Tony Khan has made clear that Ricky Starks is still “All Elite.”
Starks has not been seen on television since losing the AEW World Tag Team Titles to Sting and Darby Allin.This weekend rumors surfaced that Starks contract with AEW was set to expire, and that he could be headed to WWE soon.
During the post AEW Revolution press conference, Tony Khan confirmed that the wrestling star was not a free agent just yet. Khan said he was completely unaware of the reports but did note that Starks was absolutely still with the company:
“No, Ricky’s definitely still under contract in AEW so I haven’t seen that but obviously we were doing Revolution today so it came out very good.
“Ricky was a big part of Sting’s run. He was Sting’s first match in AEW teaming with Brian Cage against Darby and Sting at Revolution three years ago and then to come back here three years later, of course Ricky and Big Bill, I’m very grateful.”
Khan said Starks and Big Bill were great tag team champions and mentioned how thankful he was for what Starks has done for Sting.
“I’m very excited about having him here. He’s definitely a part of AEW.”
While TK confirmed that Starks has not left AEW yet, there is no shortage of speculations about his future when the former champion’s contract finally comes up.
There is a very good possibility that Ricky Starks can make the leap to WWE considering he is close friends with Cody Rhodes and it was actually “The American Nightmare” who recruited Ricky to AEW after his time with the NWA.
You can check out the full Revolution media scrum below:
Will Ospreay wrestled his first match in AEW as a full-time talent at AEW Revolution 2024 and showed the world why he is considered one of the best in ring talent in all of wrestling. People are already calling his fight with Konosuke Takeshita a match of the year contender and Ospreay is aware that he has set the bar pretty high for himself.
The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion took part in the post-Revolution media scrum after his big win. When asked how he’s feeling after the bout, Ospreay praised Takeshita and mentioned that he’s got a lot of work to do now:
“I mean I’ve got a lot to top now, haven’t I? Once again, I can’t do those type of matches without a great partner to do it with. Takeshita is every bit as good as Will Ospreay. Just on that night I was just better, pure and simple. But look at the move that I had to put him away with – the tiger driver.
I keep saying this so much the tiger driver 91 is the most dangerous move in wrestling. It was used back in the day by Mitsuharu Misawa. It is one of the most dangerous moves in wrestling. Some guys were able to kind of figure out a way of getting out of it but it’s complete pressure on your neck man. It’s a sheer drop. I won’t be surprised if in five months’ time people will be like ‘Hey you can’t do that move anymore'”
Most Dangerous Man In Wrestling: Will Ospreay
Will Ospreay noted that he is a very lovely man outside of the ring. When it comes to wrestling, however, the former champion claimed that he is ‘a mean motherfucker’:
But this is what I bring to the table man. I’m one of the most dangerous professional wrestlers in the world. I’m a lovely man. I’ll walk your mom across the street any day of the week. I will happily give you a cuddle if you are ever feeling sad. I’m always a good shoulder to cry on and I will look after you till the day I die but I am one mean motherfucker when I want to be.
That’s all I care about man. This is the first PPV of AEW this year, 2024. Right so we got Dynasty, we’ve got Forbidden Door, Double or Nothing, All In, All Out, WrestleDream, Full Gear, and Worlds End. That’s the first one. Like I said, the most dangerous man in wrestling right now bruv.”
Darby Allin will begin his most dangerous stunt to date later this month when the AEW star attempts to reach the summit of the imposing Mt. Everest.
Last May, Allin shared his intentions to climb Mt. Everest, in the latest escalation of his out-of-the-ring death-defying stunts. The following month, he declared that not only would he scale the mountain, but he would proudly place a flag bearing the logo of AEW on the summit.
Darby Allin on Mt. Everest
At AEW Revolution 2024, Allin and Sting retained the AEW World Tag Team Championships in the main event of the show. Allin, as expected, held nothing back in the match and displayed the caution-to-the-wind attitude that has made him a hit with fans. One particular dangerous spot saw Allin sent off a ladder through panes of glass.
On the AEW Revolution 2024 media scrum, Allin felt it was important to let fans know he’s still alive after the spot.
“I wanted to come here to let people know I was still alive. I was in the middle of getting stitched up, but I wanted to show everybody that the doctors are on top of it, I’m still breathing. I feel fine, and as long as Flair, Steamboat, Sting, the Bucks, everybody else feels fine, then we’re beautiful.”
Allin then discussed his plans to climb Everest and said he will start for the summit within a matter of weeks.
“I talked to the doctors. They gave me a doctor’s note to climb Mount Everest. I leave on March 27.”
The Dangers of Everest
According to Himalayan databases, at least 322 people have died attempting to scale the mountain since records began in 1922. Climbers who perish on the mountain are often left there, due to the risks related to removing the body, a sign of their dedication to climbing, and as a somber reminder to others of the dangers of nature.
One landmark on Everest is ‘Green Boots,’ which is the body of an unidentified climber on the Northeast Ridge route who is noticeable for his brightly colored boots. While never officially identified, it is believed to be the body of Tsewang Paljor, an Indian member of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police expedition who died as part of a 1996 climbing disaster.
