2024 AEW Revolution results, recap, grades: Sting wins retirement match in chaotic main event

Sting and Darby Allin retained their tag team titles in a wild match that featured many big spots and legends

Goodbye, Sting. The final professional wrestling match in Sting's legendary carer took place at AEW Revolution at the Greensboro Coliseum on Sunday. It was a fitting occasion that celebrated all eras of "The Icon."

Sting and Darby Allin defended their AEW tag team titles in a chaotic tornado tag team match against The Young Bucks. The match featured cameos by Ric Flair, Ricky Steamboat and Sting's sons dressed as previous incarnations of him. The champions and the challengers cranked up the violence with Allin, in particular, executing one of the most dangerous stunts you'll see in a major pro wrestling organization all year.

The nine-match pay-per-view card was high on in-ring quality with Will Ospreay vs. Konosuke Takeshita and Eddie Kingston vs. Bryan Danielson standing out among the rest. At least one title changed hands at AEW Revolution and a rising star punched their ticket to a future AEW world championship match.

CBS Sports was with you the whole way through the event, providing updates and highlights as the action went down in the live blog below.

2024 AEW Revolution results, grades

The Bang Bang Scissor Gang (Bullet Club Gold (Jay White, Austin Gunn and Colten Gunn) and The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens, Max Caster and Billy Gun)) vs. Jeff Jarrett, Jay Lethal, Satnam Singh, Willie Mack and Private Party (Isiah Kassidy and Marq Quen): The evening's first match was an equally contested affair. The fan-favorites would heat up with offensive flurries before being slowed down by their opponents. Miscommunication between the heel squad started when Private Party accidentally took out their four teammates with mistimed strikes. Billy Gunn had a big moment running through the opposing squad but was eventually grounded by a stunner from Mack, an attack by Lethal, and a double-team aerial offense by Private Party. The Gunns eliminated Kassidy from the equation with a 3:10 to Yuma. 

The towering Singh tried to take control of the situation by facing off with a much, much smaller White. The legend Billy Gunn stood up for his smaller teammate and dropped Singh with a Fame Asser. The field cleared and White found the opening to put away Mack with a Blade Runner. It was a solid 12-man match but there wasn't a lot of juice. A shame considering The Acclaimed were incredibly popular at one point and they only recently united with former world title challenger White. On the plus side, White teased something bigger at AEW Big Business. Good action but not much to get excited about. The Bang Bang Scissor Gang def. Jarrett, Lethal, Singh, Mack and Private Party. Grade: C

Julia Hart and Skye Blue vs. Kris Standlander and Willow Nightingale: Blue has morphed into a darker, more vicious competitor since succumbing to Hart's influence. She opened the match with wild swipes at Nightingale and Statlander, but her ferocity got her in trouble. Blue trapped herself in the opposite corner. Blue soon escaped and tagged in Hart, but it did little to stunt the heroes' momentum. Nightingale crushed Hart with a big splash before she and Statlander planted their opponents with dueling suplexes. Hart found reprieve by taking Nightingale out at the knees, leading to an extended beatdown by the villains. Hart and Blue utilized frequent tags and high-impact strikes to neutralize Nightingale. Nightingale finally broke free of her opponents and made the hot tag to Statlander. 

The former TBS champion hit the ring like a wrecking ball. Statlander cracked her opponents' skulls against each other, knocked them down with a double springboard elbow and crushed them with a dual senton. Statlander smashed Blue with a stunning rolling German suplex but didn't realize that Hart tagged in. Hart trapped Statlander in her Hartless submission hold but Statlander escaped by rolling the TBS champ into a pin. Nightingale made the tag and nearly put Hart away with a Deathvalley Driver. Moments later, Blue made the blind tag and buckled Nightingale with a surprise super kick. Statlander and Hart tagging back in. Hart landed a top rope moonsault on Statlander and Blue took out Nightingale with a knee to the face and drop kick to the floor. The villains could have secured the win but opted to play with Statlander. Blue showed off her edgy side by repeatedly scraping her boot against Statlander's face. Nightingale managed to tag back in, shuck off a Code Blue and destroy Blue with a pounce. A sit-out powerbomb secured the win for Nightingale.

