AEW President and CEO Tony Khan witnessed a remarkable moment this week as The Icon Sting made his surprise return in Philadelphia. The WWE Hall of Famer stepped back into the wrestling spotlight for the first time since retiring in 2024, captivating fans during AEW’s Collision taping at the 2300 Arena.
The event featured a special tribute to the late “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert, a beloved performer from the 1970s and 1980s, known as The King of Philly. Sting’s appearance honored Gilbert’s legacy and reintroduced him to AEW audiences after his retirement match at the 2024 Revolution pay-per-view.
Tony Khan Expresses Gratitude to Wrestling Legends for Tribute Participation
After the taping, Tony Khan shared his appreciation on social media, thanking those involved in the tribute. Among the attendees were Sting and fellow wrestling figure Jeff Jarrett, alongside Eddie Gilbert’s family and other wrestling veterans.
“Thank you to the fans in the 2300 Arena tonight + thank you @RealDougGilbert+ @realtommyrich+ @RealJeffJarrett+ The Icon @Sting for joining us tonight after the AEW tv taping and participating in a tribute to The King of Philadelphia, the late great “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert!”
This acknowledgment highlighted the significance of preserving wrestling history while celebrating the impact of Philadelphia’s wrestling culture through AEW’s platform.
Tony Khan Updates Fans on Chris Jericho’s Future in AEW
Among other developments, Tony Khan addressed the ongoing absence of Chris Jericho, a leading star in AEW. Speculation about Jericho potentially leaving for WWE had circulated, but Jericho recently confirmed he is currently staying with AEW, leaving open the possibility of a future WWE return.
When asked about Jericho’s television comeback, Khan chose to keep fans guessing, emphasizing the unpredictability and surprises that make AEW programming exciting.
“Well, I think you got to stay tuned to the show. That’s one of the reasons you watch the wrestling show is to see the returns, and we just talked at the beginning of the call about, you know, keeping secrets and stuff like that, so I think stay tuned,” he said.
With Khan’s guarded optimism, fans must wait to see when Jericho will resurface on AEW screens, adding to the air of anticipation surrounding AEW talent movements.
Philadelphia Event Strengthens AEW’s Connection to Wrestling Heritage
The blending of Sting’s return with a tribute to a key wrestling figure underscores AEW’s effort to honor the sport’s rich past while building excitement for the future. Tony Khan on Sting AEW return reflects the promotion’s commitment to featuring legendary talent and creating memorable moments for fans.
This event in Pennsylvania’s historic wrestling venue reinforces AEW’s strategy to meld nostalgia with fresh storylines, ensuring continued engagement as the company moves forward in its competitive landscape.