One part of the mountain has been named ‘Rainbow Valley’ in reference to the bodies of deceased climbers still wearing bright thermal clothing.
For the use of quotes, please give an H/T to SE Scoops.
Samoa Joe says locker room troubles in AEW are a thing of past and this is a different AEW under his reign.
The AEW World Heavyweight Champion took part in the post-Revolution media scrum after successfully defending his title against Swerve Strickland and Hangman Page in a triple threat match at the show.
During the interview, he was asked about Swerve making fun of his commentary stint in WWE, and if he ever doubted he would be competing at this level again. The AEW star replied negatively, explaining that it was all about taking the time to heal properly:
“No, because obviously, I was planning and taking the time to recover so that I could be back here at this capacity, competing at this level. Far too many dumber athletes in this industry don’t take the time to heal, don’t bet on themselves and say, ‘Hey, listen, I’m gonna step away from things a little bit. And I’m going to come back, not 90%, not 80%, 110’%’
I took that time and I came back 110%. Now I’m AEW world champion. So this is just indicative of me understanding what I need to do to get things done. I’m playing this on a very different level than everybody else. Everybody else out here just hoping they get their shot. Hoping they’re doing things. I’m planning dynasties. It starts with me, and that’s not going to change anytime soon.
They’re playing checkers. I’m out here playing chess. It’s totally different game. That time doing commentary in ponchos, I still a millionaire. I don’t know what he’s talking about. He may not like that, but hey, that guy on the poncho just whipped his ass tonight and is still world champion. So I mean, you tell me, you tell me who’s running things around here?”
Samoa Joe Comments On Locker Room Issues In AEW
Samoa Joe was also asked about the many backstage issues that plagued AEW in 2023 and how are things now. The heavyweight star mentioned that there is genuine excitement in the locker room that has not been felt in a long time:
“I think you summed it up perfectly, that was last year. This is the AEW underneath my reign. As far as our locker room community and stuff, I don’t think it’s ever been tighter. I don’t think it’s ever been better. There’s a enthusiasm backstage that is infectious.
It’s because we have so much new talent. We have so many new opportunities to go out there and entertain the crowd with the people that we have at our disposal. There’s just genuine excitement among the locker room. I think it’s been a long time since the spirit has been felt here. I’m very much looking forward to where this leads us in the future.”
Some of the most legendary names in pro wrestling descended on Greensboro, NC last night to watch the final match of the Icon known as Sting.
In the main event of the show, Sting and Darby Allin retained the AEW World Tag Team Championships against Matthew and Nicholas Jackson, who with their heel term have ditched their Young Bucks moniker. This win means that Sting will end his AEW career undefeated. After the show, Sting spoke passionately to the fans in attendance and was grateful for all the support he has been shown during his retirement tour and throughout his professional wrestling career.
Wrestling Legends at AEW Revolution 2024
Given the influence of Sting’s career on pro wrestling, it was fitting that some legends of the mat made the trip to Greensboro to support the legend. In the crowd during AEW Revolution 2024, fans could spot Magnum TA, Nikita Koloff, and Scotty Riggs.
Ric Flair was also at AEW Revolution 2024. Flair has been a key component of Sting’s retirement tour since joining AEW last year. Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat and Lex Luger were also reported to have been in attendance.
The AEW World Tag Team Championships have been vacated now that Sting has retired from the ring. A tournament will determine the next team to hold the gold.
Sting’s final wrestling match was a spectacle to behold at AEW Revolution 2024, and the Icon didn’t want to end his career against anyone other than the Young Bucks.
In the weeks leading up to AEW Revolution 2024, much was said about the Jackson brothers being given the honor of being Sting’s final opponents. Some believed a singles match should have marked the end of Sting’s career, possibly against Allin. The more cynical of fans argued that the Jacksons were inserting themselves into a storyline they didn’t need to be a part of.
Sting on Matthew & Nicholas Jackson
Sting was allowed a ton of say over his final match; a sign of respect and appreciation from Tony Khan. Sitting down with Sports Illustrated, Sting made clear that he chose to face the brothers, not the other way around.
“Whose choice was it? It was mine. Matt and Nick, they deserve everything good that’s coming at them. I didn’t want to do this last hurrah with anyone else.”
The Icon added that he doesn’t care about “rumors” that are spread about the AEW EVPs and reiterated that he has immense respect for the brothers.
“I don’t see any flaws in these guys in the ring… They consider AEW as a whole and what’s best for their opponents. I have so much respect for these guys.”
With Sting being such an inspiration to wrestlers, it’s hardly a surprise that many in the industry have paid tribute to the legend. On Twitter, Heath shared a selfie with the WWE Hall of Famer.
AEW commentator Jim Ross was appreciative to Tony Khan that he was able to call Sting’s final match. JR had a blast working with Tony Schiavone and Excalibur.
Stokely Hathaway used a gif of Darby Allin’s dive through a pane of glass, saying it was akin to Sean Kingston when he saw a beautiful girl. The song of the same name by Kingston includes the lyrics “You’ll have me suicidal, suicidal.”
Sting went through many different phases in his almost 4 decades-long wrestling career. One such phase that came very early in his run was his tag team with Jim “Justice” Hellwig, who would later become known as the Ultimate Warrior.