That was a stellar match. The four women worked like they had a point to prove on the pre-show. Blue is progressing nicely as a heel and Hart remains one of the company's most intriguing performers. The dynamic of having fan-favorite powerhouses against conniving villains was an interesting role reversal. It showcased Hart and Blue as opportunistic with a mean streak. There were moments of miscommunication throughout the match, but the level of effort and impact between the wrestlers made you quickly forget. Nightingale and Statlander def. Blue and Hart. Grade: B

AEW TNT Championship -- Christian Cage (c) vs. Daniel Garcia: Cage was at his scummiest best from start to finish. The veteran champion tried to bully his younger, smaller opponent and retreated when technically outclassed. Cage resorted to faking a foot injury and poked Garcia in the eye. The savvy veteran knew the environment well and repeatedly used the ropes to his advantage. Cage didn't shy from taking risks either, leaping off the top rope and crashing into Garcia ringside. Cage overstepped by taunting Garcia about his late father, spurring a short spurt of offense targeting Cage's leg. It wouldn't last long but would serve as the first wave in a repeated effort to damage the limb. 

Cage somehow became less honorable as the match proceeded. He repeatedly tossed Garcia out of the ring in pursuit of a count-out win. Garcia gave Cage a taste of his own medicine by blinding him with his turtleneck, allowing him to get in some stiff punches. Garcia roared to life down the stretch and returned to the damaged leg. His fire was snuffed out by Killswitch, who chokeslammed Garcia while the referee was tending to Cage. Daddy Magic sprinted to the ring and removed Killswitch from the equation. Cage set up for a spear but his leg gave out -- a stellar pay-off for Garcia's efforts -- allowing Garcia an opening to hit a piledriver. Cage slung his arm over the rope to break a near fall. Nick Wayne showed up out of nowhere, clocking Garcia in the head. That allowed Cage to hit his Killswitch finisher for the three-count.

The match was a great exercise in psychology. Cage wrestled like a despicable villain and a savvy veteran. Garcia fought with fire and technical prowess. Cage's leg buckle near the end elevated the tension and made Garcia's earlier efforts make sense. The crowd was firmly behind Garcia and popped big for his near fall. That bodes well for his future. Cage def. Garcia to retain the TNT title. Grade: B+

AEW Continental Crown -- Eddie Kingston (c) vs. Bryan Danielson: Kingston and Danielson are going to need some ice after that one. The match was built on Kingston's desire for respect and Danielson's bitterness. That prompted an intense pace off the bat. Danielson's chest was bright red minutes into this striking-heavy affair. Kingston ate a nasty suplex from the ring apron to the floor shortly after. "This is awesome" chants broke out less than five minutes into the match. Danielson wisely targeted Kingston's arms, looking to handicap the harder and superior striker. Danielson wrenched at the wrists, stomped on the elbows and kicked at the shoulders of his opponent. Kingston altered his approach and focused on grappling but only found moments of success against arguably the best technical wrestler in the business. Danielson punished Kingston with sickening offense, including hard running kicks to the face and a mean dragon suplex.

Danielson showcased his masterful wrestling with a beautiful top rope suplex into a submission hold. Kingston endured and finally found respite by planting Danielson with a Northern Lights bomb. Kingston looked to close the show with an Uraken but Danielson struck his injured shoulder, sending Kingston reeling in pain. Busaiku knee by Danielson! Kingston remarkably kicked out and barely escaped a tight triangle choke. Kingston got the better of a brawl in the pocket and -- despite nursing his shoulder -- dazing Danielson. "The American Dragon" set up a second Busaiku knee, but Kingston clotheslined him out of his boots. Kingston snatched Danielson and stacked him with a powerbomb for the win. Danielson shook Kingston's hand post-match as stipulated before raising Kingston's arm in a long overdue show of respect.

