5 Things Sting must do before retiring from AEW

Sting will officially end his blockbuster career next year at AEW Revolution. While he's achieved many things across his decades in the industry, there are many accolades he hasn't achieved in All Elite Wrestling.

While The Icon will likely go out in an epic final match, he still has a few months left to make his run legendary. However, at 64, could he realistically hit all these targets? Continue reading as we list five things Sting has to do before ultimately retiring.

#5. Capture the AEW World Tag Team Championships alongside Darby Allin

Fans and veterans have largely praised The Icon's pairing with Darby. Ever since they first joined forces, the two men have been nearly inseparable. With his decades in the industry, Sting has likely aided Darby Allin in improving many facets of his wrestling persona and in-ring work.

However, while the two men have been undefeated alongside each other, adding some championship gold to their pairing could be the cherry on top. With Big Bill and Ricky Starks currently reigning with the belts, an interesting clash could occur between the four men. Naturally, their reign shouldn't last long, and they could lose the belts to another team before The Vigilante retires.

#4. Sting should have one last singles match; potentially against an old rival or friend

The Icon's career has spanned nearly four decades, and across this lengthy tenure, he's stepped into the ring with some of the best. His roots lie within tag-team wrestling, as he broke into the industry with James Brian Hellwig (The Ultimate Warrior) as The Blade Runners. However, he truly got over with fans once he embarked on a solo run.

The 64-year-old's last one-on-one match was his controversial clash with Seth Rollins back in 2015's WWE Night Of Champions. This additionally marked the last time he'd compete until his AEW in-ring debut in 2021. Sting should have a singles match with Goldberg - who is also looking to retire - or any one of his old rivals to sweeten his own retirement.

#3. The Icon should headline a major pay-per-view before hanging up his boots

While it's largely believed that AEW Revolution will take place early next year and that it'll be the legend's last match, perhaps he could still sneak in one headline. AEW Full Gear will likely lead with MJF's clash against Jay White, but perhaps things could be switched up before the pay-per-view kicks off.

Additionally, Revolution's date isn't set yet, but it could break the mold and take place later in 2024. Ultimately, Sting will undoubtedly headline AEW Revolution 2024 because of his retirement match. Only time will tell, but if there was ever a name that deserved to headline an AEW pay-per-view, it would be The Icon.

#2. Darby Allin and Sting should ally with Adam Copeland in his fight against Christian Cage

The Rated-R Superstar's debut notably saw him interrupt a vicious attack on The Icon and Darby Allin at AEW WrestleDream. In the altercation, Copeland stopped his old friend from potentially injuring the legend. Adam Copeland then ended off the pay-per-view shaking Sting's hand, planting the seed of an alliance between the men.

So far, we've not seen the two men reunite again, which could largely be due to Darby Allin's absence. However, before The Icon retires, he needs to solidify this pairing and compete alongside The Rated-R Superstar to take on Christian Cage and his partners.

#1. Before Sting goes out, he needs to put Darby Allin over

As stated earlier, the Icon's pairing with Darby Allin has been a beautiful endeavor so far, allowing the young star to find his way. The two could ultimately still capture gold, but a clash between the two would be a brilliant way to end the storyline between them.

While the match doesn't necessarily have to be The Vigilante's retirement match, passing the torch to Darby will benefit the young star more than their pairing has. The match will undoubtedly be emotional and should end with the two men embracing and showing emotion that they don't usually show.