On last week’s episode of Dynamite, Sting confirmed that his time in the wrestling ring will end at AEW Revolution in 2024. It will mark the end of one of the greatest careers in the industry, going out on his own terms after coming out of retirement from an injury he suffered in WWE.
With mere months until the event, it was always going to be interesting how AEW would handle Sting’s retirement tour between the announcement and the match. However, the ensuing show made it clear that it would be a special ride.
Ahead of the Oct. 25 episode of Dynamite, AEW teased a special gift for Sting. It was not clear what, or who, it would be, but when it came time, Tony Schiavone welcomed Ric Flair, making his first AEW appearance, as the surprise to the awe of the fans in Philadelphia.
#AEW CEO & GM Tony Khan’s special gift for Sting — THE NATURE BOY RIC FLAIR!!!!!
Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@Sting | @TonyKhan | @RicFlairNatrBoy pic.twitter.com/oi0velYhH8
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) October 26, 2023
The Philadelphia crowd welcomed Flair with open arms. However, Christian Cage disrupted the moment by roasting everyone in the ring. This led to an angle for Full Gear where Christian, Luchasaurus, and Nick Wayne will face Sting, Darby, and a partner of their choosing on Saturday, Nov. 18.
Flair and Sting have been linked since their days in WCW, and in 2016, the Nature Boy inducted his longtime friend into the WWE Hall of Fame. Therefore, it was fitting for Flair to come out and praise Sting for his achievements in his incredible pro wrestling career.
Overall, the first leg of Sting’s retirement tour provided a nice moment as he and Flair shared a ring once again. It could be an indication of other special moments to come, to help conclude Sting’s legendary career in 2024 and ride him off in the sunset.
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