Sting revealed that Tony Kahn had persuaded him to join AEW.
Alongside Tony Karn and Tony Shearbone, Icon spoke to Screenlant with a detailed article about AEW Dynamite defeating WCW Nitro in recent times to become the longest running wrestling show in Turner broadcast history.
During the interview, Sting discussed how AEW gave him the opportunity to end his career on his own terms. This was important for wrestling veterans after his WWE run suddenly ended, following the 2015 night match against Champions Match and Seth Rollins. The former WCW star suffered a neck injury in the match.
Later, the wrestling veteran thought it was the end of his legendary career, as a promotion run by Vince McMahon did not clear him for his return.
“It seems there has been a recurring theme that has happened to me several times over the years, and it is always tied to WWE, and it has to do with disappearing between my legs and speaking, so to speak.
I compensated it and decided about it, but I was fine. But I got a call from Tony Kahn and Cody. Cody Rhodes also called me and just said, and Tony said, “Hey, would you like to go back and play for a while?”
Feels like WCW: Sting
Despite receiving a call from AEW, Sting didn’t jump at the opportunity right away. His WWE deal ended in May 2020, but he did not make his AEW debut until December that year. The 66-year-old explained that he wasn’t sure the fans and young wrestlers in promotion would want to meet him, and he needed convincing from Tony Kahn before he said yes:
“Tony was sure the fans would go crazy on top of that. He built up confidence. I had a great conversation with him. I saw some of the talent there and started paying attention, like Derby Allyn.
Sting’s three-year run will ultimately be a huge success for both the company and the wrestling performer. The WCW veteran helped his recognition among lost fans gain a dedicated fan base, but ended his career in his tenure.
