Sting is back with AEW, at least for one night.
AEW wrapped up its residency at the 2300 Arena on Thursday night with an AEW Collision television taping. After the show ended, Sting made a surprise appearance in front of the live crowd in Philadelphia.
After Collision went off the air, Sting made his first-ever appearance at the legendary ECW Arena – FIRST TIME EVER… IT’S STING!!!#AEW #AEWCollision pic.twitter.com/VbxHKKBG1i
— FG (@gascaf88) September 12, 2025
As seen in the video, AEW cameras were filming Sting during his walk to the ring. Tony Khan later shared a bit more information about why Sting, who retired from in-ring competition at AEW Revolution 2024, was there for the event (and in full makeup).
According to Khan, Sting was there, along with Doug Gilbert, Tommy Rich, and Jeff Jarrett, for a tribute to the late “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert.
“Thank you to the fans in the 2300 Arena tonight + thank you @RealDougGilbert @realtommyrich @RealJeffJarrett The Icon @Sting for joining us tonight after the AEW tv taping and participating in a tribute to The King of Philadelphia, the late great “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert,” Khan wrote on Twitter/X.
Gilbert was known for his work throughout multiple promotions, including WWF, Jim Crockett Promotions, NWA and NWA Eastern Championship Wrestling, which later evolved into Extreme Championship Wrestling. Gilbert was also an original booker for ECW. He was posthumously inducted into the 2300 Arena’s Hardcore Hall of Fame in 2009, the same honor that was recently bestowed upon Taz.
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