Teaming with Warrior got The Icon some of his early opportunities in wrestling but according to the wrestling veteran himself, it could have also killed him.
The former champion took part in the media scrum following his retirement match at AEW Revolution 2024 where he talked about the different stops of his career. Answering a question about his time with Ultimate Warrior, Sting mentioned how they got opportunities because they looked pretty intimidating together:
“I think it was definitely good that we were both together to begin with, because, he just, he looked like a freak. I was 265 pounds and I looked like a little kid compared to him. But both of us together were pretty intimidating. And you know, we had a lot of people saying, ‘Maybelline Road Warriors,’ I don’t know if you remember any of that. But yeah. But we thought who cares? You know, we get a match with the Road Warriors, we hit the big time.”
Sting Comments On Past Steroid Usage
The former WCW Champion then mentioned that while they were meant to start together, the tag team wasn’t meant to last long. According to Sting, the duo would have killed each other due to steroid abuse if they stayed together:
“So, but you know, I think it was good that we ended up splitting up it was good that he went his way and I went mine. We were not meant to be together. We were meant to start together and it got us in the door for sure.
But he needed to be on his own and I needed to be…we were gonna kill each other, literally on the road. Two roided out young man. That’s what it was then. Two roided out guys. Just shooting straight here. That stopped in 1990 for me, so yeah. It didn’t stop for him, but it stopped for me.”
Ultimate Warrior sadly passed away at the age of 54 back in April 8, 2014, only three days after his induction into WWE Hall of Fame. An autopsy confirmed that the legend died of a heart attack caused by atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
All Elite Wrestling’s ever-growing pay-per-view schedule will stretch even further this year following the announcement of AEW Dynasty.
During Sunday’s AEW Revolution 2024 PPV from Greensboro, North Carolina, the promotion announced a new event, AEW Dynasty, will take place on April 21, from St Louis, Missouri at the Chaifetz Arena. Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 8 at Ticketmaster, with a limited pre-sale being held Wednesday, 3/6.
AEW filed a trademark for the Dynasty term in late February. With talk of AEW expanding its annual PPV calendar to nine events, wrestling fans who follow the news cycle closely made the connection that Dynasty might be a new AEW PPV.
AEW’s Updated PPV List
All Elite Wrestling launched with a quarterly PPV schedule including Revolution, Double or Nothing, All Out and Full Gear.
In 2022, AEW added the NJPW crossover event Forbidden Door tot he schedule. Last year, we saw the additions of All In, WrestleDream and Worlds End.
Dynasty bridges the gap between AEW’s Revolution event that takes place in March and Double or Nothing that happens each May. The arrival of AEW Dynasty brings the number of annual events in Tony Khan’s company to nine, over double the original number of shows:
Revolution
Dynasty
Double or Nothing
Forbidden Door
All In
All Out
WrestleDream
Full Gear
Worlds End
Wrestling in St. Louis
AEW Dynasty will mark the first AEW pay-per-view to take place in the city of St Louis. AEW has hosted four shows from St Louis, including two episodes of AEW Rampage and an episode of AEW Dark.
The March 29, 2023, edition of AEW Dynamite took place in St Louis. The show saw the AEW International and IWGP United States Heavyweight Championships on the line with Orange Cassidy and Kenny Omega retaining against The Butcher and Jeff Cobb respectively. The main event saw Adam Cole defeat Daniel Garcia in the Undisputed Kingdom leader’s first match in close to a year following a serious concussion.
Sting had one of the greatest farewells in the history of wrestling at AEW Revolution 2024. After his retirement match, there are lot of questions about his future with the company and according to The Icon himself, he’ll make a decision after having a talk with Tony Khan about it.
The wrestling veteran alongside his partner Darby Allin appeared on the post-Revolution media scrum after the brutal retirement match. During the interview he was asked about his future with the company.
The former world champion mentioned that he doesn’t want to be a manager or an agent. So he’s going to have to talk to the AEW President to see what else can he offer to the promotion:
“Tony has mentioned me staying on board in some form or fashion, we haven’t really worked anything out there yet, but I’m sure we’ll have some kind of conversation. I am saying ‘maybe.’ We’ll see what happens. I have no interest in you know, being a manager or an agent. I don’t want to do any of that kind of stuff. So I don’t, I’m not sure what I can offer.”
After Sting’s comments, Tony Khan took the lead and claimed that Sting is the greatest legend that has ever performed in AEW. He noted that the door is always open for his return and they’d love to have the legend around in some capacity:
“Well, you are one of the greatest legends, certainly the greatest legend ever in AEW and I think one of the greatest wrestlers, if not the greatest wrestler of all time. Nobody’s ever had a career that has spanned more than yours.
And what you’ve done for us here, we’re all in your debt. So please, not only is the door always welcome and open for you, but I hope you will be back. Like I’ve said, we’ll figure it out. We want you here.”
Sting then reiterated that they will have a chat about his future with the company after tonight. It’s very likely that we will see Sting on AEW programming again in the future.
AEW Revolution went off the air, with Sting and Darby Allin celebrating as champions. That was quite a moment, but there is more in store. The sad part is that Sting’s legendary career is certainly over at this point.
