Tony Schiavone Shares Backstage Details Leading Up To Sting's AEW Debut

In what will surely go down as one of the most unforgettable moments in the company's history, Sting made his AEW debut at last week's Winter Is Coming special.

The WWE Hall of Famer showed up to rescue Cody and Dustin Rhodes, Darby Allin and Arn Anderson (another former WCW icon) from an attack by Team Taz. The heels quickly left the ring, and Sting briefly checked in on the four faces before exiting.

Sting's appearance was a pleasant surprise for millions of wrestling fans. There were no indicators that he was about to debut with the company. It was only naturally speculated upon following the expiration of his WWE contract.

Afterwards, AEW announced that the former face of WCW had signed a multi-year contract with the company. It's unclear at this time if The Vigilante will wrestle in some capacity,

On his What Happened When podcast (h/t Chris Siggia of WrestlingNews.co), AEW commentator Tony Schiavone revealed some backstage details ahead of Sting's debut.

Schiavone explained that when he got to the Tuesday meeting, Tony Khan informed him about the Cody-Allin vs. Team Taz match. Schiavone was told that there would be a "really cool" angle after the match.

The next day, Schiavone learned the big news.

"On Wednesday, I got there and I was told Sting is coming tonight. I’m thinking this is some big (expletive)," Schiavone explained. "Sting doesn’t come until late and me and JR and Tony Khan and Excalibur go back in the trailer where Sting and his wife were in and we talk to them. He was really in a good mood and excited. Tony is really excited to talk to him. We talked about how we were going to do this."

Khan came over to Schiavone and asked him to say Sting "the way you used to say it because that is what is going to sell this." Schiavone admitted he put a lot of pressure on himself, but he obliged and delivered.

RELATED: [Report] Backstage News On AEW's Plans For Sting

Schiavone, of course, was the WCW play-by-play voice during Sting's run as the main face of WCW. So it was only fitting to hear Schiavone scream "It's Sting" again on TNT programming.

If that's not enough for the nostalgic crowd, Schiavone is scheduled to interview Sting on this week's episode of Dynamite.

A Special Moment For AEW & Sting Fans

WWE simply failed to use Sting the way countless fans had envisioned and hoped. Even if he never wrestles again, Sting is still a massive draw from a ratings standpoint. There is still plenty for Sting to give, and this will go down as a grade-A marquee signing by AEW.

NEXT:[Report] Sting Wanted A Cinematic Match Against The Undertaker