Whether as “Surfer Sting” walking down the aisle in his colorful tights and face paint or as “Crow Sting” ziplining down from the rafters, pro wrestling icon Sting has always known how to make an entrance. His best entrance, however, may have occurred before his final match.
Best remembered for his run in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in the 1990s, Sting has spent the last 3 years in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Sting, real name Steve Borden, turns 65 years old this month. He decided late last year that it was time to hang up his wrestling boots for good.
Knowing this would be a big moment for fans, AEW went all out for his retirement match. His final entrance included his two sons, Garrett and Steven Borden, donning iconic Sting looks from various eras of his career.
What an awesome entrance for Sting last night at #AEWRevolution!
— Fog Jones (@TheFogJones) March 4, 2024
Must’ve been so great having his two sons with him, each dressed as a different variant of his characters over the years.
Can’t wait to watch the replay later.
(AEW IG) pic.twitter.com/s6CwyEJy5s
Sting Makes Big Entrance in Final AEW Match Before Retirement
Sting teamed up with Darby Allin, who is 34 years his junior, in his final pro wrestling bout. The two faced off against The Young Bucks in what was 20 minutes of chaotic, nonstop action.
Allin took perhaps the biggest bump of the match. He dove off a ladder to the floor, crashing through a glass panel, suffering dozens and dozens of cuts in the process. But The Stinger didn’t hold back, either. He also took part in a few wreckless spots, including going through a glass panel face-first himself.
I’m Still So Amazed By His Work Ethic! Much Respect @DarbyAllin! 💪🏻 WOOOOO! @AEW pic.twitter.com/AuzUA43RiQ
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) March 5, 2024
After the match ended, Sting was humbled by the reaction of the live crowd in Greensboro, North Carolina, a town he had been wrestling in since the late 1980s. In a press conference after the event, he thanked the live crowd for the warm response. He also thanked Tony Khan, owner of AEW, for allowing his two sons to be a part of his fitting sendoff.
“All three of my kids are texting me constantly. All the things that they’re writing to me about what I’m doing and how cool they think it is. And it’s almost like strengthening our relationship even more. This whole thing, it’s very cool, so I love having them involved. It’s just been a great experience and what a way to end it, you know.”
Sting backstage with his sons and Darby just before the match. 🔥🔥🔥#AEWRevolution pic.twitter.com/Ee8Uudne96
— 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐕𝐞𝐧 (@WrestlingCovers) March 4, 2024
