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AEW titled their special episode of Dynamite 'Winter is Coming' this week, and the graphics for the event showcased a very, well, wintery vibe as one would expect. Little did one know that 'The Man Called Sting' would be making his AEW debut on this special episode, in a segment that has the whole world talking right now.
And mind you, Sting is the biggest headline in the year 2020, on the TNT Network where AEW Dynamite is aired. Tony Schiavone heralded the return of the legend to the Network, screaming 'It's Sting' as he had so many times in the past, back when 'The Icon' was a part of WCW during the Monday Night Wars.
However, as special as this occasion was, what does the future hold for Sting? If you remember the way in which his WWE career ended, during his match against Seth Rollins a few years ago, you'd want the veteran to be cautious.
Here are 5 matches that Sting can potentially have in the AEW roster.
#5 Sting vs. Matt Hardy
Matt Hardy's pretty much taken a shot at Sting right after his arrival in the AEW roster, and because he is the master of the cinematic match, Matt Hardy vs. Sting could be a very definite possibility.
As great as Sting looks at his age, we all know that he's not in peak physical condition because of the bumps and bruises that he has suffered over the course of his pro wrestling career. So, hiding the weaknesses of Sting is of paramount importance, especially because he has signed a multi-year deal with All Elite Wrestling, at this point.
But that said, these other options are a lot more likely and a lot more exciting for most wrestling fans.
#4 Sting vs. Chris Jericho
Sting and Chris Jericho were part of the same roster when both men were integral components of WCW Nitro, competing against WWE RAW in a battle for rating supremacy. And now, Sting and Jericho have been reunited once again on TNT, in AEW, two decades later.
And yet, the current version of Chris Jericho is very different from the man who was a part of the WCW roster all those years ago, because this man is the centerpiece of the AEW roster, occupying the position Sting held. He is quite possibly the biggest heel not only in AEW but in all of professional wrestling currently.
Chris Jericho is incredible for his age, but he does not wrestle at the same pace as some of the others in the roster. Sting obviously cannot keep up with someone like Rey Fenix, and so, Chris Jericho would make the ideal opponent in his case.
And as Chris Jericho has maintained several times, he's not averse to the odd cinematic segment and match either.
#3 Sting vs. Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes has been very vocal about how big a fan of Sting he is. In fact, he's even used the Stinger Splash on occasion, as can be evidenced from the clip that's been linked right above.
While speaking to Sports Illustrated, Cody Rhodes spoke about how much he loves and respects 'The Man called Sting':
I don't know what his schedule is like or where he's at in this world, but nothing would please me more than to stand in a ring across from Sting. There has been no contact, but that's my way of reaching out.
The man at the other end of the Stinger Splash, Lance Archer has also been very vocal about his fandom for Sting, but between the two, let's be honest. Cody Rhodes has a far better chance of actually stepping into the ring with Sting, and this could be the reason why he was stripped of the AEW TNT Championship. Cody Rhodes doesn't wrestle at a million miles an hour either, and his style may work for Sting.
#2 Sting vs. Darby Allin or maybe Sting + Darby Allin
The moment you look at Sting and Darby Allin, you can see the similarity between the two men, because of the facepaint and the fact that they spend their time in the rafters. In fact, because 'Crow Sting' spent so much time in the rafters, and Darby Allin has made that his gimmick, some even foreshadowed the arrival of 'The Icon' to AEW. So, could the two men lock horns or potentially team up?
Sure, Sting could be Darby Allin's manager, but alternatively, the two of them could also team up and maybe have tag team matches against the likes of The Young Bucks maybe.
Darby Allin could take the punishment for most of the match in that case, and then when he hits the hot tag, Sting could come in and deliver a Stinger Splash and a Scorpion Death Drop to pick up the big win. He could also have a short and sweet match against Darby Allin, with the same outcome as well.
#1 Sting + Cody Rhodes vs. FTR
Back when Sting showing up on AEW was just a rumor, Sportskeeda had the chance to catch up with FTR ahead of their dream match against The Young Bucks and actually ask them about Sting arriving at the company. The duo had a very interesting take. Click on the link above to find out for yourself.
FTR and Sting go back a long way, and they wrestle a safe-old school style that should be okay for someone like Sting at his age. As for Cody Rhodes, he's been very vocal about what a big fan he is, and he would definitely love to team up with the legendary performer.
Cody Rhodes could work the bulk of the match and BAM! Sting could show up at the end to deliver a few Stinger splashes and lock in the Scorpion Deathlock, defeating FTR in the process.
Could this program be the reason why the titles were taken from FTR and put around the waists of the Young Bucks at AEW Full Gear 2020?
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
