Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Darby Allin

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 19, 2025

Discover the career path of Darby Allin, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Darby Allin, born Samuel Ratsch, is a professional wrestler currently signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Known for his daredevil style and striking face paint, Allin has achieved significant success in AEW, including two reigns as TNT Champion. He also held the AEW World Tag Team Championship with wrestling legend Sting, memorably winning the titles during Sting's final career match. Allin's popularity stems from his high-risk maneuvers and his connection with fans.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2014: Debut in Blue Collar Wrestling

In 2014, Ratsch began his professional wrestling career, debuting under the ring name Darby Graves in Blue Collar Wrestling, based in Portland, Oregon.

2014: Professional Wrestling Career Begins

In 2014, Ratsch started his professional wrestling career, participating in various independent promotions like EVOLVE, Progress Wrestling, Major League Wrestling, and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide.

2015: Adopts Darby Allin Ring Name

In 2015, Darby Graves adopted the ring name Darby Allin and began competing extensively across the United States independent circuit.

April 2016: EVOLVE Debut

In April 2016, Darby Allin debuted for EVOLVE, a promotion affiliated with the World Wrestling Network (WWN), at EVOLVE 59.

2017: MLW Debut

In 2017, Darby Allin debuted in Major League Wrestling (MLW) at MLW One-Shot.

April 2018: Departure from MLW

In April 2018, Darby Allin departed Major League Wrestling (MLW) due to scheduling conflicts with other promotions.

June 3, 2018: Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide Appearance

On June 3, 2018, Darby Allin made a one-off appearance for Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide at Verano de Escándalo, competing in a six-way match.

2018: Tours with Progress Wrestling

In 2018, Darby Allin toured with the UK-based Progress Wrestling during the promotion's events in the United States and its annual Super Strong Style 16 tournament.

April 2019: Final EVOLVE Appearance

In April 2019, Darby Allin made his final appearances for EVOLVE and WWN-affiliated events, having been a regular performer for the promotion for three years.

April 2019: Signs with All Elite Wrestling (AEW)

In April 2019, Darby Allin signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), marking a significant step in his career.

2019: Independent Circuit Wrestling

Between 2015 and 2019, Darby Allin wrestled for a variety of independent promotions including EVOLVE, Game Changer Wrestling (GCW), Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), The Wrestling Revolver, and Full Impact Pro (FIP).

2019: Continues Touring with Progress Wrestling

In 2019, Darby Allin continued to tour with the UK-based Progress Wrestling during the promotion's events in the United States and its annual Super Strong Style 16 tournament.

2019: Signs with AEW

In 2019, Darby Allin signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and quickly became a prominent performer, participating in major matches at events like All Out, Full Gear, Revolution, and All In.

January 2020: AEW Championship Tournament

In January 2020, Darby Allin participated in a four-man tournament for a championship opportunity in AEW, but was eliminated by Pac in the opening round.

March 7, 2021: Tag Team Victory at Revolution

On March 7, 2021, at Revolution, Darby Allin and Sting defeated Ricky Starks and Brian Cage in a cinematic-style street fight.

March 6, 2022: Tornado Tag Team Match Win at Revolution

On March 6, 2022, Darby Allin, Sting, and Sammy Guevara secured a tornado tag team match win at Revolution.

2022: Feud with Samoa Joe begins

In late 2022, Darby Allin began a feud with TNT Champion Samoa Joe.

January 4, 2023: Wins TNT Championship for Second Time

On January 4, 2023, Darby Allin defeated Samoa Joe in his hometown of Seattle to win the TNT Championship for a second time.

February 7, 2024: AEW World Tag Team Championship Win

On February 7, 2024, Darby Allin and Sting defeated Ricky Starks and Big Bill to win the AEW World Tag Team Championship.

2024: Training Sting's Son

In 2024, Darby Allin began training Sting's son, Steven Borden, for a potential wrestling career, showcasing his influence and mentorship within the wrestling community.

2024: Continental Classic Tournament Participation

In November 2024, Darby Allin was announced as a participant in the Continental Classic tournament, ultimately finishing with seven points and missing playoff qualification.