Wrestling legend Sting has high praise for fellow wrestler Kenny Omega.
Throughout his tenure with All Elite Wrestling, which spanned three years, Sting often found himself in tag team bouts, primarily fighting alongside his protégé Darby Allin among others. However, the Hall of Famer expressed a clear interest in partaking in singles competition, especially with some of the company’s standout performers. In an interview with Pro Wrestling Illustrated, he spoke about his wish to face certain AEW talents one-on-one, including Kenny Omega.
Sting noted the potential storyline twists with Darby but then confessed his true singles match interest, “I would have loved to have had a match against Kenny Omega. Kenny is legitimate world champ material. Not only has he held the AEW World Championship, but in my opinion, his talent is sometimes undervalued due to his absence from WWE; some fans believe he doesn’t truly deserve his achievements. Yet in my eyes, he’s among the finest all-around heavyweights and one of the wrestling industry’s best.”
Sting’s Interest in the ‘Big Guys’
Sting’s interest wasn’t limited to Omega; he also showed an interest in facing AEW’s larger athletes.
He reminisced about past matches with wrestling giant Vader and praised the abilities of AEW’s own ‘giants,’ “Big guys—like Big Bill, possess remarkable talent. He has the intensity needed. Satnam (Singh) is one to watch too. He can move incredibly well, but it’s critical to highlight talents like him right away because unfortunately, their careers in the ring tend to be shorter. Let’s make the most of his prime years.”
Sting and Big Bill encountered each other twice under the purview of AEW, not as single competitors but in group matches. After securing a win in an eight-man tag team match against Big Bill and Ricky Starks with Darby Allin, Sting and Allin again faced the duo on an episode of AEW Dynamite aired on February 7. This second encounter saw Sting and Allin clinch the AEW World Tag Team Championships from Bill and Starks. These titles would also play a part in Sting’s final wrestling appearance in AEW Revolution.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Sting’s AEW Career
- Did Sting ever fight one-on-one against Kenny Omega?
- No, Sting did not have the opportunity to face Kenny Omega in a one-on-one singles match in AEW.
- What championships did Sting hold in AEW?
- Sting held the AEW World Tag Team Championships alongside Darby Allin.
- Has Sting officially retired from professional wrestling?
- Yes, Sting announced his retirement, and his last match was on AEW Revolution.
- Did Tony Khan, the president of AEW, try to prevent Sting from retiring?
- According to reports, Tony Khan made efforts to convince Sting to continue his wrestling career.
Conclusion
Sting’s impact on professional wrestling is immeasurable, and his time in AEW was no exception. While fans may feel a sense of unfulfilled longing knowing that potential dream matches like Sting versus Kenny Omega never came to fruition in singles competition, Sting’s legacy remains untarnished. His championship victories and the mentorship of Darby Allin serve as a testament to his enduring influence on the sport. As Sting hangs up his gloves and steps away from the ring, he leaves behind a remarkable career that has inspired generations of wrestlers and fans alike.