Well folks, it looks like Sting, the legend, the myth, the guy with more face paint than a football game in December, is finally kicking back and enjoying the sweet nectar of retirement. After wrapping up his AEW career in March 2024 with a final, glorious victory over The Young Bucks—undefeated, I might add—Sting was supposed to be doing what retired folks do best: mastering the art of lawn chair lounging and perfecting the grill master pose. But wait, there might be one last hurrah before he fully embraces the retired life.
According to the wrestling grapevine—better known as Fightful Select—our favorite vigilante might be packing his bags for a little trip across the pond. Yes, you heard that right! Sting’s been spotted backstage at recent “AEW Collision” episodes in Arlington, Texas, which is surprising because, let’s be real, who leaves Texas in August for anything other than air conditioning? The rumor mill has it that he’s been telling close confidants that London, England, might just be his next destination. And not for fish and chips—although those are good too—but for AEW’s second annual All In extravaganza on August 25.
Now, before you get your hopes up and start painting your face black and white in anticipation, it’s important to note that nothing’s set in stone. Sting could be there to give the lads a pep talk, or maybe he’s just there to make sure Darby Allin doesn’t get too cozy in a coffin match without him. After all, last year, they did take down Christian Cage and Swerve Strickland in one. And this year, Allin’s got his hands full with Jack Perry for the TNT Championship, which means Sting’s presence, even backstage, could be the ultimate psychological warfare. Or he’s there to remind everyone how much cooler retirement is.
As for his future in AEW, Sting and Tony Khan seem to be in perfect harmony, like peanut butter and jelly or Tony and his spreadsheets. Khan has been more vocal about keeping Sting around than a wrestling fan with a Twitter account. But Sting’s not interested in being a full-time manager or commentator—after all, why would he tie himself down when he could be basking in the retirement glow?
So, will Sting grace the Wembley crowd with his presence? Will he make an on-camera appearance, or just keep the young whippersnappers in line backstage? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—wherever he goes, he’ll be the coolest cat in the room, face paint or not.