’The Icon\’ Sting made his triumphant return to AEW at the WrestleDream 2025 pay-per-view to aid Darby Allin against Jon Moxley. In the show\’s main event, Allin and Moxley faced off in an I-Quit match, which saw some of the most brutal moments ever shown on AEW programming.

    In one shocking moment, the Death Riders filled up a fish tank in the middle of the ring and Moxley plunged Allin\’s head under the water in an attempt to drown him. Suddenly, the lights went out and Sting appeared in the ring. The Icon choked Moxley with his baseball bat and fought off the Death Riders.

    Allin would batlte back and hit Moxley with the bat, a neckbreaker, and a Coffin Drop. In a fitting tribute to his mentor, Allin locked in the Scorpion Death Lock which forced Moxley to quit, giving Allin the win.

    This was a brutal match which included several weapons, including a taser. You can check out some highlights from the match below:

    Sting retired from in-ring competition in 2024, and his appearance at WrestleDream shows how The Icon still has a legion of loyal fans. With 2025 marking Sting\’s final year in the iconic black and white, this may have been the last time fans see Steve Borden as Sting on TV.

  • Orange Cassidy Says \’Blame Sting\’ for their Viral AEW Moment

    Orange Cassidy has been a fixture in AEW since their inception and heading into an AEW title bid on the sixth anniversary of AEW Dynamite, OC has a lot of iconic moments to reflect back on. One of those moments involved an encounter with the legendary Sting with Cassidy\’s playful interaction with the former TNA and WCW champion turning into a viral clip online.

    During a recent interview with The Sportster, the former AEW international champion covered several subjects as Cassy steps into the ring in pursuit of Kyle fletcher\’s TNT title on tonight\’s milestone Dynamite episode. Touching on the widely popular moment with the since retired Sting that blew up the internet wrestling community when it happened, Cassidy said,

    \”I didn\’t tell Sting anything, and Sting just did it. He made our locker room better. He was a great leader, and for him to play with me was an honor. I didn\’t tell him to do anything. He\’s the one who did it. Blame him. Blame him for that.\”

    Orange Cassidy Reflects on AEW Journey and Dynamite\’s 6th Anniversary Match

    Orange Cassidy was one of the earlier signings in the company\’s nascent days in 2019. Right away, the sloth-like persona juxtaposed with a high octane in-ring style connected with fans of All Elite Wrestling and Cassidy really vaulted into the broader consciousness of the pro wrestling world during AEW\’s run at Daily\’s place during the COVID-19 global pandemic.

    Reflecting on how beneficial that period of time was to his development, in that same interview with The Sportster referenced above, as he heads into an opportunity tonight to add even more AEW gold to his resume, Cassidy stated,

    \”We spent a year and a half or two years, I don\’t even remember at this point, in Florida during the pandemic. To me, Jacksonville and Daily\’s Place is like, I think the first time I really felt like I was wrestling weekly.\”

    Cassidy credits an AEW legend with helping establish him as a household name.

    \”That program with Chris Jericho, it defines some of my career, so I\’m grateful for those moments, and it\’ll be nice to get back to give the Florida fans and the state of Florida who were there to support us during that time.\”

  • Sting\’s Son Steven Borden to Make Wrestling Debut in October at NYC Art Event

    Steven Borden, son of WWE Hall of Famer Sting, will make his professional wrestling debut in October at \”52W HARDWAY: LIVE WRESTLING NIGHTS\” in New York City. The event, presented in partnership with artist Raymond Pettibon, Darby Allin, and AEW\’s Charlie Ramone, combines live wrestling with contemporary art across two nights on October 3 and 10.

    Borden brings a strong athletic foundation to wrestling, having played tight end for the University of Kentucky and briefly signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2015 as an NFL prospect. He has been training extensively with Darby Allin, Adam Copeland (formerly Edge), and the tag team FTR in preparation for his in-ring debut.

    He made a memorable appearance at AEW Revolution earlier in 2025 following his father\’s retirement match, where he paid tribute by wearing Sting\’s iconic nWo Wolfpac attire. His debut comes just months after Sting\’s emotional farewell from professional wrestling.