Sting has officially retired from wrestling, wrapping up his career as a tag team champion. You can click here for highlights from the big match.
A new report from Sean Ross Sapp on Fightful Select shed new light on what is next. Of course, the company needs to deal with their tag team title situation, but this is all a part of the plan.
Currently, the plan is to resolve the tag team title situation promptly. However, Darby Allin isn’t anticipated to retain the titles with a new partner. AEW sources indicated to the outlet that the decision for the Young Bucks to emerge without securing victory was made weeks ago, but they were intended to remain closely involved in the tag team title scene.
All Elite Wrestling and Tony Khan were insistent on Sting concluding his career on a high note, holding a championship. The management at AEW has consistently emphasized the importance of appropriately honoring Sting.
AEW Revolution Main Event
Although it was teased that Sting’s last match wouldn’t main event Revolution, the idea of Sting headlining and main eventing the show had been in the works virtually since the moment of his retirement announcement. He also reportedly played a significant role in selecting the Young Bucks as his final opponents, as previously reported. The event’s location was also changed from the originally planned Midwest location to better accommodate Sting’s retirement, although efforts are underway to rectify this for Midwest fans.
During the recent event, there were several individuals vying to obtain one of the bats hanging backstage as a memento. Additionally, some talent was getting items signed by Sting at last week’s show.
THANK YOU STING! – From the entire wrestling world.
Notably, Lex Luger, Ricky Steamboat, Scotty Riggs, and several others were present backstage to support Sting and were not kept out of view before the AEW Revolution show.
Following Sting’s indication to his sons, they walked alongside the ramp to the backstage area. They returned after the show for Sting’s off-air speech. Tony Khan was brought out and thanked by Sting, with the entire roster joining on the ramp to bid farewell to Sting. Darby jokingly mentioned that he had to leave for the hospital.
As of right now, there have been no announcements regarding additional dates for Sting. It appears that he is now officially retired, but you also can never say never in pro wrestling.
Sting put his heart out for his final wrestling match at AEW Revolution 2024 and there was no one in the Greensboro Coliseum that wasn’t emotional after the brutal tag team main event.
As promised, both The Icon and his partner Darby Allin held nothing back for this retirement match and there were many spots in the match where audible gasps could be heard from the crowd in the arena.
At the end, however, Sting managed to overcome the odds one final time. Once Darby recovered from a brutal dive spot, he took out Nicholas. After a Scorpion Death Drop on Matthew, Allin hit the Coffin Drop. Sting then locked the AEW EVP in the Scorpion Deathlock one final time to pick up the victory.
The wrestling legend celebrated this final victory before addressing an emotional crowd. He thanked the people in the Greensboro Coliseum while remembering his history in the arena.
“I’ve been thanking you all since March of 1988. Nature Boy- Sting 45-minute draw for the world title. Thank you Ric. I don’t even know if Ric is still here but Thank you Ric. Greensboro, you were incredibly in ’88 and beyond. All the way to this very night.
I’ve been saying in all kinds of interviews, I just want this to be a night that wrestling fans will not forget. A night of wrestling that will be etched in your minds for years to come. And it is me that is saying that this is a night I will never forget. Thank you, Greensboro. You are awesome.
Sting also put over Darby Allin as the best tag team partner he has ever had before mentioning how they both are daredevils:
“This is definitely a time to give thanks for sure. Thank you to the greatest tag team partner I’ve ever had – Darby Allin. I wonder how many stitches this is gonna require tonight. I knew it from the very first time I saw Darby in action he is a risk-taker. I was a risk taker in my young days and you know what I’m kind of old now but I’m still a risk taker, especially if I’m here in Greensboro.”
What Happened With Sting After AEW Revolution 2024 Went Off Air
The Icon then called out both his sons who were dressed as classic Sting into the ring. He finally asked Tony Khan to come on too and mentioned how all this wouldn’t have been possible without the AEW president:
“I was hoping that this night would be surreal in many ways. The video package that you saw before we got to the ring and to see – this is the exact boots, tights, and jacket that I wore way back when, against the nature boy. And then in later years we got some cool Wolfpac Sting going on right here. We’re off the air now so I can do that.
You know what Greensboro? You still got it. I just don’t have any words other than to say thank you, I love you all so much. Yeah, you know what, I would like to call another very important personal. It wouldn’t be possible without Tony Khan. Tony, this is my last night so I can say – Tony hustle. come on.”
Darby Allin addressed the crowd one more time after Sting’s promo. He thanked Tony Khan and the crowd for giving Sting the flowers he deserved before leaving for the hospital:
“I really don’t know what else there is to say, I really don’t. The fact that Tony Khan felt that Sting deserved this and you guys gave it to him, and he performed. He said that he was gonna leave absolutely nothing left in this ring by the end of the night. I hope you felt you got your money’s worth. “
After this promo, the whole of the AEW roster came onto the stage to applaud Sting again and the night ended with everyone joining in to celebrate the Icon one more time.
You can check out Sting’s full uncut address after Revolution 2024 below:
Sting wrestled his final match at AEW Revolution, and it was quite a historic event. The North Carolina crowd was into the match for the entire contest, and there was a lot to take in.