What a masterful showcase. Danielson continued to live by his reputation as arguably the best wrestler on the planet. Kingston is still the ultimate underdog during this late-career bloom. Good pro wrestling psychology will always get a high grade. Danielson trying to limit Kingston's striking by targeting the arms was just that. Amazing wrestling, great fan investment and a decent story. Kingston def. Danielson via pinfall to retain the Continental Crown. Grade: A

Chris Jericho vs. Wardlow vs. Powerhouse Hoobs vs. Lance Archer vs. Hook vs. Brian Cage vs. Magnus vs. Dante Martin (All-Star Scramble match): The All-Star Scramble -- which did not have an all-star lineup despite its name – was wonderfully chaotic. The match benefited from a lot of entertaining and creative spots, one of AEW's strong suits. Archer, Cage, Hobbs and Wardlow had an amusing bodybuilding pose off before pairing off for a power struggle. The crowd comically chanted "Meat!" every time the big boys collided. The juggernauts had plenty of athleticism to boot. Archer scaled the ropes and hit Wardlow with a springboard moonsault. Wardlow sent Cage flying with a running hurricanrana. Jericho cracked Wardlow with a Codebreaker setting up the next phase of offense. 

The four smaller superstars amusingly recreated the big boy collision from earlier in the match, drawing additional "Meat!" chants. Jericho, Hook, Magnus and Martin then turned their attention to their bigger foes by diving onto each of them. The wrestlers paired off with four superplexes occurring in succession, the most impressive being Cage deadlifting Hook from the ring apron to the top rope and over. Martin had an unusually messy series of offensive flurries, the first in a series of showcases for each of the eight competitors. Wardlow, sporting a pair of lumps under his eyes, powerbombed Martin for the finish.

That was a dose of adrenaline. It lacked the psychology and storytelling in Kingston vs. Danielson and Cage vs. Garcia, but that's what made it great. The spots were fun and creative, particularly the meaty exchanges, and everyone had a chance to show off their skills. Wrestling is a lot of things, including silly and fun. This was just that. The only major complaint was the wrestlers involved. It was a lot of fun but no drama. Wardlow was the only believable winner. On the plus side, it's great that he's getting a long, long overdue world title program. Wardlow def. Martin via pinfall to earn an AEW world championship title match. Grade: B

AEW International Championship -- Orange Cassidy (c) vs. Roderick Strong: If Cassidy's back was hurting beforehand, it's obliterated now. Strong is known for an almost limitless arsenal of backbreakers and he pulled them all out. Cassidy sported Kinesio tape around his ribs and back, making them natural focuses for the challenger. Cassidy found himself writhing in pain on the floor after Strong planted him with a top rope gut-wrench slam into the buckles. It looked excruciating and had the crowd chanting anytime Cassidy found offense he'd soon be debilitated by a string of nasty-looking backbreakers. Strong started incorporating submission moves, including a Boston Crab and his Stronghold signature move, to further damage Cassidy's back.

Cassidy finally turned the tables in the final stretch, grounding Strong and hitting him with big offense. Cassidy hit Strong with Panama Sunrise, a signature move of Strong's friend Adam Cole. Cassidy ate a nasty flying knee but responded with an Orange Punch that thrilled the crowd. Strong closed the show with another crisp flying knee and End of Heartache, a vertical suplex lifted and dropped into a double knee backbreaker. A scruffy Kyle O'Reilly returned post-match, eliciting cheers from the crowd. O'Reilly embraced Strong but returned the Undisputed Kingdom shirt offered to him. O'Reilly whispered to Strong before walking off.

There are few pro wrestlers with offense as crisp, painful and unique as Strong. AEW was wise to present Strong so well. Between him and Wardlow winning, it's a big step forward for the Undisputed Kingdom. Strong def. Cassidy via pinfall to win the AEW international championship. Grade: B

FTR (Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood) vs. Blackpool Combat Club (Claudio Castagnoli and Jon Moxley): Tag team action at its finest. It didn't take long for BCC's mean streak to kick in. Castagnoli double stomped Wheeler's back on the ring apron and Moxley bit Wheeler's face. That mean streak would also come back to bite them. Moxley made the error of repeatedly slapping Wheeler and talking down to him, encouraging Wheeler to land a hard lariat and make the hot tag. A neat moment saw Wheeler push down Harwood's leg to counter Castagnoli's Neutralizer. Harwood was driven into the corner by Harwood and busted wide open. Moxley and Hardwood engaged in a willing firefight, trading hard rights and lefts. Moxley broke code by landing a thudding leg kick, encouraging Harwood to respond with a pop-up powerbomb into a bridging pin. Wheeler leapt off the ropes and drove Moxley down into Harwood's spiked piledriver for a near fall. Wheeler immediately crashed into Castagnoli with a suicide dive as Wheeler hit the near fall.

