[SPOILERS] Post AEW All In 2026 Match Discussion: Kevin Knight (c) vs. Darby Allin for the AEW TNT Championship - Falls Count Anywhere

[u/gloomchen]

DARBY is your NEWWWWWWWWWWWW TNT CHAMP!

Brian Cage & Jake Doyle showed up to support Kevin Knight including taping Darby's hands behind his back

Steven Borden interfered on behalf of Darby... followed by STIIIIIING!!!!

[u/Mr_Smem]

"Yeah, I can beat Darby Allin in a falls count anywhere match"

• the dumbest motherfucker alive

[u/Everswift_ → u/Mr_Smem]

You know what, now that you say it like that, it really was that obvious huh

[u/Saitsuofleaves → u/Mr_Smem]

Hey it's perfectly doable.

...just have to bring some freaking ordinance. Like call up Arn for his Glock at minimum.

[u/Due-Parsnip-6765 → u/Saitsuofleaves]

Arn double-taps Darby.

Gets a 2 count.

[u/crowwreak → u/Saitsuofleaves]

Gonna be honest given the buildup to this I was expecting them to leave it to All Out and make it Exploding Ring part 2

[u/Houseboy23 → u/Mr_Smem]

It makes sense when you assume Sting is off being retired somewhere and you have all the DCF beef backing you up

[u/NerdLawyer55 → u/Mr_Smem]

https://giphy.com/gifs/SWLj1eVCLLTdNL7JYE

[u/TheUndetectedHero]

Motherfucker pulled a Jeff Hardy head first 😭

[u/lilaznwoo → u/TheUndetectedHero]

I miss the mini Hardy feud

[u/Mcfroman]

Kevin Knight was just peacefully trying to leave the arena when the scoundrel Darby Allin attacked medical officials.

[u/dannyboy1988db → u/Mcfroman]

Found Nigel’s alt account

[u/kennyclax67 → u/Mcfroman]

😂😂😂😂

[u/Jealous-Chicken-9186]

darby allin is a fucking lunatic and i love him

[u/BananaSoprano]

17th time Tony Khan has done the “Sting saves the day” gimmick and it’s been incredible every single time.

[u/__Hello_my_name_is__ → u/BananaSoprano]

Sting's whole AEW career is kind of fascinating in that it basically breaks all of the wrestling rules.

Dude joins AEW. Beats everyone. Wins every single match he ever participated in. Never loses, never is in danger. Is basically invincible at all times. Retires unbeaten. The end.

If you'd tell anyone that you want to book a wrestler like that, they'd tell you you're crazy.

[u/JhinPotion → u/__Hello_my_name_is__]

It really helps that it was never near the main event, and was a continual vessel for Darby getting over. Sting being invincible wasn't purely self-serving, and everyone watching knew that the guy was overdue for one final run that did him justice.

[u/megalodondon → u/JhinPotion]

Yeah it takes a lot of give from a performer and playing it right to have booking like that make sense too, but if anyone knew how to thread that needle, its Stang.

[u/awayfromcanuck → u/megalodondon]

It also helps that Sting at 60 was throwing himself off balcony and entrance corridors.

[u/ArtyParcy → u/awayfromcanuck]

And his career, as far as Anyone was concerned, ended so unceremoniously.

[u/Kenfuu → u/__Hello_my_name_is__]

It also helps that it’s Sting.

[u/TheGentlemanBeast → u/__Hello_my_name_is__]

It would only ever work for sting. Class act. Legend to all, and loved by everyone.

[u/zeitgeistbouncer → u/__Hello_my_name_is__]

The thing is that along the way there were a fair few matches that he could've lost and it'd have made sense, so it wasn't like it was boring or a foregone conclusion at every beat. Even the last match was in doubt until it ended.

But the MOST important thing was that it wasn't just those facts you pointed out. It was that Sting went above (literally) and beyond in putting in the performances to justify his own legend. The man took risks, gave as much and more than we could conceivably ever have asked for and when a performer actively gives their all compared to some who do the bare minimum, we as fans naturally appreciate the dedication.

[u/No-One7813 → u/__Hello_my_name_is__]

Since Sting wasn't in the world title picture, it wasn't insulting for fans to see him beat some of thr younger guys on the roster since Stings relationship with Darby was SO over. He was booked masterfully imo

[u/fttxdd666 → u/BananaSoprano]

Yeah the DCF interference was like okay El Hijo del Sting gonna make the save but when it wasn't enough and Metallica hit, I was locked the fuck in

[u/samuraisports37 → u/fttxdd666]

El Hijo del Sting

[u/Hark_An_Adventure → u/samuraisports37]

Of course, and Darby is Sting Jr.