Sting received an amazing entrance, first with a short movie called The Final Showtime, where The Icon sat in an empty movie theater and watched some career highlights, and then both Surfer Sting and Wolfpac Sting received love during his final entrance on pay-per-view. That was only the intros.
The Young Bucks took on Darby Allin and Sting in the main event with the AEW World Tag Team Titles on the line. This match pulled no punches, spilling out into the arena, and weapons were also heavily involved in the tornado tag team match.
Darby Allin took a brutal bump through glass off a ladder, and that left Sting to fend for himself. Ric Flair also got involved, as he tried to protect him. Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, who was guest timekeeper, also got into the action there.
Sting hulked up against The Young Bucks, and he tried to close the deal, but could not pull off a win with the Scorpion Death Drop. Then Sting kicked out of an EVP Trigger, and then he kicked out at the one-count after a second EVP Trigger.
The Icon was ready to take more abuse, and the crowd was all behind him. The Young Bucks then set Sting up for the TK Driver, which is the re-named Meltzer Driver, but Darby Allin broke up that move.
— Lopé / FOLLOW @futurafreesky (@LopeDMCA) March 4, 2024
The Finish
Suddenly, Sting got a Scorpion Death Drop on Matt Jackson, and he kicked out. Darby Allin, who was covered in blood from that glass spot, hit a Coffin Drop on Matt before Sting latched on a Scorpion Death Lock for the win.
Sting won the match for his team, and will retire 1/2 of the AEW World Tag Team Champions. It was a fitting end to a historic career, and now Sting will ride off into the sunset. After the match, Sting gave a speech, where he wondered how many stitches Darby Allin would need after lacerating his back as he did with that glass stunt. Then, the event ended with fans chanting, “You still got it.”
AEW Revolution saw Samoa Joe retain the AEW World Title, but there is a lot more to the finish of that match, which saw Hangman Page take the loss.
Hangman Page Taking A Hiatus
Sean Ross Sapp reported on Fightful Select that at AEW Revolution tonight, Hangman Page suffered a defeat, and there might be significant cause behind it.
It was noted that, in the days leading up to the match, and for a considerable duration before that, there had been discussions indicating Hangman Page’s intention to take a break from AEW television. Although the exact commencement of this hiatus remains uncertain, it could potentially be linked to his actions involving referees during the Revolution event.
What’s Next For Hangman Page
Hangman Page attacked AEW referees during the main event match, and that could open the door to taking a much longer hiatus from the company.
Interestingly, Hangman Page’s participation in tonight’s match was uncertain until just this past week. Reports suggest that if he indeed opts for a break, it could extend for several months. AEW tried to run a fake injury angle, but it was then noted that he Page wasn’t really injured.
SEScoops will keep a close eye on this story for more updates as additional information is made available.
The icon known as Sting, alongside others, was gifted a commemorative, engraved baseball bat to mark the end of his in-ring career at the AEW Revolution 2024 event.
It was fitting that Sting’s retirement took place in Greensboro, North Carolina, a city he competed in countless times during his days with the NWA and World Championship Wrestling.
Talk about an ICON-ic night! Coliseum Deputy Director Scott Johnson presented this group of LEGENDS with their custom bats, and Chris Wilson, Deputy City Manager of @greensborocity, presented Sting with a proclamation that March 3 is officially THANK YOU STING DAY in Greensboro! pic.twitter.com/uLmTcvgKmP
The Greensboro Coliseum Complex was pleased to gift Sting an engraved black baseball bat, complete with his name as well as the name and date of AEW Revolution 2024.
The Icon wasn’t the only one to receive a gift, as Tony Khan, Darby Allin, Ric Flair, the ‘Greensboro G.O.A.T’ Tony Schiavone, and the ‘Hall of Fame Voice of Wrestling’ Jim Ross also received a commemorative bat.
Kyle O’Reilly has made his return to AEW programming but things may be much different for him now he’s back.
O’Reilly appeared at AEW Revolution 2023 following Roderick Strong’s International Title win over Orange Cassidy. Despite his ties with Strong, O’Reilly didn’t seem aligned with his Undisputed Era alum. At first, he appeared to stalk Strong before embracing and would walk away from the Undisputed Kingdom when they offered him a shirt.
In a backstage exclusive, O’Reilly spoke with Lexy Nair and shared his thoughts on his return.
O’Reilly’s journey back to AEW has been a long road, to say the least, after he underwent neck fusion surgery in late 2022. There were times during his absence when the company operated on the possibility that he may have never been able to return, Fightful Select reports. By late 2023 however, AEW was said to be optimistic about his comeback.
Several viewers saw O’Reilly traveling into town, and word of his return was known within AEW. However, some thought it would happen further into March instead of at Revolution.
What’s Next for Kyle O’Reilly?
Kyle O’Reilly appeared at AEW Revolution 2024 with a new look and Fightful was told that there are other elements that will be different for him. It had been expected that O’Reilly would have been part of the Undisputed Kingdom reveal but a different plan has been in the works for him for month.
Adding Bobby Fish?
