Sting, a name that resonates with wrestling enthusiasts worldwide, is not just a moniker but a legacy. Born as Steve Borden on March 20, 1959, in Omaha, Nebraska, U.S., Sting has carved a niche for himself in the world of professional wrestling.
His journey, filled with ups and downs, championships, and memorable moments, is nothing short of legendary.
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Sting: The Early Days
Sting’s initial foray into the world of sports was not wrestling but bodybuilding. He even co-owned a Gold’s Gym health club.
Interestingly, he didn’t have an inclination towards professional wrestling initially. However, a WWF event in Los Angeles changed his perspective, introducing him to the likes of The Iron Sheik and The British Bulldogs.
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The Wrestling Odyssey
Sting began his wrestling career in the Continental Wrestling Association in 1985, initially wrestling under the ring name Flash. He teamed up with Jim “Justice” Hellwig, who later became famous as The Ultimate Warrior in the WWF. The duo then moved to the Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF), where Sting underwent a name change from Flash to Sting.
His association with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) began in 1987, and it didn’t take long for him to ascend to main-event status. Known as “The Franchise of WCW”, Sting held numerous championships, making more pay-per-view appearances for the company than any other wrestler. He was the face of WCW, a counterpart to WWF’s top stars.
Despite WCW’s acquisition by WWF in 2001, he chose not to sign with them immediately. He explored other avenues, including the World Wrestling All-Stars and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). His time in TNA was marked with significant achievements, including multiple championship wins and being the inaugural inductee into the TNA Hall of Fame in 2012.
WWE fans had to wait until 2014 to witness Sting in a WWE ring. He made his debut at Survivor Series and had his first match at WrestleMania 31. Although his stint with WWE was brief, it was momentous. He headlined the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2016 and announced his retirement. However, the wrestling world was in for a surprise when Sting came out of retirement in 2020 to sign with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Borden continues to wrestle in All Elite Wrestling to this day (as of writing in October 2023).
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Sting: Legacy and Achievements
Throughout his illustrious career, the legendary star has held 26 championships, including titles in WCW, TNA, and other promotions. He was named “Most Popular Wrestler of the Year” four times by Pro Wrestling Illustrated.
His contribution to the sport was recognised when he was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame.
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FAQ
- When was Sting born?
- March 20, 1959.
- Where did Sting start his wrestling career?
- He began in the Continental Wrestling Association in 1985.
- How many championships did Sting hold in his career?
- He held 26 championships throughout his career.
- When did Sting join WWE?
- Sting joined WWE in 2014.
- Did Sting retire from professional wrestling?
- Yes, he announced his retirement in 2016 but came out of retirement in 2020 to join AEW.