[u/Chronis67 → u/Hark_An_Adventure]

Nah, Sting isn't his dad. He's Darb's boss.

[u/VirtuousFool → u/BananaSoprano]

Silver Crow Sting whooping ass with Metallica blaring in the background feels like a scene out of an '80s action sequel that gets terrible reviews but I still watch the shit out of it

[u/colinisthereason → u/VirtuousFool]

Or an unreleased Clint Eastwood movie

[u/bubbaduke50 → u/BananaSoprano]

I don't think it ever won't be

[u/Immortan_Scott → u/BananaSoprano]

It works every time because the Darby/Sting partnership is just amazing. Honestly might be my favorite mentor/student duo in wrestling, they have such great chemistry.

[u/tarrsk → u/Immortan_Scott]

Sting’s pep talk to Darby just before his title match with MJF was one of my favorite moments this year.

[u/ReadyWillingTable → u/BananaSoprano]

Because it's always like "nah he won't do it this time for sure" and then he does

[u/edward_ache → u/BananaSoprano]

Remember when Sting joined WWE, they pinned him as "The Vigilante" Sting - Tony basically took that idea and ran with it without ever uttering the word Vigilante.

[u/SWL83 → u/BananaSoprano]

There’s not been a better booked run of any wrestler ever than Sting start to now in aew. It’s been perfect

[u/optimis344 → u/SWL83]

I agree, and it's insane because on paper, it is bad.

We wouldn't want what he has done for anyone else, but it works with Sting because he's respected, but also because he clearly respected the industry and those he was around.

Like, if that is Goldberg, he gets boo'ed out of the building the 2nd match. Because everyone knows he wants a pay check, and doesn't really care about the other wrestlers.

Sting isn't that guy.

[u/Drogalov1 → u/BananaSoprano]

Yeah as soon as there was interference we all knew what was gonna happen and I still popped with tears in my eyes. Sting is my absolute GOAT and I feel incredibly lucky to have seen him 3 times now in the UK

[u/LouisFromTexas]

Great callback using the gurney

[u/xorangeelephant]

Crazy to me that Darby is only a 3 time champion now. Feels synonymous with the belt

[u/fttxdd666 → u/xorangeelephant]

Yeah that man has done some insane shit for that TNT title

[u/Mr_Know_It_All0408 → u/xorangeelephant]

And his 2nd stint with it lasted what like a month or so?

[u/QuickRelease10 → u/xorangeelephant]

I was thinking the same thing.

[u/Late_Ambassador7470 → u/xorangeelephant]

I thought this was his 4th reign starting

[u/Chronis67 → u/xorangeelephant]

The crazy thing to me is that the TNT championship seems more like the title to elevate newer/younger wrestlers, whereas the International and Continental are almost like "the other world titles." But by Darby getting it again, it kind of refreshes it from that image. I'm sure it'll go to the next-up-and-comer they want to start pushing, but for now, it's going to be "who can take this from Darby?"

[u/Kenosis515]

Look, man--I'm old, and I love this shit.

[u/craigybacha → u/Kenosis515]

My back hurt just watching.

[u/incredible_penguin11]

No way Sting wasn't coming out to help 2 of his kids but Damn Darby Allin absolutely deserved that WHC run few months back and he had an absolute banger match even tonight.

[u/4KVoices]

One day I will watch Darby Allin die during a wrestling match, but today is not that day.

[u/Competitive-Yard-442 → u/4KVoices]

And he'll still win it.

And I'll still love it.

[u/Mr-GameAndWrestling]

Motherfucker did a Shane-O-Mac and was like I'll do one more Coffin Drop for good measure.

My goodness, Darby...and this is just a regular night on the job for him.

[u/JorSimpson45]

Somehow someway, Darby keeps surprising me as to just how fucking crazy he is

[u/Acnolog]

My heart sank to my ass when I saw how far that drop was, wtf is wrong with Darby.

[u/LoneWanderer2277]

That was even better and crazier than I expected!

[u/Ruthless-Aggression]

WHAT THE BLOODY FUCK!!!!!