    The wrestling lineup features established and emerging talent including Darby Allin, Killer Kross, AR Fox, Sid Ellington, Kiran Grey, and Timothy Thatcher alongside Borden. The 52W HARDWAY exhibit represents a unique fusion of professional wrestling and fine art, creating an interdisciplinary event for both wrestling fans and art enthusiasts in New York City.

    For more information, visit 52Walker.com.

  • Sting Makes Surprise Debut At 2300 Arena, Pays Tribute To Eddie Gilbert

    In a special, untelevised segment for the live crowd, the legendary \”Icon\” Sting made his surprise debut at the 2300 Arena following the AEW Collision taping in Philadelphia on Thursday. His appearance was part of a post-show tribute to the late, great \”Hot Stuff\” Eddie Gilbert, an influential wrestler and booker who was a key figure in the early days of the promotion that would become ECW.

    The tribute, which was put on by AEW President Tony Khan, also featured Jeff Jarrett, \”Wildfire\” Tommy Rich, and Eddie\’s younger brother, Doug Gilbert. After Khan brought the men to the ring to share their stories about Eddie Gilbert and his legacy in Philadelphia, he introduced the surprise final guest of the evening: the recently retired Sting.

    Sting then spoke about the important role that Eddie Gilbert played in his own career. As noted by Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, “Eddie Gilbert was the guy who saw the potential in Sting before anyone else and was the architect of Sting’s babyface turn in the UWF just as the promotion was being sold to Jim Crockett.”

    Gilbert was also the original booker for Eastern Championship Wrestling, the promotion that would later be rebranded as Extreme Championship Wrestling by his friend and protege, Paul Heyman. The segment concluded with Sting asking the fans to join him in a \”Hot Stuff\” chant for his late friend, which then led to the Donna Summer song of the same name being played over the arena\’s sound system to send the fans home happy.

    It is not yet known if AEW will release the footage of this special post-show segment on their social media channels.

  • Wrestling Icon Sting Extending His 2025 Farewell Tour

    Wrestling fans will have a few more opportunities to meet Sting before the icon rides off into the sunset for good. Following his in-ring retirement match at AEW Revolution 2024, the WCW legend announced he\’d embark on his \’2025 or Never\’ meet and greet tour, which has been in full swing.

    More Appearances

    During a conversation with The Wrestling Classic, Sting revealed that he\’s adding \”many, many\” more dates to his appearance schedule. Despite not providing specifics, Sting assured fans that details are forthcoming, and we haven\’t seen the last of him.

    \”I’m getting a lot of responses from the fans, yes. And, you know, the common question is, ‘Are you sure this is it? I mean, you’re never going to be in the face paint again? What about if you did Surfer Sting?’

    It’s like, I can’t pull off Surfer Sting anymore. so yeah, I’m not… It’s not a goodbye, okay?\”

    – Sting talks about his future in wrestling

    This news is significant for wrestling fans eager to see Sting one last time and marks the end of an era as Sting confirmed that he will not return to his previous personas, including \’Surfer Sting.\’ The face paint, synonymous with Sting\’s illustrious career, is officially retired, signaling the end of a legendary chapter in professional wrestling.

    Check out Sting\’s complete interview on Casual Conversations:

  • Sting On His Retirement: \”It Was Exactly As I Envisioned It Being\”

    AEW legend and WWE Hall of Famer Sting has reflected on his emotional and chaotic final match, which took place at the AEW Revolution pay-per-view in 2024. In a new interview, \”The Icon\” stated that the moment he shared in the ring with his two sons, who were dressed as different versions of his iconic character, was the absolute \”highlight\” of his incredible 40-year career in professional wrestling.

    Speaking with Justin Dhillon of The Wrestling Classic, Sting looked back on the night. His final match was a Tornado Tag Team match for the AEW World Tag Team Championships, where he and Darby Allin, successfully defended their titles against The Young Bucks. The bout featured glass, ladders, and even interference from his longtime rival, Ric Flair. However, it was the deeply personal moment with his sons, Garrett and Steven Borden, that stood out the most to him.