The BCC entered the ring wearing spiked shoulder pads in honor of The Road Warriors. Their wardrobe turned out to be a sample of what was to come. Moxley propped Wheeler onto his shoulder and Castagnoli leaped off the ropes with an uppercut variation of the Doomsday Device. Another nifty spot saw Castagnoli hit a giant swing on Harwood punctuated by a shotgun drop kick by Moxley. An absolutely vile Moxley bit Harwood's bloody face but was blinded shortly after by Harwood spitting blood at him. FTR hit Moxley with a more traditional Doomsday Device followed by a Shatter Machine that nearly sealed the deal. Castagnoli yanked Harwood out of the ring and anti-aired Wheeler with an uppercut counter to the suicide dive. Harwood hit Castagnoli with a spiked piledriver to the floor and ran back into the ring. Moxley hit Harwood with a Death Rider but Harwod kicked out. Moxley snatched the rear-naked choke and Castagnoli caught Wheeler in one too. Harwood passed out.

That was a hard-hitting match. It bordered on too much, but the sequences were smooth and impactful. Nothing less to expect from four of the very best. It would be wise for AEW to revive the tag team title picture by putting the belts on Moxley and Castagnoli. Blackpool Combat Club def. FTR via submission. Grade: B+

AEW Women's World Championship: Toni Storm vs. Deonna Purrazzo: The match opened with a fun little homage. Mariah May -- Storm's No. 1 fan -- made her entrance dressed in Storm's previous gimmick. The former friends engaged in a highly technical battle. Storm performed ably but couldn't keep up with the grappling prowess of "The Virtuosa." Storm started to get the better of Purrazzo and beat her down. The ego of AEW's resident movie star got the better of her. She toyed with Purrazzo too much, spurring her response with hard-hitting strikes. Purrazzo later took flight, diving onto Storm and Luther ringside. Purrazzo was on the verge of claiming the AEW women's title. The challenger snatched Storm in her Venus de Milio submission hold. Unfortunately, the numbers got the better of her. Luther distracted the referee while May distracted Purrazzo. That gave Storm an opening to spike Purrazzo with a package piledrive for the win.

The challenge with having 11 matches on a PPV, including two on the pre-show, is that lethargy will eventually kick in. It was wise of AEW to focus on a technical display but the crowd seemed a little burned out after the violent display between FTR and BCC. May's entrance was a great way of grabbing attention off the bat but the women struggled to keep it. A nifty match but one I'll soon forget. Storm def. Purrazzo via pinfall to retain the AEW women's world title. Grade: C

Will Ospreay vs. Konosuke Takeshita: This was a magical display of in-ring action. Ospreay and Takeshita are two of the crispest pro wrestlers on the planet. Everything Ospreay hits looks premier and even an early hurricanrana had the fans amazed. Takeshita's remarkable athleticism was on display immediately, turning a simple jumping shoulder block into an awe-worthy display. Each man struck the other with vicious intent. Osprey's aerial feats were amazing but Takeshita held his own with a lovely flipping senton over the ropes. Takeshia folded his opponent in half with one of the most beautiful German suplexes you'll ever see. Ospreay ran up Takeshita's body like The Matrix and followed up with a standing Spanish fly. 

Despite being the smaller wrestler, Ospreay initially got the better of Takeshita with a hook kick and follow-up strikes. It may have been a mistake for Ospreay to lean into striking, however, as Takeshita obliterated him with a trio of the hardest forearms ever dished out. The intensity kicked into overdrive with immaculate displays of power and athleticism. Takeshita countered Ospreay's springboard offense into a vicious spin out powerbomb. An Oscutter scored Ospreay a near fall. Takeshita hit a brutal turnbuckle brainbuster that resulted in Ospreay's back scraping down the turnbuckles. The result was deep blue and red forming around Ospreay's lower back. Ospreay and Takeshita hit each other with so many hard-hitting, advanced techniques that it was legitimately hard to keep up with. The result was a second standing ovation and chants of "AEW." The fans stayed on their feet until the end of the match, bewildered by a clothesline that sent Ospreay flying stiff. Ospreay finally won the war with a Styles Clash, Tiger Driver 91 and a Hidden Blade. 

