Sting, Darby Allin Defeat Ricky Starks, Big Bill to Win AEW Tag Team Titles

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIFebruary 8, 2024

Etsuo Hara/Getty Images

Sting and Darby Allin are the new AEW World Tag Team champions after defeating Ricky Starks and Big Bill on Wednesday’s edition of Dynamite.

All Elite Wrestling @AEW#ANDNEW
The Legend Lives On! @Sting and @DarbyAllin are your NEW #AEW World Tag Team Champions! pic.twitter.com/Js9gwhJgD1

A wild tornado tag team match ended with the 64-year-old Sting hitting Starks with the Scorpion Death Drop for the win.

Footprint Center @FootprintCNTRTake a bow, @Sting!

Sting and Darby Allin take home the AEW World Tag Team Championship in Phoenix! Congrats to the new champs! pic.twitter.com/5wuQNWA9CG

The victory marked the first time Sting has held a championship belt in more than 12 years.

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com @SeanRossSappThe AEW World Tag Team Titles are the first Championship Sting has held since August 2011

It’s another honor for the former NWA and WCW superstar, who challenged for his first-ever title at Clash of the Champions in 1988, or five years before Darby Allin was born.

AEW on TV @AEWonTVWhile we’re seething with anger because of how this night ended… 13,100 days after his first title shot on @TBSNetwork, @Sting wins one more title on the Superstation… and that’s pretty damn cool

We’re back Friday at 10/9c with #AEWRampage #AEWDynamite pic.twitter.com/rR2tmTxmb2

Sting’s championship bout with then-NWA champion Ric Flair ended in a time-limit draw 36 years ago, but he emerged as a title holder Wednesday, ending Starks’ and Big Bill’s four-month run.

However, Darby Allin and Sting paid the price for their victory. After the match, the Young Bucks ruined the post-match celebration by attacking the new champs as well as Sting’s sons, who had entered the ring to celebrate with their father.

All Elite Wrestling @AEWThe EVPs the Young Bucks are making a statement towards Sting and Darby Allin.

Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@Sting | @DarbyAllin | @YoungBucks pic.twitter.com/xMAAEB3jn6

Obviously, there’s far more to come in this feud with Darby Allin/Sting and the Young Bucks. But for now, a new tag team champion has been crowned, and one of wrestling’s all-time greats added another chapter to his legacy as his retirement nears.

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