    “It was exactly as I envisioned it being. It was like a dream, a surreal kind of situation to actually witness it, even though I pictured it happening exactly the way it did,\” Sting said. \”But an amazing night, and that’s why it just is going to be etched in my mind forever. It’s probably the highlight of 40 years for me.” His comments show just how much the moment meant to him, placing it above all the world championships and iconic moments from his legendary career.

    The involvement of his sons was a full-circle moment, as they represented two of the most famous eras of his career. Garrett Borden was dressed as \”Surfer\” Sting from the late 1980s and early 1990s in WCW, while Steven Borden donned the black and red of the nWo Wolfpac version of his character. It was a visual tribute that resonated with multiple generations of wrestling fans.

  • Sting Shares Final Dates For \’Now Or Never\’ Tour

    For decades, Sting has wowed fans with a look as iconic as the wrestler himself. Now, the WWE Hall of Famer has confirmed when fans will have their very last opportunity to see him in costume. On X, Sting confirmed his final in-character appearances as part of his \’Now or Never\’ tour.

    • August 22 – FAN EXPO CANADA – Toronto, ON
    • August 30 – WRESTLEVERSE FEST – Chattanooga, TN
    • September 13 – HORRORHOUND WEEKEND – Cincinnati, OH
    • September 14 – ARKANSAS COMIC CON – Little Rock, AR
    • September 20 – HOUSTON CELEBRITY COMIC CON – Houston, TX
    • September 27 – FANX – Salt Lake City, UT
    • October 4 – SCARADISE – Tampa, FL
    • October 11 – COMIC CON SCOTLAND – Edinburgh, Scotland
    • October 25 – WINNIPEG COMIC CON – Winnipeg, Canada
    • November 1 – WRESTLEVERSE FEST – Baton Rouge, LA
    • November 8 – TWIN CITIES CON – Minneapolis, MN
    • November 9 – RHODE ISLAND COMIC CON – Providence, RI
    • November 15 – BIG EVENT NY – Brentwood, NY
    • November 22 – CARD & COLLECTIBLE CONVENTION – Santa Clara, CA
    • November 29 – WRESTLECADE – Winston-Salem, NC
    • December 20 – WRESTLEVERSE FEST – Pittsburgh, PA

    Sting\’s decision to leave the black and white behind comes over a year after he retired from in-ring competiton. The Icon received a fitting send-off at the AEW Revolution 2024 pay-per-view where he and Darby Allin defeated the Young Bucks. This victory meant that Sting retired from AEW undefeated and also as a champion as he and Allin held the tag titles at the time.

    While Sting may still appear at wrestling events and conventions, the clock is ticking for fans wanting to meet him with his iconic look. With decades of memories and moments to his name, Sting can expect countless fans ready to give him a fitting goodbye.

    Sting Superfans Get Engaged At Wrestling Icon’s Meet-and-Greet

  • Sting Opens Up About Love and Respect for Hulk Hogan

    WWE Hall of Famer Sting recently opened up about his deep respect and admiration for Hulk Hogan during an appearance for Big Time Wrestling, delivering heartfelt comments about their professional relationship and Hogan\’s impact on the wrestling industry.

    \”Hulk means so much to me. I\’m glad I got this opportunity to talk about it. This is my first opportunity to say that I love Hulk Hogan. I still love him. I\’m going to miss him. He was a contributor to the wrestling industry as a whole like no one else.\” – Sting

    The Icon reflected on their successful partnership during WCW\’s golden era, emphasizing how Hogan elevated everyone around him. Sting revealed that their matches broke attendance records across the United States and generated record-breaking pay-per-view buy rates.

    When Hogan first arrived in WCW, some wrestlers questioned whether Sting felt pushed aside. His response demonstrated remarkable professionalism and business acumen.

    \”I said, \’No, I don\’t feel like that at all. I feel like we have the King of Kings here. Hulk Hogan is going to help put butts in seats. We\’re all going to make more money. We\’re all going to get better ratings. It\’s going to be good all the way around.\’\” – Sting

    Sting concluded by praising Hogan as someone who transcended wrestling itself, calling him \”the first\” to achieve that level of mainstream success and cultural impact.

