Eric Bischoff Puts Forward Surprising Name To Retire Sting

Eric Bischoff names the perfect “full-circle” final opponent for Sting.

On the October 18th episode of AEW Dynamite, Sting announced his plans to retire. The legend addressed fans by first recalling his time spent with legends such as Dusty Rhodes, Lex Luger, Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, and others, before laying out how he wants his career to end.

Although a date is yet to be confirmed, Sting will wrestle for the final time at AEW Revolution 2024.

The announcement set social media on fire. Not because the news that Sting wants to retire is a surprise, but who will be the man to do the honours? The legend himself has previously stated he’d like to go out teaming with Darby Allin, but that’s done little to stop the speculation.

Speaking on Strictly Business, Eric Bischoff — who worked with Sting as he established his legend in WCW — said Ric Flair would be the perfect final dance partner. Although he admitted a match between the pair shouldn’t happen in reality.

“Well there is, it’ll never happen, nor do I think it should happen. But it would be cool if it would or could. I’d love to see he and Ric. That’s a full-circle scenario right there. Ric Flair is the guy who put Sting on the map, and I think it would be just awesome. And again, I fully recognise that I should never say never. But highly unlikely that it is, probably that it would ever happen. If it were possible, wouldn’t it be awesome?”

Flair is arguably Sting’s most famous adversary, with the pair wrestling a series of acclaimed matches in the late 80s and early 90s. The duo also competed in the final match on WCW Nitro in 2001.

When Did Sting Join AEW?

After the collapse of WCW, Sting remained active and joined TNA in 2003. The star stayed with the promotion until 2014 when he began working with WWE. The former World Heavyweight Champion made his on-screen debut at Survivor Series of that year attacking Triple H, setting up a match between the pair at WrestleMania 31.

Following defeat to The Game, Sting looked to continue his in-ring career and challenged Seth Rollins for the World Championship at Night of Champions. However, during the match, he suffered a serious neck injury, which it was believed ended his career.

Following the expiry of his WWE contract, Sting headed to AEW in December 2020. He went on to join forces with Darby Allin, returning to the ring at Revolution 2021.

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