Top 10 Sting Moments in AEW That Defined His Legendary Run
Top 10 Sting Moments in AEW That Defined His Legendary Run. When Sting made his debut in AEW back in 2020, fans around the world were shocked. Many believed his time in the ring had ended after injuries cut short his WWE run. However, AEW gave the Icon a chance to shine once again. Week after week, he proved that age could not stop his passion for wrestling.
Through his time in AEW, Sting delivered unforgettable matches, emotional promos, and jaw-dropping moments that reminded everyone why he is a legend. From his shocking debut to his final farewell, each moment added another chapter to his incredible story. So, let’s take a look at the top 10 Sting moments in AEW that left fans speechless.
Quick List – Top 10 Sting Moments in AEW
- Debut at Winter Is Coming (Dec 2, 2020)
- In-ring debut at Revolution 2021
- Face-off with Orange Cassidy (July 21, 2021)
- Daredevil dive at Forbidden Door 2022
- Saved by The Great Muta (Sept 23, 2022)
- Joker Sting returns at All In 2023
- Sting teams with Adam Copeland at Full Gear 2023
- Sting and Darby Allin win Tag Titles (Feb 7, 2024)
- Final Dynamite entrance (Feb 28, 2024)
- Retirement match at Revolution 2024
10. The Shocking Debut at Winter Is Coming (December 2, 2020)
Winter Is Coming 2020 was already historic with Kenny Omega’s title win over Jon Moxley. But the night reached legendary status when the lights went out, snow fell on the screen, and Sting appeared on AEW television for the first time. The crowd erupted, and fans at home felt a rush of nostalgia as the Icon returned to TNT after nearly two decades.
Sting walked out with his signature trench coat, bat, and face paint, confronting Cody Rhodes, Darby Allin, and Arn Anderson in silence. The moment sent shockwaves through wrestling, proving AEW could deliver surprises at the highest level. His debut not only honored the past but also signaled that Sting was ready to create new memories in a fresh era.
9. Sting’s In-Ring Debut at Revolution 2021
After months of appearances, Sting finally stepped back into action at Revolution 2021. Teaming with Darby Allin, he faced Brian Cage and Ricky Starks in a cinematic street fight. Many wondered if the Icon could still go after his career-threatening injuries years before. What followed was a thrilling spectacle that mixed gritty action with creative visuals, showcasing Sting’s toughness and Darby’s fearlessness.
The match ended with Sting scoring the pinfall and picking up his first AEW victory. It was more than just a win—it was proof that Sting could still compete at a high level. Fans saw not just a legend living off his past, but a veteran adding to it. This performance reassured everyone that his run in AEW would be memorable, not symbolic.
8. Sting and Orange Cassidy’s Hilarious Face-Off (July 21, 2021)
On AEW Dynamite, fans expected the spotlight to shine on Wheeler Yuta and Darby Allin. However, the real surprise came at ringside. Orange Cassidy and Sting found themselves standing face-to-face, and the crowd held its breath. What followed was pure entertainment, as Cassidy placed his hands in his pockets and delivered his signature lazy kicks. To everyone’s shock, Sting joined in, mimicking Cassidy with his own playful strikes.
The crowd reaction was electric, as laughter and cheers echoed throughout the arena. This short exchange stole the show, overshadowing the actual match. It highlighted Sting’s ability to adapt, showing a fun side of the Icon that fans rarely saw during his career. The moment proved that even a legend known for intensity could embrace AEW’s unique style of humor, making it one of the most memorable segments of 2021.
7. Sting’s Daredevil Dive at Forbidden Door 2022
At the cross-promotional Forbidden Door event in 2022, Sting teamed with Darby Allin and Shingo Takagi to battle The Young Bucks and El Phantasmo. Fans expected hard-hitting action, but no one expected Sting to set the tone with a jaw-dropping dive off the entrance stage. The Icon launched himself onto his opponents in true daredevil fashion, proving that even after years of retirement and serious injuries, he still had the heart of a risk-taker.
The crowd erupted, realizing they were witnessing something special. Sting had been known for wild dives in his past, but this was his first time attempting one in AEW, and it instantly became a highlight of the night. Starting the match with such a bang showed that Sting wasn’t just back for nostalgia—he was here to create new unforgettable memories.
6. Saved by The Great Muta (AEW Rampage, September 23, 2022)
On AEW Rampage, Sting and Darby Allin clashed with the House of Black in a chaotic tag team match. At one point, Buddy Matthews tied Sting to a steel chair and prepared to finish him off. The Icon, instead of panicking, began to laugh. Suddenly, the lights went out. When they came back on, fans were stunned to see The Great Muta—Sting’s legendary rival from Japan—making his entrance.
The crowd was unsure of what would happen next. Would Muta betray Sting, or would history take a surprising turn? To everyone’s shock, Muta sided with Sting and attacked the House of Black. His interference helped Sting and Darby secure the victory, turning the moment into an unforgettable reunion. For longtime fans, it was both nostalgic and surreal to see Muta save the very man he once battled fiercely, cementing this as one of Sting’s most iconic AEW moments.
