Darby Allin took the high-risk to a whole new level at AEW Revolution, even by his own standards.
In interviews prior to Sting’s final match, Allin stated on multiple occasions that he was planning something big for the match. While those familiar with Allin’s work expected something memorable, few would have predicted that it would have involved diving off a 15-foot ladder to the outside and going hurtling through a pane of glass. The AEW fans who are used to a violent affair were stunned by what they saw, with gasps turning to cheers and back to gasps when the close-up of Allin’s lacerated back was shown on camera.
With Allin out for the majority of the rest of the match and suffering a significant amount of blood loss, it was touch and go whether or not he would factor into the finish. According to a new report, this was accounted for.
As reported by Sports Illustrated in a behind-the-scenes update from Greensboro Coliseum, Allin wanted to do the dive more than anything else, therefore an alternative ending was carried out:
Unquestionably, the swanton off the ladder was excessive. Adding to an extremely dangerous spot is that glass, clearly, is unpredictable. But, multiple people confirmed, that was the one spot Darby wanted above all. There was a Plan B with a different finish in the event he could not return to the match, which turned out to be no more than a precaution.
In regards to how the spot was allowed to happen at the event, the report continues by breaking down the process from Allin demonstrating he could make the jump to the extra precautions implemented:
Once it was determined that Darby would make the jump, safety measures were applied. A rehearsal occurred earlier than usual in the day, and a stunt coordinator instructed how to place the items and reviewed the proper protocols. There were also nearby doctors anticipating the spot, and they were on high alert. And had Darby not been able to return to the match, the Bucks were prepared to call an alternate finish.
Shortly after Allin made contact with the glass, Jim Ross was heard uttering the line “For the love of God, what have we seen?!” With the call sounding unplanned on the broadcast, this was because very few knew what was coming:
As for the commentary team, Jim Ross’ call sounded organic for a reason. There were rumblings and rumors of outrageous spots, which were only amplified after word spread from the early rehearsal, but those on the broadcast were not told what to expect. Only a small group of people even knew the finish, which is what Sting wanted.
Speaking about the dive on his podcast, Jim Ross gave his thoughts on what took place.
Not Everyone Is Happy With Darby Allin
Although the spot will be remembered for a long time, Allin has faced criticism for undertaking the high dive from the ladder. Reacting to the moment on his podcast, Jim Cornette described Darby Allin as “A complete idiot.”