    Their Relationship

    Throughout decades in the wrestling industry, Sting and Hulk Hogan shared a dynamic relationship that oscillated between rivalry and deep mutual respect, forging a connection shaped as much by headline clashes as by backstage camaraderie.

    Their paths first famously intersected in the high-stakes atmosphere of WCW, with Sting representing the company’s heroic heart and Hogan transforming into its most controversial antagonist as “Hollywood” Hogan.

    Even as their characters feuded on screen—culminating in legendary bouts and storyline twists—the two men built a genuine friendship behind the scenes, grounded in a shared understanding of wrestling’s demands and the pressures of sustaining popularity through eras of change.

    Sting has spoken often about how their differences in persona only enriched their personal connection; whether as opponents or occasional allies, their professional interplay fostered an enduring bond, marked by honesty, support, and a mutual appreciation for each other\’s role in reshaping wrestling history.

  • Sting Reveals He Originally Wanted To Retire As \’Old Man Sting\’

    WWE Hall of Famer Sting retired from professional wrestling at AEW Revolution in 2024, but \”The Icon\” has revealed that his original plan for his farewell was slightly different. In a new interview, the legend stated he initially wanted to wrestle his final match as \”Old Man Sting.\”

    Speaking on the Major Figure podcast, Sting discussed his current look, which includes a natural grey beard and hair, and said that was the persona he wanted to have his last match as. He also addressed the fans who are still calling for him to have one more match.

    “I actually wanted to retire as Old Man Sting,” he said. “I’ve got enough fans going, ‘One more. Just one more.’ Right, one more match. I’m 66 now, enough is enough.”

    Sting\’s final run in AEW was a celebrated one, as he went undefeated with a 28-0 record, teaming with his protégé Darby Allin in every match. He retired as one-half of the AEW World Tag Team Champions after he and Allin defeated The Young Bucks at Revolution 2024. \”The Icon\” is now in his final year of doing convention appearances in his full face paint and gear, having filed a trademark for the \”Old Man Sting\” name in January.

    While Sting has remained retired, the other participants in his final match have been central to recent AEW storylines. His protégé, Darby Allin, made a spectacular return at last weekend\’s All In: Texas, rappelling from the stadium roof during the main event. Meanwhile, the men Sting and Allin defeated, The Young Bucks, also had a pivotal night at All In, losing a match that stripped them of their on-screen Executive Vice President roles.

  • Report: Sting Discussed For Potential AEW Appearance

    With Darby Allin\’s return to AEW television reportedly imminent, he may not be coming back alone. According to a new report from Fightful Select, \”The Icon\” Sting has long been discussed for a potential cameo or appearance at the upcoming AEW All In: Texas pay-per-view.

    The internal suspicion is that any appearance by the WWE Hall of Famer would be tied to what his former protege, Darby Allin, is doing on the show.

    This news isn\’t a major surprise, as Sting lives in the Texas area and was a surprise guest at the AEW All In ticket on-sale event back in December. The legend himself has also noted that he expects to be at the event. Additionally, he is scheduled for a signing and photo opportunity at Starrcast, which is taking place in the same area during All In weekend.

    ‘Tail Between My Legs’: Sting Explains How AEW Debut Came About After Failed WWE Run

  • Sting Superfans Get Engaged At Wrestling Icon\’s Meet-and-Greet

    Two fans of Sting were thrilled to meet the icon, and made their meet-and-greet even more special by getting engaged. On X, Sting shared footage of the two fans who got engaged and offered his congratulations to Angel and Crystal.

    Sting retired from in-ring competition in 2024 and ended his AEW career undefeated with a tag-team victory at the Revolution pay-per-view. Though his in-ring career is over, Sting remains under contract with AEW and appeared at the All In: London 2024 pay-per-view.

