Sting & Darby Allin vs. The Young Bucks in a Tornado Tag Team match, serving as Sting’s retirement match, took place in the main event of the AEW Revolution 2024 pay-per-view event, with the babyfaces retaining the AEW Tag Team Titles.
On a recent edition of his “Tuesday with The Taskmaster” podcast, former WCW booker Kevin Sullivan shared his experience working with Sting in WCW, and critiqued WWE for mistreating The Icon.
Sullivan said, “The dealings I had with him was he [always had] good input. He cared. And this is how things get out there and then somebody tells it again. They’ve never been around, they don’t know. This guy never took a night off, worked very hard, I mean, and the first time he got a break, he worked 45 minutes with Ric. The only thing I questioned was when he went to WWE. What was that all about? I mean, why did they beat him like a drum?”
On a recent edition of the “Talk Is Jericho” podcast, AEW wrestler Will Ospreay discussed how he found his footing in NJPW following The Elite’s departure from the Bushiroad promotion.
Ospreay said, “I feel like I finally found my footing in 2019 when Kenny [Omega] left, and the [Young] Bucks left, and Cody [Rhodes] left, obviously to set up AEW, and then obviously myself and Jay [White] stepped in, I found my footing when I wrestled Shingo [Takagi] in the Super Juniors.”
Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks left NJPW to form AEW in early 2019.
In a recent main event match at the AEW Revolution 2024 pay-per-view event, Sting and Darby Allin faced off against The Young Bucks in a Tornado Tag Team match. This match was particularly significant as it served as Sting’s retirement match, and the babyfaces were able to retain the AEW Tag Team Titles.
The significance of this match goes beyond just the in-ring action. It symbolizes the impact that Sting has had on the world of professional wrestling throughout his career. Sting, also known as “The Icon,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. His contributions to the industry, particularly during his time in WCW, have left a lasting legacy.
Speaking of his time working with Sting in WCW, former WCW booker Kevin Sullivan shared his experience and praised Sting for his dedication and hard work. Sullivan emphasized that Sting always had good input and cared deeply about his craft. He highlighted Sting’s work ethic, mentioning that he never took a night off and worked tirelessly to deliver memorable matches. Sullivan also questioned WWE’s treatment of Sting when he joined the company, expressing confusion as to why they “beat him like a drum.”
This sentiment is echoed by many fans and industry insiders who believe that WWE mishandled Sting during his tenure with the company. Despite his legendary status, Sting’s run in WWE was marred by questionable booking decisions and an underwhelming feud with Triple H. Many feel that WWE failed to capitalize on Sting’s potential and did not give him the proper send-off he deserved.
On a different note, AEW wrestler Will Ospreay recently discussed how he found his footing in NJPW after The Elite, which includes The Young Bucks, Kenny Omega, and Cody Rhodes, left the promotion to establish AEW. Ospreay explained that he finally found his stride in 2019 when he wrestled Shingo Takagi in the Super Juniors tournament. This marked a turning point in Ospreay’s career, as he was able to step up and fill the void left by the departing Elite members.
The departure of The Elite from NJPW in early 2019 was a significant moment in the wrestling landscape. It not only led to the formation of AEW but also created opportunities for other wrestlers to rise to prominence. Ospreay’s comments highlight the impact that The Elite’s departure had on his own career and how it allowed him to establish himself as a top talent in NJPW.
Overall, the Sting and Darby Allin vs. The Young Bucks match at AEW Revolution 2024 was a memorable event that marked the end of Sting’s in-ring career. It served as a reminder of Sting’s contributions to professional wrestling and sparked discussions about his treatment in WWE. Additionally, Will Ospreay’s comments shed light on the impact of The Elite’s departure from NJPW and how it opened doors for other wrestlers to shine. These events continue to shape the ever-evolving landscape of professional wrestling.