Chief Jay Strongbow mentioned way back: “On this [wrestling] enterprise, you can also make associates or you can also make cash”.
Nicely, it appears wrestling legend and 16-time world champion Ric Aptitude has obtained loads of cash as a result of primarily he’s working at no cost.
In a shocking flip of occasions, AEW President Tony Khan has revealed the wrestling legend is actually working at no cost, due to a profitable sponsorship cope with “Wooooo Vitality.”
Aptitude makes his debut in AEW following the latest announcement of his shut pal Sting’s impending retirement. Sting, generally known as “The Icon,” is ready to conclude his illustrious profession with a ultimate match at AEW Revolution in 2024.
Khan acknowledged, “We’re not paying Ric Aptitude; Ric Aptitude is actually paying us. We’re getting paid by Wooooo Vitality for all of his appearances, so we’re gathering income from them.”
If solely the identical could possibly be mentioned for Jeff “By no means drew a dime” Jarrett.
However I digress …
Regardless of the sponsorship, Khan clarified that Aptitude’s involvement didn’t affect Sting’s resolution on the period of his wrestling profession.
The Nature Boy’s inclusion is critical to Sting, who considers Aptitude instrumental in his profession.
“I’ve by no means talked about this to the press and even within the dressing room, however actual males cry,” mentioned Sting, chatting with Sports activities Illustrated.
“I’ve been emotional, filled with tears, twice in my profession. The primary was Panama Metropolis, when Ric and I had the final WCW match on Nitro. The second was final week on Dynamite.”
The partnership with “Wooooo Vitality” introduced in a high-paying sponsorship for AEW, emphasising a singular dynamic the place the sponsored particular person primarily turns into a paying contributor.
With Sting’s unbeaten streak highlighted in latest AEW reveals, the story of his ultimate match good points added intrigue.
Whereas conventional wrestling narratives usually contain retirees ending their careers on a loss – or a stunning return to the ring – Sting has the chance to depart on a excessive word.
“When Ric got here out and I heard his music play, it hit me,” mentioned Sting. “I had this flashback, and it made me emotional. Ric is the man who put me on the map. We’ve travelled world wide collectively, and Ric helped make me. Now he’s going to complete with me.
“After all of the journey, all of the matches, all of the press slams, all of the chops, and all of the woos – woooo! – I skilled the identical feeling on Dynamite this previous week with Ric that I did on that ultimate Nitro. Besides this time, it was a lot extra optimistic.”
Mr Khan expressed, “Will probably be one thing actually particular to see if he can proceed the unbeaten run. If he makes it to Revolution unbeaten, will someone be capable of take it away from him in that second, and will probably be a really dramatic factor.” Whatever the match’s consequence, the first aim stays to “get Sting out wholesome and pleased after every little thing he’s accomplished for AEW and professional wrestling.”
—with New York Submit
Initially printed as Wrestling legend Ric Aptitude isn’t getting paid a dime
