AEW: Sting on Him Giving Advice to Talent at AEW Shows & Them Being “So Gracious and Happy” For It, Anthony Bowens on Wanting AEW To Revive WWE’s Tough Enough Concept, Mikey Rukus Reflects on His Seven Year Anniversary with AEW

Sting Comments on Him Giving Advice to Talent at AEW Shows & Them Being “So Gracious and Happy” For It

A recent episode of the Hunter, Jessica, & Cush podcast featured WWE Hall of Famer and former AEW wrestler Sting as the guest. One of the topics discussed included Sting’s thoughts about if he still gives advice to talent and the very positive reception from talent when he gives them advice backstage at AEW shows.

“When I’m there and with the guys, I’ll give feedback on a match or gimmick or a certain move or psychology, or if somebody is trying to develop their character, I’m definitely there to always lend some sort of advice. They are all so gracious and happy to hear from me. It’s good. I’m not there a whole lot, but I am there, I am involved. Some of the guys I’m in contact with, and I’ll talk with them on the phone. Darby, we talk pretty consistently.”

Sting also gave his thoughts about his praise of Kevin Knight’s work in AEW.

“Kevin Knight, the guy is truly amazing to watch. One of the most incredible athletes around right now. There are a bunch of guys. Will Ospreay, Kyle Fletcher, these guys are the new young lions. Tommaso (Ciampa), I’m digging Tommaso, he’s looking great. (Kazuchika) Okada, (Konosuke) Takeshita, I’m partial to these guys because it reminds me of the old Japanese days and all the matches I had with Great Muta in Japan and him being one of the first Japanese wrestlers to make it big in the states. Orange Cassidy, I love Orange Cassidy and the bits I was able to do with him. Samoa Joe is still killing it. Jon Moxley, some of his stuff recently, I’ve taken an interest in what he’s doing. His interviews are incredible.”

Transcript h/t: Fightful.com 1 & 2

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Anthony Bowens Comments on Wanting AEW To Revive WWE’s Tough Enough Concept for Potential New AEW Show

Anthony Bowens recently commented on Twitter about him pitching the idea of wanting AEW to revive WWE’s Tough Enough series concept for a new AEW show under a different name and him wanting to be a judge or trainer for this potential new show.

“I want @AEW to bring back OG Tough Enough but call it “Becoming The Elite” or something like that. WBD would love the extra content! Sign me up as a judge/trainer @TonyKhan ✌🏽”

I want @AEW to bring back OG Tough Enough but call it “Becoming The Elite” or something like that. WBD would love the extra content! Sign me up as a judge/trainer @TonyKhan ✌🏽 pic.twitter.com/GfqSBHOeZM

— Anthony Bowens (@Bowens_Official) May 5, 2026

WWE’s Tough Enough reality competition series ran from 2001 to 2004 and was briefly revived in 2011 and 2015.

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Mikey Rukus Reflects on His Seven Year Anniversary with AEW

AEW music producer Mikey Rukus recently reflected on Twitter about this past Friday being the seven year anniversary of his career with the company.

“5/1/2026 marks 7 years with AEW.

One of the greatest learning experiences of my lifetime. We are full steam ahead. My desire to bring you closer to these incredible pro wrestlers through audio storytelling has never been stronger. I will forever appreciate this moment in time.”

5/1/2026 marks 7 years with AEW.

One of the greatest learning experiences of my lifetime. We are full steam ahead. My desire to bring you closer to these incredible pro wrestlers through audio storytelling has never been stronger. I will forever appreciate this moment in time.🙏

— RUKUS (@MikeyRukus) May 5, 2026