5. Joker Sting Returns at All In 2023
All In at Wembley Stadium was already a historic night for AEW, but Sting made it even more special. Teaming with Darby Allin, he faced Christian Cage and Swerve Strickland in a wild tag team match. Before the bell even rang, fans were buzzing because of the entrance video. For the first time in years, Sting gave a glimpse of his “Joker Sting” persona, a character that had delivered plenty of bizarre and funny memories back in the mid-2000s.
Marching toward the ring in London, Sting looked energized and ready to perform on UK soil once again. The match delivered big moments, but it was the finish that sent fans home happy. Sting and Darby managed to put Swerve inside a coffin, securing the victory in front of the massive crowd. Between the nostalgic callback to Joker Sting and the big win, this performance stood out as one of his most unique AEW appearances.
4. Sting Gets Rated R at Full Gear 2023
The rivalry with Christian Cage and his allies was stacked against Sting and Darby Allin. Christian had backup in Luchasaurus and Nick Wayne, while Darby kept falling short in his fight for the TNT Championship. At Full Gear 2023, the numbers game looked overwhelming until a shocking ally appeared. Adam Copeland, the Rated R Superstar and lifelong Sting fan, stepped in to even the odds. The moment he joined forces with Sting and Darby felt surreal, blending generations together in one powerful unit.
The entrance alone became unforgettable. Copeland walked out alongside Sting and Darby, sporting face paint as a tribute to his childhood hero. The energy in the arena was electric as the trio marched into battle together. By the end of the night, they stood tall, defeating Christian’s team in a dramatic victory. For Copeland, it was a dream realized, and for Sting, it was another iconic chapter in his AEW run.
3. Sting and Darby Allin Capture the Tag Team Championships (AEW Dynamite Feb 7, 2024)
Since their debut as a team, Sting and Darby Allin had been unstoppable in tag competition. Week after week, they proved to be a perfect blend of youth and experience. Fans kept waiting for the day they would finally get a shot at the AEW Tag Team Championships. That chance came on AEW Dynamite, February 7, 2024, when the undefeated duo stepped into the ring as challengers.
The match carried high expectations, and Sting delivered once again. He fought with the same intensity that defined his legendary career, while Darby flew around the ring with his reckless style. In the end, they claimed the titles, making Sting a champion in AEW for the first time. The victory wasn’t just about gold—it was the crowning moment of their partnership. Together, they walked out as champions, solidifying one of the most successful runs in AEW tag team history.
2. Sting’s Final Dynamite Entrance (February 28, 2024)
Sting’s farewell tour had already been filled with unforgettable moments, but his final appearance on Dynamite took nostalgia to the next level. Just days before his retirement match at Revolution 2024, the Young Bucks attacked Ric Flair, one of Sting’s greatest rivals and closest friends. They also left Darby Allin laid out, waiting for Sting to appear. The stage was set for one last iconic entrance, and Sting did not disappoint.
As his music hit, the Bucks turned to the entrance ramp, but the Icon had other plans. In a throwback to his legendary WCW days, Sting descended from the rafters on a cable, landing directly in the ring. The crowd erupted as he immediately attacked the Young Bucks, giving fans a surreal moment that felt straight out of the 90s. It was his final Dynamite appearance, and it couldn’t have been scripted better.
1. Sting’s Retirement Match at Revolution 2024
Revolution 2024 was a night that wrestling fans will never forget. Sting stepped into his final match, teaming with Darby Allin against The Young Bucks with the AEW Tag Team Championships on the line. The match was pure chaos, filled with tables, chairs, and nonstop action. Darby took one of the most brutal beatings of his career, bleeding heavily and leaving the weight of the match on Sting’s shoulders. The Icon rose to the occasion, delivering a performance that reminded everyone why he is one of the greatest of all time.
Tradition in wrestling often calls for legends to lose their farewell match, but Sting’s story ended differently. In a shocking twist, he and Darby defeated The Young Bucks, allowing Sting to retire as AEW Tag Team Champion. He walked away undefeated in AEW, closing his career on his own terms. It was the perfect ending for a legendary run—one filled with emotion, respect, and moments fans will cherish forever.
Sting’s time in AEW was nothing short of remarkable. From his shocking debut to his breathtaking dives, from emotional reunions to his final retirement match, every moment proved that the Icon still had the passion and power to captivate fans worldwide. His undefeated run in AEW, capped off by retiring as a champion, added a perfect final chapter to one of the greatest careers in professional wrestling. Few legends get to walk away on their own terms, but Sting did so while still performing at an elite level.
For fans who want to keep reliving these incredible memories and stay updated on everything AEW, make sure to check out AEWTalkDown.com for news, articles, and features. You can also join the conversation and watch more great wrestling content on our YouTube channel @AEWTalkDownENG. Don’t miss out as we continue to celebrate the best of All Elite Wrestling.