With Kyle O’Reilly’s return, three-quarters of the Undisputed Era are once again on AEW programming. The report notes that AEW hasn’t had any recent talks with Bobby Fish for him to come and join the group. Fish had been with AEW but left in 2022. He would later join IMPACT (now TNA) Wrestling.
The Blackpool Combat Club hoped to channel the intensity of the Road Warriors at the AEW Revolution 2024 pay-per-view.
The much-anticipated tag-team match with FTR was the fifth match on the main card and the seventh match of the evening if you include the pre-show. The Blackpool Combat Club was represented by Claudio Castagnoli and Jon Moxley and wasted no time in paying tribute to the legendary tag team. During their entrance, the duo wore spiked shoulder pads similar to what fans had seen for years from Road Warrior Hawk and Road Warrior Animal.
After weeks of back & forth violence, the rematch goes down now as Moxley & Castagnoli of the BCC make their way to the ring.
While the action started slow between these two methodical teams, it quickly descended into a brawl, including one spot where Moxley mocked Cash Wheeler after sending him outside the ring, telling him “I don’t think you’re sh*t!”
While it was the BCC with the Road Warrior homage, FTR attempted to hit the Doomsday Device on Castagnoli, who was able to escape. The BCC duo would hit a successful Doomsday Device later on.
The finish of the match saw Mox hit the Death Rider on Dax, who was able to kick out. Moxley then slapped on the rear choke and Wheeler’s attempts to interfere were thwarted by Castagnoli. This would see the Blackpool Combat Club get the win.
Who Has Rocked the Pads?
The BCC isn’t the first set of wrestlers outside the Road Warriors to have donned the iconic spiked shoulder pads. For WrestleMania 13 in 1997, Ahmed Johnson donned the pads to team with the Road Warriors for their Street Fight with the Nation of Domination. In 1998, Droz joined the group as a third Road Warrior in a tasteless angle that saw Hawk deal with alcohol abuse and ‘fall’ off the titan tron.
It’d be close to a decade before fans saw somebody new don the pads. In 2005, Animal began teaming with Heidenreich as Hawk had passed away in 2003. Heidenreich donned the shoulder pads and the pair enjoyed a brief reign as WWE Tag Team Champions.
Darby Allin has learned a lot from Sting and part of it may be going to the beat of your own drum.
Allin was interviewed by SHAK Wrestling and was asked how much say Sting exactly had in determining all the happenings in his final match this Sunday at AEW Revolution.
“Everything. With the Bucks, everything, and that’s…It’s really awesome, if you really, really think about it, that the fact that this company is letting this man go out on his own terms, in his way, with his vision.
“Because there’s a lot of places that will straight up be like, ‘Alright, you’re retiring, but we’re gonna make sure that you wrestle this guy, and it could be a guy you have no interest in wrestling in,’ and then the fact that you have to tuck your tail between your legs and be a nice, little good boy and get a paycheck and wrestle somebody that you have no desire to wrestle, we’re talking about your career, your life’s work. It’s baffling to me that people are such little bitches. But yeah, anyways, Sting, he’s doing it his way. He’s doing it his way, and it’s amazing, and it’s awesome that AEW’s giving him that.”
Darby will tag up with Sting at Revolution to face Matthew & Nicholas Jackson at Revolution and The Young Bucks got a little sample of that early on the go-home show of AEW Dynamite. Sting came down from the rafters and took out the brothers after they attacked Darby Allin and Ric Flair.
AEW Revolution was a night full of unexpected action. Even after a title change, you still never know what can happen next.
Orange Cassidy lost the International Title to Roderick Strong, but that wasn’t the biggest talking point. An old friend returned to the ring, and he threw things into a new direction.
Orange Cassidy walked into the AEW Revolution event as International Champion. He gave it his all against Roderick Strong, but in the end, Freshly Squeezed couldn’t close the deal on Strong.
The match ended with a clean finish as OC put Roderick Strong over in very strong fashion.
After Roderick Strong beat Orange Cassidy for the International Title, he was celebrating in the ring with the Undisputed Kingdom. Then, Kyle O’Reilly got in the ring.
O’Reilly had to get neck surgery, and he has been out of action for a long time. Now, it appears that the wait for him to come back is over.
Roderick Strong offered Kyle an Undisputed Kingdom t-shirt, but he didn’t take it. Instead, O’Reilly simply whispered something into Roddy’s ear, and he walked off.
SEScoops will have continued coverage of this story, and so much more, in the pro wrestling world. You never know what can happen next, especially during an AEW pay-per-view.
I had issues logging onto BR Live on a Smart TV, laptop, and tablet. I was finally able to get it to work on iOS, but it is shaky. Needless to say, my problem was not an isolated incident, because tons of fans are left without a show, even after paying $50.
Midway through the entrances for the scramble match, the screen went to a blank graphic, and only played the audio of the event. This was not a good look for BR Live at all.
It won't work on my laptop, tablet, or Smart TV. I got it playing on my iOS, but then the screen went to a BR Live logo and now all I can do is listen. @TonyKhan, please do better. This can't happen 9 times a year.
