Darby Allin has no plans to change his approach after reaching the top of AEW.
Allin captured the AEW World Championship in April, checking off one of the biggest accomplishments of his career. Although his reign lasted less than 40 days, Allin says his focus moving forward is continuing to do things on his own terms.
During an interview with Forbes, Allin pointed to Sting as a major inspiration, specifically his decision to eventually return to wrestling after suffering what appeared to be a career-ending injury in 2014.
“Just doing things my way and never compromising because we go back to Sting; he had nothing left to prove when he had the injury in 2014 that eventually ended his wrestling career,” Allin said. “The fact that he came back to wrestling and went out on his own terms – that’s important to me.”
Allin said that same mentality is why he has no interest in slowing down inside the ring, regardless of how many people suggest he should.
“So just keep doing things on your own terms and living life to the fullest and never, never phoning it in, never taking it off. Some will say, ‘Just slow down.’ I can’t. I physically and mentally can’t. Every time I step in the ring, even if it’s, like, a six-minute match, I’m going ballistic because I just never want to take anything for granted.”
“That’s kind of my whole goal with this, moving on. Just keep doing things my way, lead by example, and show everybody that you should never take it off.”
Allin also reflected on what he learned from Sting during their time together, noting that some of the most important lessons had nothing to do with what happened inside the ring.
“Yeah, how to carry yourself out of the ring. We’re talking about a guy who’s done everything there is to do in the industry, and when you talk to him, he’s the most humble, chill guy. He doesn’t big league anybody, and that’s kind of what I realized later on because there’s so many egos where it’s like, ‘Oh, I can’t show any weakness.’ He’s so chill and so happy all the time.”
Allin said Sting’s demeanor away from wrestling is something that continues to stick with him now that “The Icon” has retired.
“That’s what I hold on to most now that his career ended – how he conducts himself when the 15-minute ride is over. That’s what kind of inspired me the most.”
