Darby Allin Reflects On AEW World Title Run, Sting’s Advice And All In

BusinessSportsMoneyDarby Allin Reflects On AEW World Title Run, Sting’s Advice And All InByRob Wolkenbrod,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Robert Wolkenbrod is a contributor who covers professional wrestling.Follow AuthorAug 24, 2026, 10:00am EDTDarby AllinAll Elite WrestlingDarby Allin has been part of All Elite Wrestling since its inception, but by his own estimation, 2026 has been the best year of his career.The 33-year-old’s first AEW World Championship reign began with a match that lasted mere minutes and sparked one of the most unique and fast-paced title reigns in the company’s brief history. He defended the title seven consecutive weeks, putting on high-caliber matches with all eyes constantly on him.And while Allin’s reign ended within two months, it still came to a close in front of a raucous Louis Armstrong Stadium crowd on a night when he shared the ring with Mick Foley to open the show.Now, Allin’s next test comes at Wembley Stadium for All In, where he’ll pursue gold again in a Falls Count Anywhere match for the TNT Championship against Kevin Knight.Before he steps into the ring, Allin spoke with Forbes about the upcoming match, his chaotic title reign and the advice Sting gave him that’s resonated.Rob Wolkenbrod: To start broadly, how would you summarize what 2026 has been like for you?Darby Allin: Hands down the best year of my career. It was an amazing ride, and I thought it wasn’t going to be topped after Everest last year, 2025. But 2026 has been a rollercoaster. It’s been insane, and the fact that I was able to climb to the top of this mountain of AEW and become world champion—I have no complaints. It's incredible.Wolkenbrod: You've had a few months now to look back on the night you became AEW World Champion. When you think about standing there with the championship and seeing the locker room come out to celebrate with you, what do you remember feeling in that moment?MORE FOR YOUAllin: It...