If it wasn't evident by now, Ospreay and Takeshita just put on one of the best matches of the year. It was truly in-ring action at its finest. Some will argue too much occurred, but you can get away with that when you perform at this high of a level. Ospreay and Kyle Fletcher embraced ahead of a one-on-one showdown on AEW Dynamite. The Don Callis Family is building a hierarchy by pitting the children against each other, so to speak. It's an interesting angle boosted by Ospreay's star potential. A strong storyline pay off is usually required for an A+ but I can't deny the effort put into this one. Ospreay def. Takeshita via pinfall. Grade: A+

AEW World Championship -- Samoa Joe (c) vs. Swerve Strickland vs. "Hangman" Adam Page: Joe wasn't about to play second fiddle to the drama between Strickland and Page. He's the world champion after all. Joe started the match like a bulldozer, repeatedly dropping both men. He barreled into Strickland with a suicide dive and kicked "Hangman" in the face when he tried the same. Strickland and Page briefly worked in unison to ground the champ before scrapping with each other. Strickland got the better of Page, but it was a matter of time before Joe re-emerged. Joe went right back to being the bully. Dealing with Joe became a regular occurrence during the match. The challengers teamed up to hit him with a double powerbomb before turning their attention back to each other. When Joe broke up a pinning attempt, Strickland dropped him ringside and went back after Page. The match painted Joe as a mindful champion desperate to keep his title. 

The action went into overdrive in the closing stretch. Joe hit Page with a musclebuster before eating a Swerve Stomp. Strickland could have covered Joe after hitting the House Call, but opted to crack his rival Page with the same move. Strickland was moments from winning after hitting the champ with the Swerve Stomp but an unhinged "Hangman" would not stand for it. Page yanked the referee to the floor, cracked Strickland with the AEW world title and clobbered Joe with a pair of Buckshot Lariats. Unfortunately, karma bit him because the ref was still laid out. By the time a second official emerged, Joe kicked out at two. Joe snatched the Coquina Clutch onto Page. Strickland broke it up with a spinal tap. Prince Nana slid a weapon to Strickland, but Strickland refused to use it. Strickland rolled up Joe, but "Hangman" pummeled the second ref to avoid the three-count. A buckshot lariat by Page to Joe followed by one from Strickland to Page! Joe planted Strickland with a half-and-half suplex and locked Page into the Coquina Clutch. Page tapped out.

This world title match hit a number of interesting story beats. Joe was positioned as a fighting champion who refused to be a backdrop to Page and Strickland's ongoing rivalry. Strickland furthered his progression as a fan-favorite by trying to win fairly. Page's bitter hatred for Strickland reached new heights as he pummeled innocent referees. It's entirely possible that Page tapped out to ensure that Strickland didn't become world champion, an interesting story that AEW can build on. The nature of the finish will allow AEW to continue building to Strickland's inauguration, a moment that won't be shadowed by Sting's retirement. Joe def. Page and Strickland via submission to retain the AEW world title. Grade: A-

AEW Tag Team Championships -- Sting and Darby Allin (c) vs. The Young Bucks (Matthew Jackson and Nicholas Jackson) (Tornado tag match): The match opened with a wonderful video package of Sting reliving his NWA and WCW days in an old-timey theater. "It's showtime," Sting remarked to himself. "It's showtime for the last time. Let's do this!" Sting's AEW theme music hit as his sons appeared on the stage dressed as "Surfer" Sting and "Wolfpac" Sting. The music shifted to Metallica's "Seek and Destroy," a fitting nod for what was to come.

Allin hit the ring like a bullet and immediately took out the Young Bucks. Sting's sons entered the fray and hit Stinger Splashes that would make their father proud. "The Icon" got involved and trapped the Bucks into a double Scorpion Deathlock. Sting tossed Matthew Jackson around ringside and Allin squished them with a Coffin Drop to the outside. Sting's kids set up tables ringside, but Sting instead opted to grab two panes of glass. Sting's sons helped Allin stack one of the glass sheets on a pile of steel chairs. Sting smashed another one with his baseball bat.

