Darby Allin’s partnership with Sting was one of the defining chapters of his AEW career, but the biggest takeaway from working alongside the legend had nothing to do with moves, matches, or anything technical.
In a recent interview with Rob Wolkenbrod of Forbes, Allin revealed that he’s come to appreciate how Sting treated people backstage even more since the veteran’s in-ring career ended.
“Yeah, how to carry yourself out of the ring. We’re talking about a guy who’s done everything there is to do in the industry, and when you talk to him, he’s the most humble, chill guy. He doesn’t big-league anybody, and that’s kind of what I realized later on because there’s so many egos where it’s like, “Oh, I can’t show any weakness.” He’s so chill and so happy all the time. That’s what I hold on to most now that his career ended—how he conducts himself when the 15-minute ride is over. That’s what kind of inspired me the most.”
This isn’t the first time Allin has spoken about Sting’s influence. Back in June, during an appearance on the Battleground Podcast, he explained that Sting taught him not to let fame and ego consume his identity and to understand that there is life after a career in pro wrestling.
Sting and Allin captured the AEW World Tag Team Championship together on February 7, 2024. Shortly after, on March 3, 2024, they defeated The Young Bucks at Revolution in Greensboro, North Carolina, in Sting’s official retirement match.
Their bond has remained strong since then. Sting was by Allin’s side on April 15, 2026, when Allin defeated MJF to capture the AEW World Championship for the first time.
Allin now turns his attention to AEW All In on August 30 at Wembley Stadium, where he faces Kevin Knight for the TNT Championship in a Falls Count Anywhere match.