An AEW star has recently responded to WWE’s acknowledgment of Sting’s retirement during last week’s Monday Night Raw (March 4).
In an unusual move, Raw’s commentary duo Michael Cole and Pat McAfee took a moment to congratulate Sting on his retirement from professional wrestling. Addressing this on his Grilling JR podcast, Jim Ross shared his thoughts on WWE’s gesture:
“It was classy. Any way you look at it, it was classy. I really appreciate the hospitality and professionalism that those guys at WWE showed our event. It meant a lot to me, personally, just as an old school guy, because WWE didn’t have to do that. I’m very happy that they did. It worked out really well. It felt good, felt right. Sting is so well loved and it was deserved. It needed to be said. Cole and Pat McAfee did a good job of signaling that out.”
Sting’s journey in the wrestling world is notable for his late-career involvement with WWE after famously never signing with them earlier on. He eventually joined WWE in 2014, competing in the ring four times in 2015, including a match at WrestleMania 31 against Triple H.
Following concerns of a career-ending injury at Night of Champions 2015, Sting was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016. Four years later, he signed with AEW in 2020.
In related news, another WWE Hall of Famer has revealed that Sting had wanted him to be physically involved in his final match at Revolution.
During a recent interview, this Hall of Famer shared insights into the backstage discussions surrounding Sting’s farewell bout, hinting at the potential involvement of other wrestling legends.
The acknowledgment from WWE regarding Sting’s retirement not only reflects a rare moment of cross-promotion but also underscores the mutual respect and camaraderie shared among wrestlers across different promotions.
As the wrestling landscape continues to evolve, such gestures serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the industry and the bonds forged between its iconic figures.