The Young Bucks finally got their licks in and they made the most of it. Nicholas Jackson drove Allin off the stage and through tables with a Falcon Arrow. Matthew Jackson suplexed Sting off the other side of the stage into another pair of tables. Allin found himself at a major disadvantage fighting, fending off both opponents while Sting laid in a heap by the stage. Allin is AEW's resident daredevil and he took it to a freakish new level. He climbed a very tall ladder in the ring and performed a Swanton bomb to the outside. The Bucks moved out of the way and Allin crashed through the pane of glass. Allin's back bled profusely from the shards of glasses. It was a legitimately disturbing visual. 

The Young Bucks turned their attention to Sting as Allin was attended to by the ringside physician. Matthew Jackson drove Sting through a table off the ladder, but "The Icon" popped up in legendary Sting fashion. The Bucks, undeterred, tossed him through a pane of glass in the corner and Matthew Jackson kicked him in the groin. Nicholas Jackson tried to snatch an AEW tag title ringside, but Ricky Steamboat stopped him. Nicholas swung on the legend, but Steamboat responded with a flurry of punches. Inside the ring, Ric Flair covered Sting's body to save his friend from further punishment. The Bucks responded by super-kicking Flair and Steamboat, drawing loud boos from the crowd. The Young Bucks kept repeatedly trying to pin Sting following signature moves, but "The Icon" kept kicking out. Allin finally returned to the fray, tossing Nicholas Jackson into a table. A Scorpion Death Drop, Coffin Drop and Scorpion Deathlock to Matthew Jackson were the final moments of Sting's in-ring career.

Congratulations Sting. "The Icon" gave his all in a showing that he can be proud of. The match might be deemed too violent or spot-heavy for some, but it's the perfect style for Sting at this stage of his career. Very few pro wrestlers get the luxury of going out on top. It was a beautiful celebration of Sting's legacy and I won't be the one to sour it. Sting and Darby Allin def. The Young Bucks via submission to retain the AEW tag team titles. Grade: A+

[Mar 3, 2024 at 11:57 pm ET · Shakiel Mahjouri]

AEW Tag Team Championships -- Sting and Darby Allin (c) vs. The Young Bucks (Matthew Jackson and Nicholas Jackson) (Tornado tag match): The match opened with a wonderful video package of Sting reliving his NWA and WCW days in an old-timey theater. "It's showtime," Sting remarked to himself. "It's showtime for the last time. Let's do this!" Sting's AEW theme music hit as his sons appeared on the stage dressed as "Surfer" Sting and "Wolfpac" Sting. The music shifted to Metallica's "Seek and Destroy," a fitting nod for what was to come.

Allin hit the ring like a bullet and immediately took out the Young Bucks. Sting's sons entered the fray and hit Stinger Splashes that would make their father proud. "The Icon" got involved and trapped the Bucks into a double Scorpion Deathlock. Sting tossed Matthew Jackson around ringside and Allin squished them with a Coffin Drop to the outside. Sting's kids set up tables ringside, but Sting instead opted to grab two panes of glass. Sting's sons helped Allin stack one of the glass sheets on a pile of steel chairs. Sting smashed another one with his baseball bat.

The Young Bucks finally got their licks in and they made the most of it. Nicholas Jackson drove Allin off the stage and through tables with a Falcon Arrow. Matthew Jackson suplexed Sting off the other side of the stage into another pair of tables. Allin found himself at a major disadvantage fighting, fending off both opponents while Sting laid in a heap by the stage. Allin is AEW's resident daredevil and he took it to a freakish new level. He climbed a very tall ladder in the ring and performed a Swanton bomb to the outside. The Bucks moved out of the way and Allin crashed through the pane of glass. Allin's back bled profusely from the shards of glasses. It was a legitimately disturbing visual. 

