Sting Reveals How Cody Rhodes and Tony Khan Brought Him to AEW

Speaking with Screen Rant, Sting shared how a phone call from AEW changed the course of his career after an abrupt ending in WWE.

Sting admitted that the way things ended in WWE left him with a bitter taste, saying, It seems like theres been a reoccurring theme thats happened to me a couple of times over the years, always tied to WWE, and it has to do with disappearing with my tail between my legs, so to speak, and just not wanting, after all the years, not wanting it to end the way it was ending. Despite making peace with his exit, the wrestling legend wasnt ready to walk away completely.

Thats when AEW came calling. But I got a phone call from Tony Khan and also Cody. Cody Rhodes called me as well, Sting said, recalling the conversation that set the stage for his AEW debut. According to Sting, Khans pitch was simple but effective: Tonys words were, Hey, would you like to come back and play for a little while?

Despite the enticing offer, Sting didnt immediately jump on board. His WWE deal ended in May 2020, but he didnt make his AEW debut until December. Sting admitted he had some doubts, but Khan was confident the fans would embrace him. Tony was convinced that the fans would be bonkers over it. He built my confidence, Sting explained.

What ultimately sold Sting was the vibe in AEW, which reminded him of the early days of WCW. I started to look and pay attention to some of the talent there. Darby Allin, for example. It just seemed like as I watched their show, it felt like WCW way back in the day, he said.

Now, as Sting approaches the final chapter of his storied career, hes doing it on his own terms a far cry from the way things ended in WWE.