    Though his in-ring career is over, Sting continues to hold a significant presence in wrestling and is a regular at conventions and similar events. This year marks the last year Sting will feature his iconic face paint before retiring the design in 2026. With that in mind, Angel and Crystal\’s engagement was even more special, and we wish them all the best on their upcoming nuptials.

    ‘Tail Between My Legs’: Sting Explains How AEW Debut Came About After Failed WWE Run

  • \’Tail Between My Legs\’: Sting Explains How AEW Debut Came About After Failed WWE Run

    Sting has revealed how Tony Khan convinced him to join AEW.

    The Icon, alongside Tony Khan and Tony Schiavone, recently spoke to Screen Rant for a detailed piece about AEW Dynamite beating WCW Nitro to become the longest running wrestling show in history of Turner Broadcasting.

    During the interview, Sting discussed how AEW gave him a chance to end his career on his own terms. This was important for the wrestling veteran after his WWE run came to an abrupt end following his 2015 Night of Champions match with Seth Rollins. The former WCW star suffered a neck injury in the match.

    As the promotion then run by Vince McMahon would not clear him for a return, the wrestling veteran thought it to be the end of his legendary career for a long time:

    \”It seems like there\’s been a reoccurring theme that\’s happened to me a couple of times over the years, always tied to WWE, and it has to do with disappearing with my tail between my legs, so to speak, and just not wanting, after all the years, not wanting it to end the way it was ending.

    Although I had made amends with it and had a resolve about it and I was fine. But I got a phone call from Tony Khan and also Cody. Cody Rhodes called me as well and just said, hey, and Tony\’s words were, \’Hey, would you like to come back and play for a little while?\”

    Felt Like WCW: Sting

    Despite getting the call from AEW, Sting would not jump on the opportunity immediately. His WWE deal ended in May 2020, but he didn\’t make his AEW debut until December that year. The 66-year-old explained that he wasn\’t sure the fans or the younger wrestlers of the promotion would want to see him, and it took some convincing from Tony Khan before he said yes:

    \”Tony was convinced that the fans would be bonkers over it. He built my confidence. I had great conversations with him. I started to look and pay attention to some of the talent there. Darby Allin, for example. It just seemed like as I watched their show, it felt like WCW way back in the day.\”

    Sting\’s 3-year run would ultimately end up being a huge success for both the company and the wrestling performer as well. The WCW veteran got to end his career on his terms while his recognition among lost fans helped AEW garner a dedicated fan base.

  • Tony Khan On Sting Appearing At WWE Hall of Fame 2025

    Lex Luger will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 18, and Lex and those close to him hope Sting will be the one to induct him. Speaking on a media call ahead of AEW Dynasty, Tony Khan played coy when asked about Sting possibly inducting Luger in Las Vegas.

    “I’m not sure. I’m very focused on AEW Dynasty... The last time I talked to Sting, that didn’t come up. Would have to talk to him about that.\”

    Khan also spoke about his relationship with Sting, saying the pair have maintained a positive friendship for which Khan is grateful. The AEW President added that he last spoke to Sting around March\’s Revolution pay-per-view, and that he\’s pleased that Sting is \”doing very well\” in this post-in-ring chapter of his wrestling journey.

    WWE is reportedly working to make an appearance from Sting happen, though with the Icon under contract with AEW, that will prove to be easier said than done. While Billy Gunn was allowed to appear in 2019, issues between WWE and AEW since then may make Khan reluctant to give one of his top stars to WWE for the night, or at least expect someone or something in return.

    The WWE Hall of Fame ceremony will be a celebration of Luger\’s life and career with fans eager to see the former WCW World Champion get his flowers. It remains to be seen whether Sting is the one to induct his friend, as for now, the proverbial ball is in the court of Tony Khan.

    Lex Luger Marries Ahead of WWE Hall of Fame Induction

  • Sting ‘2025 or Never’ Appearance Tour Schedule: Dates, Locations

    Wrestling legend Sting has revealed the full lineup for his “2025 or Never” farewell appearance tour. Following his in-ring retirement, he’s now stepping away from the autograph circuit as well.

    Fans are hopeful he’ll make one final appearance at the 2025 WWE Hall of Fame to induct his longtime friend and rival, Lex Luger. Based on his schedule below, it seems possible.