The Young Bucks turned their attention to Sting as Allin was attended to by the ringside physician. Matthew Jackson drove Sting through a table off the ladder, but "The Icon" popped up in legendary Sting fashion. The Bucks, undeterred, tossed him through a pane of glass in the corner and Matthew Jackson kicked him in the groin. Nicholas Jackson tried to snatch an AEW tag title ringside, but Ricky Steamboat stopped him. Nicholas swung on the legend, but Steamboat responded with a flurry of punches. Inside the ring, Ric Flair covered Sting's body to save his friend from further punishment. The Bucks responded by super-kicking Flair and Steamboat, drawing loud boos from the crowd. The Young Bucks kept repeatedly trying to pin Sting following signature moves, but "The Icon" kept kicking out. Allin finally returned to the fray, tossing Nicholas Jackson into a table. A Scorpion Death Drop, Coffin Drop and Scorpion Deathlock to Matthew Jackson were the final moments of Sting's in-ring career.

Congratulations Sting. "The Icon" gave his all in a showing that he can be proud of. The match might be deemed too violent or spot-heavy for some, but it's the perfect style for Sting at this stage of his career. Very few pro wrestlers get the luxury of going out on top. It was a beautiful celebration of Sting's legacy and I won't be the one to sour it. Sting and Darby Allin def. The Young Bucks via submission to retain the AEW tag team titles. Grade: A+

[Mar 3, 2024 at 11:24 pm ET · Shakiel Mahjouri]

It's time for the main event. "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair is in the house to support the tag team champions and Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat will serve as guest timekeeper. Sting and Darby Allin defend their AEW tag team titles again The Young Bucks.

[Mar 3, 2024 at 11:21 pm ET · Shakiel Mahjouri]

AEW World Championship -- Samoa Joe (c) vs. Swerve Strickland vs. "Hangman" Adam Page: Joe wasn't about to play second fiddle to the drama between Strickland and Page. He's the world champion after all. Joe started the match like a bulldozer, repeatedly dropping both men. He barreled into Strickland with a suicide dive and kicked "Hangman" in the face when he tried the same. Strickland and Page briefly worked in unison to ground the champ before scrapping with each other. Strickland got the better of Page, but it was a matter of time before Joe re-emerged. Joe went right back to being the bully. Dealing with Joe became a regular occurrence during the match. The challengers teamed up to hit him with a double powerbomb before turning their attention back to each other. When Joe broke up a pinning attempt, Strickland dropped him ringside and went back after Page. The match painted Joe as a mindful champion desperate to keep his title. 

The action went into overdrive in the closing stretch. Joe hit Page with a musclebuster before eating a Swerve Stomp. Strickland could have covered Joe after hitting the House Call, but opted to crack his rival Page with the same move. Strickland was moments from winning after hitting the champ with the Swerve Stomp but an unhinged "Hangman" would not stand for it. Page yanked the referee to the floor, cracked Strickland with the AEW world title and clobbered Joe with a pair of Buckshot Lariats. Unfortunately, karma bit him because the ref was still laid out. By the time a second official emerged, Joe kicked out at two. Joe snatched the Coquina Clutch onto Page. Strickland broke it up with a spinal tap. Prince Nana slid a weapon to Strickland, but Strickland refused to use it. Strickland rolled up Joe, but "Hangman" pummeled the second ref to avoid the three-count. A buckshot lariat by Page to Joe followed by one from Strickland to Page! Joe planted Strickland with a half-and-half suplex and locked Page into the Coquina Clutch. Page tapped out.

This world title match hit a number of interesting story beats. Joe was positioned as a fighting champion who refused to be a backdrop to Page and Strickland's ongoing rivalry. Strickland furthered his progression as a fan-favorite by trying to win fairly. Page's bitter hatred for Strickland reached new heights as he pummeled innocent referees. It's entirely possible that Page tapped out to ensure that Strickland didn't become world champion, an interesting story that AEW can build on. The nature of the finish will allow AEW to continue building to Strickland's inauguration, a moment that won't be shadowed by Sting's retirement. Joe def. Page and Strickland via submission to retain the AEW world title. Grade: A-

[Mar 3, 2024 at 10:51 pm ET · Shakiel Mahjouri]

Only two matches are left tonight. Jim Ross joins the commentary booth for the AEW world heavyweight title match between Samoa Joe (c), Swerve Strickland and "Hangman" Adam Page.