More has come out regarding Sting’s final match.
On Sunday, the wrestling world watched on as The Icon Sting finished his legendary career. He and Darby Allin’s AEW World Tag Team Title defence against The Young Bucks went on last at the Greensboro Coliseum and the match itself was an epic encounter worthy of being the last chapter in Sting’s career.
Per Sports Illustrated, we now have more information on how the match came together. In particular, touching on the infamous spot in which Darby executed a Swanton off of a ladder through glass, it’s said that a second finish was planned in case Allin couldn’t take further part in the match.
“Adding to an extremely dangerous spot is that glass, clearly, is unpredictable. But, multiple people confirmed, that was the one spot Darby wanted above all. There was a Plan B with a different finish in the event he could not return to the match, which turned out to be no more than a precaution.”
-Sports Illustrated
Expanding on this, it’s said that, once the spot was confirmed, extra precautions were understandably placed. An earlier rehearsal time was set and it was ensured that everyone knew exactly where to place the objects for the spot to have the best chance of success.
“Once it was determined that Darby would make the jump, safety measures were applied. A rehearsal occurred earlier than usual in the day, and a stunt coordinator instructed how to place the items and reviewed the proper protocols. There were also nearby doctors anticipating the spot, and they were on high alert. And had Darby not been able to return to the match, the Bucks were prepared to call an alternate finish.”
-Sports Illustrated
Many were surprised to see Sting and Darby retain their AEW World Tag Team Titles at Revolution, particularly as retiring stars usually lose on the way out. However, it’s believed that it was ‘imperative’ for Tony Khan that Sting end his career on a win.
It’s noted that The Icon himself would’ve rather The Young Bucks be given the win, but the 64-year-old ended up the only one pushing for a title change, and, as such, he finished as champion.
“For those involved in the construction of the match, including CEO/GM/Head of Creative Tony Khan, it was imperative that Sting win. One of the only dissenting voices about the finish was Sting. He preferred to give the moment and momentum to the Bucks, who he holds in extremely high esteem. But that simply was not going to happen as Khan and the Bucks, who are Executive Vice Presidents in the company, all firmly believed that Sting should end his career with a victory. Khan, the Bucks, and Sting ultimately agreed that a fun, happy ending would be best for AEW.”
-Sports Illustrated
It was certainly an emotional night for all, and that was even more evident when Sting took the mic after his victory in order to address the fans for one last time. Unfortunately for those at home, the pay-per-view feed cut off before he’d finished, but Sports Illustrated note that the feeling of gratitude did not fade and some backstage were even reluctant to leave the Greensboro Coliseum and let the night end.
“After the pay-per-view went off the air with Sting holding a microphone in his hand, the congratulations extended into the back. All the major players were thrilled, and the only issue backstage became people not wanting to leave the building in fear that the feeling they had all experienced would fade.”
-Sports Illustrated
Sting’s absence will certainly be felt now he has entered retirement, but there’s no doubting that the match with The Young Bucks at AEW Revolution was a perfect way to go out. His win also means that he ends his time in All Elite Wrestling with a perfect record, taking no losses since signing for Tony Khan.