    • April 5 – Astronomicon, Ypsilanti, MI

    • April 6 – SC Comic Con, Greenville, SC

    • April 27 – Huntsville Expo, Huntsville, AL

    • May 3 – Heart of Texas Comic Con, Waco, TX

    • May 4 – Pandora’s Box, Lafayette, NJ

    • May 24 – GalaxyCon OKC, Oklahoma City, OK

    • April 19–20 – WrestleCon, Las Vegas, NV

    • May 31 – Arizona Collectors Expo, Phoenix, AZ

    • June 28 – WrestleVerse Fest, Kansas City, MO

    • July 25 – Big Time Wrestling, Charlotte, NC

    • August 2 – WrestleCon, East Rutherford, NJ

    • August 9 – Madison Comic Expo, Madison, WI

    • August 15 – Monster-Mania Con, Cherry Hill, NJ

    • August 30 – WrestleVerse Fest, Chattanooga, TN

    • September 13 – HorrorHound Weekend, Cincinnati, OH

    • September 20 – Houston Celebrity Comic Con, Houston, TX

    • October 4 – Spookala, Tampa, FL

    • October 11 – Comic Con Scotland, Edinburgh, Scotland

    • November 8 – Twin Cities Con, Minneapolis, MN

    • November 9 – Rhode Island Comic Con, Providence, RI

    • December 20 – WrestleVerse Fest, Pittsburgh, PA

  • WWE Hall of Fame: Wrestling Icon Requested for Key Role

    Lex Luger will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in April 2025 in recognition of his legacy and achievements in pro wrestling. The topic of who will induct Luger has sparked a debate with Lex himself wanting AEW\’s Sting to do the honor.

    Luger and those in his circle have informed WWE that Sting is their preferred choice, Fightful Select reports. WWE has been making efforts to bring Sting in for the all-important induction. Though Sting retired from in-ring competition in 2024 he remains under contract AEW. This contract is reported to be similar to a WWE Legends deal.

    Whether Sting inducts Luger or not, the Icon will be in Las Vegas for WrestleMania week. There have been indications that Sting has expanded his previously short travel plans for Las Vegas, suggesting that a potential WWE return could be in the works.

    Sting and Luger are long-time friends with this friendship often playing into their wrestling characters. It was a phonecall with Sting that would result in Luger returning to WCW in 1995, kicking off the Monday Night Wars with a huge bang!

    Sting was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016 and will soon get to see his friend receive the same honor. Whether Sting is simply watching the event from a hotel room, or appearing at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas to induct his friend, remains to be seen.

    Lex Luger On WWE Hall of Fame Induction: ‘Filled With Gratitude’

  • Lex Luger Names Two Legends He Wants At His Hall of Fame Induction

    Lex Luger has revealed the two names he would like to join him at the WWE Hall of Fame.

    The former WCW Champion has recently been training with DDP to regain his mobility following his spinal cord injury. He was visited by Cody Rhodes in the facility and the Undisputed WWE Champion broke the news of his Hall of Fame induction to the wrestling legend.

    Luger joined Eric Bischoff for an interview on his podcast after this announcement. During the interview, Lex revealed that he is trying to get both DDP and Sting to appear alongside him at the upcoming event:

    \”If I could have my two guys up there with me, man, DDP on my shoulder kind of spotting me and Sting on the other, if it’s possible. I go, man, that would be amazing. So we shall see. If I have anything to say about that, that would be my pick.\”

    Sting signed a Legends deal with AEW following his retirement at Revolution 2024. Lex Luger who is under a similar WWE deal was allowed to attend the AEW PPV by the company but he was not allowed to appear on camera. So bringing the Icon in for a TV appearance will be harder.

    Lex Luger will join the WWE creative head Triple H and veteran female star Michelle McCool in the 2025 class. You can check out the details of this year\’s ceremony here.

  • Sting Retiring His Iconic Look At The End of 2025

    Sting has announced that he\’ll be retiring his iconic Stinger look and face paint soon after the end of his active wrestling career last year.