They did not address any technical problems during commentary, as the show carries on. Tony Khan can’t be happy about the fact that so many fans were not able to pay for the event that his company produced tonight.
Fifteen minutes in and @BleacherReport still will not load, after I've already purchased the pay-per-view. Unacceptable, @BRWrestling.
Tony Khan addressed the Bleacher Report outage live during the show. He thanked all of the fans who ordered the pay-per-view, and he assured fans that the issue has been fixed on ‘most platforms.’
For anyone with issues ordering on @BleacherReport, I understand BR's app has now fixed the issue on most platforms + just to ensure everyone can view the ppv, we've now been cleared to offer Revolution on @FiteTV in the US as well!
Sting will wrap up his legendary career at AEW Revolution, and many fans are watching to see how he ends everything in the ring. He will also likely wear his black and white face paint for the last time in a pro wrestling ring, which will be an epic moment. The gimmick itself is also a huge point of discussion.
While speaking to Bleacher Report, Sting claimed that he didn’t directly take his gimmick from The Crow. He said that it wasn’t until later, when people started calling him Crow Sting, that he actually picked up on the similarity.
Sting’s Recollection of Inspiration
The Icon looked back at that time of his career, when the Crow gimmick was created, “I do remember those movies, and I was dubbed that name, Crow Sting, and I took from many many different people that influenced me,” Sting said. “From the band Kiss to even Rocky Horror Picture Show. That was like a cult movie in California. You know, Batman. So many people influenced me over the years.”
Sting had many inspirations, and it wasn’t just The Crow, because KISS and Batman were already around.
“I suppose possibly The Crow character may have had some influence but it was nothing that I ever really thought about until everybody said ‘He’s Crow Sting.’ and I went ‘Oh, okay. Yeah, I see that.’ I saw the movie I think. I don’t think I’ve seen the whole movie from beginning to end. I’ve just seen bits and pieces of it over the years, but I remember when it first came out.”When I was developing this Crow character, I wasn’t thinking about the movie at all. I was thinking about Kiss, I was thinking about Rocky Horror, I was thinking about Batman. And there’s others that influenced me over the years.””But it’s just weird, that Crow thing, of all things Crow, why wouldn’t that be something on the forefront? I don’t know”
Conflicting Story To Sting’s Inspiration
In a resurfaced interview with Scott Hall, he told the story of suggesting that Sting wear white face paint and adopt a darker character. Hall then claimed that he asked Sting if he had seen The Crow.
Eric Bischoff chimed in during this clip, and he said how Sting couldn’t get enough of this Crow character. He was all in for the change, and although it was a massive alteration, it certainly made pro wrestling history.
The story of how Sting changed his gimmick to "Crow Sting" and the feud with Hulk Hogan pic.twitter.com/kOHkti4CIz
— Wrestling Pics & Clips (@WrestleClips) March 3, 2024
Sting’s Final Match
Sting will wrap up his legendary career during AEW Revolution. He will team with Darby Allin to take on The Young Bucks with the AEW World Tag Team Titles on the line. His match may not main event the show, but it is still a huge attraction for the pay-per-view event.
The direct inspiration of Sting’s gimmick may be a matter of debate at this time, but there is no arguing that Sting’s contributions to the pro wrestling world help change history and inspire generations after him.
Sting will wrestle his final match at AEW Revolution this year. That match is getting a lion’s share of the attention, but it apparently won’t close out the pay-per-view at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina.
AEW Revolution 2024 is a loaded show, full of big matches. That being said, for some reason, it seems that Tony Khan isn’t going with Sting’s farewell match to close out the show in North Carolina.
As of this writing, it appears that Samoa Joe vs Hangman Page vs Swerve Strickland will close out the Revolution pay-per-view. Renee Paquette mentioned this during the AEW Revolution pre-show.
Renee Paquette just said that the AEW World Championship 3-way match will be the main event of Revolution tonight.
OH WELL. Plans must have changed because Sting's final match was 100% main eventing before. pic.twitter.com/sNVLrCYE6m
Sting will team with Darby Allin one more time to take on The Young Bucks. Sting and Darby’s AEW World Tag Team Titles will be on the line as well. It appears that Revolution is going to close out with a title match, but it won’t be that one.
The fact that Sting’s final match may not main event Revolution is puzzling. Tony Khan picked the North Carolina venue just because of the significance it holds with Sting’s career.
AEW Revolution will go live on pay-per-view at 8:00 PM EST. SEScoops will have full coverage of the event, and you can check out the final lineup here:
Ricky Starks hasn’t been around AEW television for a minute, and he hasn’t wrestled either. The fact is that he’s not booked for AEW Revolution tonight, and questions about his contract status are everywhere.
It seems that any report about Starks being a free agent is jumping the gun. Absolute is still All Elite, according to SRS.
On March 2, internet rumors surfaced suggesting that Ricky Starks was a free agent and his AEW deal had expired. Sean Ross Sapp noted on Fightful Select within AEW and was informed that such claims were unfounded.
Additionally, sources close to Starks confirmed that his contract remains intact. He is still with the company, so Ricky isn’t leaving Tony Khan’s company just yet.
