WWE Hall of Famer Sting made his thrilling an unexpected AEW debut on this week's Winter Is Coming special.
After his debut, AEW announced that the former face of WCW had signed a multi-year contract with the company. The Vigilante's deal with WWE expired several months ago, allowing AEW to make another marquee signing.
Former WCW President and Executive Producer Eric Bischoff - who worked with Sting in Ted Turner's company during the Monday Night Wars - praised AEW's latest addition, stating that they have "over delivered."
Responding to a fan, Bischoff also commented that Sting "can be a powerful addition to the cast."
There was plenty of nostalgia to go around on Wednesday. Tony Schiavone, the former play-by-play voice of WCW, was there to introduce Sting for the first time since WCW's final show back in 2001. And of course, AEW is presented by TNT, which broadcast WCW Nitro before the company went defunct.
Sting and Schiavone. Reunited at last on TNT.
Sting debuted while Cody, Dustin Rhodes, Darby Allin and Arn Anderson were being attacked by Team Taz. Once he appeared, Team Taz retreated, and "Stinger" quickly checked in on the four faces.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported that Sting wanted a cinematic match against The Undertaker, but it didn't appeal to Vince McMahon. Meltzer also noted that unlike AEW, WWE didn't have a desire to use Sting on television.
RELATED: [Report] Sting Wanted A Cinematic Match Against The Undertaker
Whether or not Sting wrestles or gets physical in some capacity remains to be seen. He is 61 years of age, and he retired in 2016 after suffering a serious neck injury in a match against Seth Rollins at Night of Champions 2015.
But without a doubt, AEW Dynamite has already gotten that much better with Sting now in the fold.
A Special Day In Wrestling History
WWE received plenty of criticism for underusing Sting during his run with the company. He didn't receive a singles match victory, after all. But you know AEW will treat the legend with great respect, and millions of Sting fans are more than thrilled to see him back on television again. His AEW debut will most definitely go down as one of the greatest moments in the company's history.