    The Icon competed in his retirement match at the 2024 Revolution PPV. While having the option of a singles match, the wrestling veteran chose to team up with his protege Darby Allin one last time to defeat The Young Bucks in a tornado tag team match.

    Despite hanging his wrestling boots at the March PPV, Sting has continued donning the iconic face paint for various meet & greet events. Though the WCW veteran confirmed that 2025 will be his last year of doing so in a new social media post:

    \”I have enjoyed meeting fans at events around the world. As much as I have loved interacting with you all in the traditional Stinger war paint, I’ve decided that 2025 will be my last year appearing in full gear. I guess it’s 2025 or never. Wow. Tough to speak that out.\”

    Sting made his in-ring debut for Tony Khan\’s promotion at the Revolution 2021 event, so his 2024 retirement match brought his run with the company to a full circle. In his 3-year run with the company, the 65-year-old wrestled a total of 29 matches and remained undefeated in the end.

    The former world champion has since signed a legends deal with AEW and he also made an appearance at the 2024 All In: London PPV.

  • Darby Allin: Sting Tried To Talk Me Out Of Mount Everest Climb

    Darby Allin intends to climb Mt. Everest later this year in his biggest risk to date, despite Sting trying to talk him out of the idea. Speaking to Denise Salcedo at the AEW All In: Texas tickets launch event, Allin shared that his friend and former tag team partner wanted him to reconsider the incredibly dangerous climb.

    “He’s tried but he knows that I really want to do it. He’s like, ‘Alright man, if you’re on a vision quest and you want to do something, go do it.’”

    Allin believes the climb will be a \”very humbling experience\” and will serve as a reminder of what he\’s capable of. Allin intends to start his climb in April of this year after plans to climb last year were nixed due to an injury.

    “I’m very excited for that opportunity and very grateful that AEW is letting me do this in the middle of my career.”

    The 29,000-foot mountain is nothing to take lightly. According to Himalayan databases, over 320 people have died attempting to scale the mountain since records began in 1922. Climbers who perish on the mountain are often left there, due to the risks related to removing the body, a sign of their dedication to climbing, and as a somber reminder to others of the dangers of nature. 

    One landmark on Everest is ‘Green Boots,’ which is the body of an unidentified climber on the Northeast Ridge route who is noticeable for his brightly colored boots. While never officially identified, it is believed to be the body of Tsewang Paljor, an Indian member of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police expedition who died as part of a 1996 climbing disaster. 

  • Details on Sting\’s Multi-Year \’Legends\’ Deal With AEW

    Pro wrestling icon Sting recently revealed that he inked a multi-year deal with AEW. Sting hung up his boots at AEW Revolution earlier this year. He teamed up with Darby Allin and defeated The Young Bucks at the show. While he won\’t compete inside the ring, he will continue to stay associated with the promotion.

    Sting addressed his future with AEW in an interview on Kayfabe Friends at the 58th Annual Cauliflower Alley Club Reunion. \’The Icon\’ opened up on signing a new contract with AEW. He further added that he signed a deal similar to WWE\’s Legends Deal. He highlighted that under the contract, he will make appearances from time to time.

    “I signed a multi-year deal with AEW, obviously not to wrestle anymore, but it’s like a licensing deal, a legends deal if you want to call it that. So I’ll do appearances with them on and off, depending on what they want and all.\”

    – Sting

    What Sting is doing after Wrestling

    In addition to this, he expressed his love for real estate. He said that he was into real estate investments before becoming a pro wrestling. He said:

    “I’ve done real estate, I did real estate before I ever was a pro wrestler, so I’ve always loved real estate. A lot of people say, ‘Oh, are you a real estate agent?’ No, I’m not an agent. I’m an investor. I was flipping houses before flipping houses was a term. So I made money in real estate before wrestling, so I’m doing that again, and I love it.”

    – Sting

    Sting\’s latest appearance for AEW took place at the AEW All In: London 2024 pay-per-view back in August. He came to the aid of his former tag-team partner Darby Allin, who was getting set on fire by The Elite.