Starks has not competed in AEW since he and Big Bill lost the AEW Tag Team Titles to Sting and Darby Allin. Details regarding his absence or the duration of his contract remain undisclosed. Nonetheless, as of now, Starks remains part of the All Elite roster.
Ricky Starks’ WWE Connections
Starks is still good friends with Cody Rhodes. He was spotted with the American Nightmare at the Royal Rumble last year, so obviously, he is welcomed backstage. His current contract situation is keeping him from WWE, but there is also no guarantee that he would make the jump if given the opportunity.
SEScoops will have continued coverage of Ricky Starks, and everything else going on in the pro wrestling world. Keep checking back for more updates.
Trish Stratus’ WWE Hall of Famer status won’t keep her out of the ring. She has returned on a couple of occasions, with her latest run being a lengthy one, where she participated in many firsts for her career, including getting drafted to the RAW brand. Although she is out of action, there is always the possibility that she may return.
With Sting retiring at AEW Revolution, the pro wrestling world is seeing some huge names hang up their boots for the last time. It appears that Trish Stratus may have eyes on another retirement of her own.
Trish Stratus May Return
Becky Lynch and Trish Stratus’ feud dominated WWE television for several months, culminating in a steel cage match at WWE Payback. That marked Stratus’ final bout with the company for now, as the match ended with Zoey Stark turning on her mentor Trish as well.
Trish Stratus, expressing her openness to another comeback, shared her thoughts on the idea of a potential last match during an interview with Gorilla Position. While contemplating various scenarios for her next wrestling match, she reflected on the possibility of staging it in her hometown of Toronto, particularly with Money in the Bank scheduled for the city in 2024.
“Would I welcome another match in Toronto? Absolutely. For like, perhaps the final one? Yeah. We had a retirement match. Is this the post-retirement, retirement match? Maybe, in Toronto.”
The 15th edition of the Money in the Bank event is scheduled for Saturday, July 6, 2024, at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Trish Stratus on her Possible WWE Return
Stratus weighed different options, considering her unfinished storyline with Zoey Stark and envisioning a matchup with WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley due to their contrasting sizes.
“It’s another thing to put on — I don’t know. Maybe. Do I have an unfinished story with Zoey (Stark)? I sure do. So there’s a lot of things. There’s a lot of talent that I look at too that I’m like, I would love to get in the ring with, let’s say, Rhea Ripley for example.”
Stratus, who known for her petite stature, highlighted her willingness to embrace her size difference in the ring, particularly referencing Ripley’s match with Raquel Rodriguez as an example.
“So people, when they meet me, they’re like, ‘Oh my God, you’re so small.’ This is part of my thing, right? I’m just little Trish Stratus but you know, when we saw that match with Raquel (Rodriguez), that’s what I love. I love playing up to that, right?”
Exclusive Insight On Trish Stratus’ WWE Return
WWE’s road to WrestleMania can always bring back a legend like Trish Stratus. That being said, there isn’t anything concrete that would suggest that her return is going to happen at this time.
I asked around about Trish Stratus’ possible WWE return, and I was told that she is always trying to pitch things for herself to do around WrestleMania. We will have to see when WWE uses her next, but her story is likely far from closed at this point. They might just have something for her to do at Money in the Bank in Toronto, which would be a very fitting end to her career.
Regarding a thought of Trish Stratus wrestling again for WWE, I asked around and was told that, “Trish always pitches ideas during Mania season.”
In a surprising turn of events, wrestling fans were left astounded after a revelation regarding the age of former WWE wrestler, Virgil, emerged on Twitter. It turns out that he was over 10 years OLDER than everyone thought, a facade he kept up for years. The world thought he was 61, but it was more like 72.
Virgil’s True Age
The revelation came to light when the popular wrestling review channel, OSW review wrote, “I just found out I got worked by Virgil! He told everyone his birthday is June 13, 1962 but his REAL birthday is April 7, 1951! Hastily re-editing the next OSW. Even after passing, he’s still working. God bless you, Virgil.”
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com tweeted, “I confirmed with Virgil’s management team that this is accurate. Virgil was actually 40 when he won the Million Dollar Title in 1991. What a worker. Rest in Peace.”
I confirmed with Virgil's management team that this is accurate. Virgil was actually 40 when he won the Million Dollar Title in 1991.
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) March 3, 2024
This tweet sparked a wave of reactions from fans, and there were plenty of jokes. Many were outright astounded that Virgil kept this act up for so many years, and nobody thought otherwise.
The revelation of Virgil’s real age left fans in disbelief, with many expressing shock at how effectively Virgil had kept this information hidden for so long. Sapp echoed this sentiment in his subsequent tweet, stating, “Like… Nobody even SUSPECTED IT.”
Like… Nobody even SUSPECTED IT
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) March 3, 2024
Remembering Virgil
While the wrestling community mourns the loss of Virgil, who passed away recently, this unexpected revelation adds another layer to the enigmatic persona of the wrestling legend. As fans continue to process this revelation, it serves as a reminder of Virgil’s enduring legacy in the world of professional wrestling.
Virgil already etched out a portion of pop culture for himself and his “Lonely Virgil” memes. Now, he has this mystery of his age to go along with his legend.