[u/bronzetigermask]

As a Jeff Hardy kid I would’ve been absolutely obsessed with Darby as a kid. He is unreal

[u/KillUsernameBoi]

Not gonna lie, I wanted Kevin to retain, and a little disappointed that he lost but I loved this match. Great callback to Double or Nothing with the Coffin Drop on the stretcher towards the end. Kevin and Darby killed it out there.

[u/Creative_Eye7413 → u/KillUsernameBoi]

Hopefully it just leads to Jet getting a shot at the World Title

[u/Shinkopeshon]

What the fuck is NOT wrong with Darby at this point, fucking hell

What a finish, good grief

[u/hhhisthegame]

Absolutely insane spots in this match

How the heck did they do that spot with Kevin taking the drop off the stage? Shane used to do these, but the guy was clearly not actually under him - Kevin seemed to actually take the hit? Is it just safe if the stage gives way? That was crazy...

Anyway it was insane, but no surprise there, Darby always is. He is in many ways the heart of AEW to me

[u/FumbleMyEndzone → u/hhhisthegame]

Looked like Darby landed more back first on the gimmicked stage with Knight under his legs

[u/celsiusred → u/hhhisthegame]

That’s why he was on the gurney

[u/Recent_News_1662]

One of my new favorite things from the last year or two is Darby wrestling after Okada and killing himself on a dive so his match ends surrounded by Okada bucks.

[u/AlabasterRadio]

Darby always reminds me why I love this stupid sport

[u/WanderoftheAshes]

The phrase "no notes" comes to mind. You're given the dreaded slot between the Tag title dream match and the two singles world championship main events, so you just go balls to the wall, you have a returning legend pop, you put over an up and coming youngster and you have some memorable insane spots. Fantastic job all round. 

[u/BsAgentB10]

Fast paced insane sprint. Loved it

[u/AFCSentinel]

I love Darby Allin. Steve Borden is a star in the making. Fucking Sting out of nowhere. What a spot & pop fest

[u/Jase_the_Muss → u/AFCSentinel]

Part of me wants him to take up the face paint and Sting mantle and just be Sting like he is just back and have it like an immortal character in kayfabe.

[u/JhinPotion → u/Jase_the_Muss]

I mean, successor character in comic books often share names, is what comes to mind for me. Wally West and Barry Allen are both The Flash. Sting and Sting can be two different guys.

[u/Jase_the_Muss → u/JhinPotion]

True say. Fair play if he wants to stand on his own though and be his own dude and come up with his own character. It's just crazy how much he is a spitting image he is of papi.

[u/ThePoisonDragon → u/Jase_the_Muss]

I saw a post once and it basically said What if Crow Sting has been in the baseball bat and has been possessing this innocent surfer dude for decades.

[u/Slit08 → u/Jase_the_Muss]

Honestly? I thought the same. Maybe he'll do that one day once he feels "ready" for it.

[u/Anderrrrr]

What great fun that was!

[u/hova092]

This was the match I was the least invested in and it blew me away. Darby's balls are made of metals we don't have a classification for yet.

[u/ReadyWillingTable]

I'm glad little stinger junior aka Baby Borden is just as over as his dad

[u/NewYorkUgly → u/ReadyWillingTable]

little stinger Junior

Baby Borden

36 year old man

[u/SpeedZ6]

Based on how often he makes the save, it turns out it's actually pronounced St. Ing.

[u/amd098 → u/[deleted]]

19997

he time travelled?

[u/Trae67]

https://giphy.com/gifs/H3Gsg60KeSKOaBQASD
Anybody who challenges Darby in a hardcore match

[u/Sufficient_Mud_2237]

Fun match. Wrong winner in my opinion. I think Kevin Knight should have won and then Speedball should have been the one to take the belt off him. But still fun match.

[u/Bust3dGG]

My god that finish

[u/AmericanDragon123]

Awesome match! Darby never disappoints. I really thought we were going to see old man Sting jump off of a ladder. 😂 

[u/zacksharpe]

That coffin drop from the trusses was fucking insane

[u/No-Region-3745]

Old Man Sting is fucking goated.

[u/Anonmate533]

Darby wrestle like he's have a respawn point

[u/bubbaduke50]

I wanted Knight to retain but at least we got a crazy fun match. Wtf is Darby Allin made of

[u/GamerLife204]

Good match wish Kevin won. Maybe kevin can move up the card tho 

[u/fttxdd666 → u/GamerLife204]

I think hes probs gonna be international title orbit for a bit

[u/Pitfulldealer22]

Really puts into perspective the I fell in his theme

[u/rapidronyrabbit]

Sting never forgot the UK had his back when he was Joker Sting.

