The Secret Gym Sessions and Dark Match Routine
Tony Khan is preparing Steven Borden Jr. for an AEW television debut. Sources close to the situation confirm that the son of Hall of Famer Sting is progressing rapidly in dark matches. The former Kentucky tight end is quickly becoming a promotional priority.
Borden made his professional wrestling debut in October 2025 at the '52W Hardway' event in New York City. Teaming with JD Drake against Darby Allin and Killer Kross, it was a grueling physical test for the legacy athlete. He survived the encounter and immediately went to work behind the scenes.
Since that debut, Borden has been training under the radar with coaches like Darby Allin, FTR, and Adam Copeland. They are teaching him the fundamentals of ring positioning and pacing. It is a slow, methodical process.
As F4WOnline reported, Khan spoke highly of Borden's work ethic on the Power Players podcast. The AEW President confirmed that Borden is wrestling dark matches before major television tapings to build his confidence. He wants the young star to feel the crowd before his television introduction.
“We’re training Sting’s son, Steven, right now. He wrestles before all the shows in what we call the ‘dark match.’ And I think he’s going to be a tremendous wrestler. I’m really, really proud of the work he’s doing.”
Borden has also taken his training to the independent circuit. He won his singles debut at DEFY AEON 2 in November 2025, defeating Kiran Grey in eight minutes after hitting a corner Stinger Splash and a Scorpion Death Drop. He has since worked for Maple Leaf Pro to gain experience in front of different crowds. He is putting in the travel hours that other legacy prospects avoid.
Before entering the ring, Borden was a college athlete. He played tight end for the University of Kentucky between 2013 and 2014, recording a modest stat line of 7 receptions for 96 yards and one touchdown. That physical background is serving him well in his transition to wrestling. The SEC grind prepares athletes for the physical toll of the squared circle.
The Roster Logjam and AEW's Title Philosophy
Getting Steven Borden onto AEW television is not a simple task. The AEW locker room is famously crowded with world-class talent. Many veteran prospects are currently struggling to find consistent TV time. Ring of Honor is filled with young talent unable to secure a spot on Dynamite.
Borden will face immense pressure because of his father's historic run. Sting retired undefeated in AEW at Revolution in March 2024. If Borden is rushed onto television before he is ready, the backlash could be devastating. Fans will not be gentle with a legacy act that fumbles.
There is also the question of what he will fight for. Critics frequently complain about the sheer number of belts on AEW programming. Recently, Tony Khan defended this title structure. He argued that four hours of weekly television requires a high volume of championship stakes to keep matches meaningful.
Khan models his secondary titles on the old WCW system. He believes belts like the TNT or International Championships should elevate rising stars. Borden could follow a similar path once he receives his television clearance. He will have to earn his spot in line.
However, the roster logjam remains a major hurdle. If Borden debuts, someone else loses a spot. This is a zero-sum game. Tony Khan must decide if he is willing to bench experienced workers to give Sting's son a promotional push.
The Rating Wars and the Streaming Shift
AEW is navigating a complex media rights environment in 2026. The promotion's current deal with Warner Bros. Discovery runs through 2027, with a one-year option. Tony Khan has been loudly promoting the company's financial health. He claims interest in the product is at an all-time high.
As Ringside News details, Khan claims AEW viewership is up double digits in the first half of 2026. He argues that traditional Nielsen ratings are outdated because they ignore streaming. The digital numbers tell a different story.
“Two years ago, we weren’t streaming on HBO Max yet. So the viewership now, the true viewership is actually much higher because not only do we have the TBS viewers, but also we have streaming viewership.”
Khan is also eyeing a potential Paramount merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. He believes a deal would expand AEW's streaming audience. However, the merger is currently stalled after a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order. Corporate delays are keeping the future on hold.
While AEW waits for corporate clarity, other promotions are gaining ground. For instance, TNA drew high numbers for its July 16, 2026 episode of Impact. That broadcast pulled in 286,000 viewers on AMC, marking a record for the show on the network.
The TNA broadcast secured a 0.03 rating in the key 18-49 demographic. That represented a 52.1% increase from their numbers three weeks prior. With competitors showing life, AEW needs fresh characters to keep their double-digit momentum. A debut for Steven Borden Jr. could provide that spark.
Probability, Creative Playbook, and Expected Impact
A television contract for Steven Borden Jr. is highly probable. Tony Khan is personally invested in his training and development. The creative path for his debut is already written. It runs directly through Darby Allin.
Allin was Sting's final tag team partner and remains a top babyface in AEW. Aligning Borden with Allin would instantly give the rookie credibility. It would also allow Allin to handle the bulk of the in-ring work. This protects the young wrestler from being exposed early.
Alternatively, Borden could debut as a heel. This would be a high-risk move that might alienate the AEW audience. A natural babyface run alongside the veterans who trained him seems much more logical. AEW wants to tap into the goodwill of the Sting name.
The timeline for this debut is likely late 2026. Borden has only been wrestling for nine months. He needs more singles matches in DEFY and Maple Leaf Pro. But the dark match reps are preparing him for the bright lights.
If Borden signs and debuts, the impact will be immediate. AEW will capture the attention of lapsed WCW and WWE fans who loved Sting. The merchandise sales alone will justify the investment. It is a proven formula.
However, the in-ring reality will be the ultimate test. Borden cannot hide behind his father's face paint forever. The AEW audience is demanding and will reject him if his workrate is subpar. There is no hiding in a promotion built on workrate.
The signing will also solidify AEW as the home of Sting's legacy. It keeps WWE from signing the heir to the franchise. Tony Khan is making a long-term play on a promising talent. The tight end has a chance to become a franchise player.
