In the aftermath of the February 7th episode of AEW Dynamite, AEW President Tony Khan was seen checking up on wrestling icon Sting. The show featured a tag team title match where Sting and Darby Allin successfully secured the AEW World Tag Titles against Ricky Starks and Big Bill. However, the celebratory atmosphere took a turn when The Young Bucks ambushed the newly crowned champions and unleashed a brutal assault.
Despite Darby Allin being busted open and Sting falling victim to the attack, the assault continued. The audience expressed their disapproval through boos as the show concluded. Following the televised portion of the event, Tony Khan was observed checking on Sting, even sharing a hug with him while he lay in the ring recovering from The Young Bucks’ assault.
Tony Khan checked on Sting and hugged him on the mat, after Dynamite went off the air. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/NcDBgddxps
— Drainmaker 🌧️ 💵 (@DrainBamager) February 8, 2024
Fans react to Tony Khan’s gesture; Sting’s retirement match at AEW Revolution in the making
The fans’ reactions varied, with some praising Khan’s caring demeanor toward wrestlers, while others criticized it as bizarre and unprofessional. Comparisons were drawn between Khan and Vince McMahon, with mixed opinions. Some found humor in the situation, noting the wrestler’s reaction and Tony’s awkward hug technique.
Tony Khan hugging Sting when finding out he was okay goes to show what kind of person this man is because he treat the AEW roster like family. pic.twitter.com/VOOL8ep6xn
— gifadamus (@istomatoafruit) February 8, 2024
This dude is always acting so childish and weird.
Like dudes just working the crowd and he’s forcing his hand behind his head for an awkward hug.
— Wrestling Observations (@WrestlerObserv1) February 8, 2024
Sting has been a significant presence in AEW since his debut in December 2020. The 64-year-old legendary wrestler is set to retire at AEW Revolution later in the year. The retirement tour is described as being in full swing, with fans cherishing the time they have left with “The Icon.” The Young Bucks’ ambush sets the stage for a future AEW World Tag Team Championship match, where they are expected to challenge for the belt at the AEW Revolution pay-per-view in March.
A couple of weeks ago, Darby Allin proposed to Sting the idea of ending his career as one-half of the AEW World Tag Team Champions. This led to a tornado tag team title match on the recent AEW Dynamite, where they challenged and eventually defeated AEW World Tag Team Champions Ricky Starks and Big Bill. Sting executed a daring drop from high above the ring, surviving Starks’ own Scorpion Death Drop attempt. Ultimately, Darby’s Coffin Drop on Big Bill and Sting’s Scorpion Death Lock on Starks secured the victory, making them champions in AEW.
The match against the Young Bucks is unannounced but probably in the making now. The match will mark the ending of the iconic Sting and the fans will get to see if the legend goes out as a champion or loses in his final match.