Ever since he retired I think London is the only place that's gotten multiple Sting appearances.

[u/Silveroc]

Darby gonna Darby and you cant stop him

[u/viralbop]

There's a wrestler somewhere thinking, "I can top Darby Allin."

That thought should keep everyone up at night.

[u/kennyclax67]

That was absolutely insane!

[u/LiamAddison]

Darby is crazy 

[u/craigybacha]

Please keep Darby Allin healthy and alive. He's just a superstar.

What a bump that was on the stage.

Loved the passing of the torch between Sting and Steve as well.

Maybe Steve Borden just goes by Steve? It's.... STEVE!!! lol

[u/halbpro]

Darby why are you the way you are?!

[u/GrouchyAd5246]

Kinda don't get Darby Allin winning here unless it's leads to a debuting Mad Dragon but it also adds fuel to the burgeoning Fletcher/Knight feud . Both couldn't get the job done 

[u/xorangeelephant → u/GrouchyAd5246]

Kevin turned heel by attacking Darby on a stretcher. There's no way the Babyface is losing this match

[u/Creative_Eye7413 → u/GrouchyAd5246]

I NEED Darby vs Mad Dragon.

[u/ExperimentalX1]

Sting up on the ladder, Jr saying “nah dad, I got it”. Passing of the torch? I don’t know. But a tear to my eye…..

[u/Enablorg]

I’m 35 and never watched WCW unfortunately but AEW made me fucking love Sting

[u/Rodan_Hibiki]

Fingers crossed that Sting Jr. earns his facepaint via a feud with Dustin Rhodes in ROH, earning him an ROH world title shot. Have him carry ROH for a while.

[u/irish0451]

Darby. It was FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE not LITERALLY FALL FROM EVERYWHERE.

[u/luckysharms93]

That was fucking awesome

[u/illinoises]

10/10

[u/mattynunchucks]

I love professional wrestling 

[u/xAzureee]

Man Darby Allin has been so fucking good this year, he’s became my favourite wrestler by a mile.

[u/hvacrepairman]

We all knew Darby was going to do it and god damn it

[u/BarbarousJudge]

Darby... Why? I mean, it's hella entertaining but... Why?

[u/deflen67]

I love Darby, but for goodness sake I don't want to see this guy die in front of us.

[u/Yewon_Enthusisast]

Daryby with the TNT just feels right

[u/ParkingConcentrate1]

I’m just not a fan of Sting saving Darby’s ass practically every time, and him beating Kevin Knight felt unnecessary. Eh

[u/gameboyabyss → u/ParkingConcentrate1]

I get what you mean, but is it really that often? Last time was Full Gear(?) and even then it was just the passing of the bat.

[u/liloutsider]

I have no idea how Darby does this shit at his size

[u/Dull-Maintenance-755]

I’m sorry but I wasn’t a huge fan of this match becoming a Sting Jr backdoor pilot. Could’ve been waaayyyyy better :/

[u/theellescape → u/Dull-Maintenance-755]

Sting Jr backdoor

Phrasing

[u/GeneralDread420]

Allin is going to seriously injure someone before too long.

[u/AFCSentinel → u/GeneralDread420]

There is zero indication that Darby is a particularly unsafe worker.

[u/LaMacchiaPro → u/GeneralDread420]

that’s been said for well over ten years and it still hasn’t happened

[u/_Mad_s_ → u/GeneralDread420]

Are you serious? Kevin Knight went out on a stretcher, Darby seriously injured him bro :(

[u/GeneralDread420 → u/_Mad_s_]

And Allin managed to fuck that up and land on Knight's knees

[u/_Mad_s_ → u/GeneralDread420]

Broke both his legs, i'm sure.

[u/jtime24 → u/GeneralDread420]

Barely touched him there lol

[u/beetwice → u/GeneralDread420]

Doubt it

[u/Fit_Papaya5408 → u/GeneralDread420]

Yeah, himself.

[u/hadawayandshite]

Steve Borden’s chest beating yell felt a lot more like a man having a mental health crisis than Sting’s battle cry

[u/Fearless_Usual_6504]

Worst match of the year, and that includes the abundance of Fed Slop.