AEW President Tony Khan recently shared his admiration for Sting’s remarkable career and his final moments in AEW, describing it as the greatest send-off in wrestling history. Khan made these comments while discussing Sting’s retirement earlier this year at AEW Revolution, where Sting teamed with Darby Allin to defeat The Young Bucks for the World Tag Team Championship.
Reflecting on Sting’s Retirement Match at AEW Revolution
Khan highlighted the significance of Sting’s last match, emphasizing the intensity and drama of the tag team championship bout. He stated that Sting gave wrestling fans a retirement match that stands out above all others.
Sting had the greatest send-off, in my opinion, of any wrestler ever,
Khan said.
Sting and Darby Allin versus The Young Bucks for the World Tag Team Championship at AEW Revolution, I think, is the greatest retirement match ever.
Drawing a Parallel Between Sting and Tom Cruise’s Career Resurgence
In a striking comparison, Khan likened Sting’s daring performances late in his career to the fearless stunts performed by Hollywood star Tom Cruise. Both men maintained high levels of physicality and excitement well into their 60s, inspiring fans in their respective fields.
Sting, to me, is like the Tom Cruise of professional wrestling,
Khan explained.
You know how Tom Cruise, in recent years, has become this insane stunt man, the greatest stunt actor of all time — that was Sting in his final years. Everybody who’s ever watched a movie knows Tom Cruise. Everybody who’s ever watched a wrestling match knows Sting.
And they both, into their 60s, kind of still look the same. They both went really hard and became crazy stunt men, and did, I think, the best work of their career into their 60s.
Sting’s Post-Retirement Role and Upcoming Appearances
Though Sting officially retired from active wrestling following AEW Revolution, he remains connected with AEW in a non-wrestling capacity. Fans can also look forward to his presence at Starrcast weekend in Texas ahead of AEW All In: Texas, where he is scheduled to make appearances.
The Ongoing Legacy of Sting in AEW and Wrestling History
Tony Khan’s recognition of Sting’s career and retirement match underscores the enduring impact of The Icon on professional wrestling. By comparing Sting to an internationally recognized film star like Tom Cruise, Khan highlights the wrestler’s legendary status and ability to captivate audiences with high-risk performances late in his career. Sting’s send-off at AEW Revolution will likely remain a benchmark for retirement matches, while his continued involvement with AEW keeps his legacy active in the wrestling world.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Tony Khan a billionaire?
A. As stated by Forbes, Shahid Khan, Tony Khan’s father, has a wealth exceeding $12 billion. Although Tony Khan’s exact net worth isn’t publicly shared, it is estimated at about $1.5 billion due to his ownership of AEW.
