Sting (Wrestler): Career, Stats & More - [2024 Update]

Is there a more iconic figure in professional wrestling than "Sting"? For decades, Steve Borden, the man behind the face paint, has captivated audiences with his athleticism, charisma, and unwavering dedication to the sport, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Born Steve Borden on March 20, 1959, in Omaha, Nebraska, Sting's journey to wrestling stardom is a testament to his perseverance and adaptability. He transitioned from a bodybuilder to a wrestling sensation, quickly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with. His longevity is remarkable; he has competed across multiple eras and promotions, consistently evolving to stay relevant. From the vibrant, face-painted "Surfer Sting" of the late 1980s and early 1990s to the brooding "Crow" persona, inspired by the film of the same name, Sting has always understood how to connect with fans. His career is a study in reinvention and resilience. He navigated through various wrestling promotions, from the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) to World Championship Wrestling (WCW), Total Nonstop Action (TNA), and finally, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), leaving a legacy wherever he went.

Category	Details
Real Name	Steve Borden
Born	March 20, 1959 (age 65) in Omaha, Nebraska
Height	6 feet 2 inches (188 cm)
Weight	250 lb (113 kg)
Ring Name	Sting
Signature Moves	Scorpion Death Drop, Scorpion Deathlock
Debut	1985
Retired	April 2, 2016
Current Status	Signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
Major Championships	WCW World Heavyweight Champion (10 times), NWA World Heavyweight Champion (2 times), and multiple other titles
WWE Debut	Survivor Series, 2014 (Assisting Team Cena)
WWE Hall of Fame	Class of 2016
Reference	WWE.com

Sting's early career was defined by his association with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and later, WCW. He quickly ascended the ranks, becoming a fan favorite. His surfer-themed persona, with his vibrant face paint and energetic ring presence, resonated with audiences. He was a symbol of integrity and sportsmanship, which helped him build a massive following. His feuds with legendary figures like Ric Flair were pivotal in establishing his star power. Their matches are still considered classics. He won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, and then he would go on to have his first World Title reign when he captured the WCW World Title. This period cemented his status as one of the top stars in the industry. His popularity within WCW was immense, solidifying his position as a key figure in the promotion's history.

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The late 1990s marked a significant shift in Sting's career, especially within WCW. The emergence of the nWo (New World Order) and their dominance over WCW created a turning point. As WCW's most prominent face, Sting became the symbol of resistance against the nWo. This led to a long period where he stayed out of the ring, becoming a mysterious figure who would appear in the rafters of arenas, silently observing the chaos below. He became a symbol of defiance, a lone wolf against the renegade faction. This carefully crafted narrative kept fans in suspense for months, making his eventual return to the ring all the more spectacular. This extended feud with the nWo was highly popular, and he was a vital cog in the WCW's wheel, and made him one of the key stars during the Monday Night War.

The highly anticipated match at Starrcade 1997 against Hollywood Hogan, was a turning point. Sting, after months of lurking in the rafters, finally faced off against Hulk Hogan. The match was a culmination of everything that Sting had built. It also had a controversial ending. Bret Hart's intervention saw the use of Sting's bat and a "foreign object" resulting in the match ending controversially. However, the match served to put a cap on the story of good versus evil that had been constructed for many months, and was a major moment in wrestling history. Though a controversial match, it remains one of the most famous bouts in wrestling history, drawing significant attention and revenue.

Sting's attempts at a heel turn in 1999 were not successful, as fans rejected the change. The heel turn experiment was unsuccessful, and his popularity meant the fans did not accept him in the role of a villain, and he soon returned to his heroic persona. After WCW, he continued battling Lex Luger in the ring.

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His journey continued with a stint in Total Nonstop Action (TNA) where he would become one of the leading figures. He played a crucial role in TNA. His arrival in TNA brought a fresh perspective, and immediately elevated the promotion's profile. He won titles in TNA, and his matches often headlined events, proving his sustained drawing power and drawing viewers from around the world. In 2014, he would leave TNA to eventually sign with the WWE. His arrival in WWE, at Survivor Series 2014, was a highly anticipated event. He assisted Team Cena in their battle against The Authority (Triple H's group). This was a significant moment for the WWE fans.

Sting's WWE debut, though delayed, was impactful. His appearance at Survivor Series 2014, assisting Team Cena against The Authority, was a monumental moment. His involvement immediately injected a sense of excitement, sparking a feud with Triple H and The Authority. His subsequent matches, including a memorable clash with Triple H at WrestleMania 31, and his feud with Seth Rollins, proved his enduring ability to captivate audiences. While his WWE run was shorter than many fans hoped, the impact was immense. He brought with him a rich history, an aura of respect, and a dedication that earned him the respect of both his peers and the fans. His final match against Seth Rollins was the moment that Sting was unfortunately injured, which forced his retirement. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016, a fitting recognition of his contribution to the industry.

The year 2015 saw Sting embroiled in a heated rivalry with The Authority. The feud culminated in a match with Triple H at WrestleMania 31, a match that showcased his resilience and enduring appeal. Although the match itself had a mixed reception, it was a defining moment for his WWE career. The fans were excited to see the match between Sting and Triple H. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016, further cementing his legacy. In 2016, having revealed he would need spinal surgery, he announced his retirement on April 2nd, 2016.

Beyond the ring, Steve Borden has proven to be an actor and a public personality. He has authored books and also had roles in the world of acting. His work has made him a figure beyond professional wrestling.

Sting's career spans multiple wrestling promotions, and he has technically won thirteen world heavyweight championships, though only ten of them are recognized by Pro Wrestling Illustrated. His achievements, ranging from his iconic matches against Ric Flair to his feuds with the nWo and his WWE debut, have built his status as a legendary figure. He also held the WCW World Title ten times. Sting is recognized for his impact on the wrestling world and is considered a top wrestler, especially during the late 1980s.

He had a reconstructive knee surgery in 1991, and despite these physical challenges, his in-ring performance, combined with his captivating persona, made him a consistent draw for his time in WCW. His 1997 match with Hollywood Hulk Hogan remains one of his most iconic moments. He has also been the only wrestler who has been a constant figure, remaining with WCW since the late 1980s. His run in WCW, marked by the infamous battles against the nWo and his battles with Ric Flair, gave the fans some exciting moments and also solidified him as a top star.

In his professional life, Sting has been the public face of several professional wrestling promotions. From his work in WCW to his time in TNA, and his eventual run in WWE, Sting's ability to adapt and remain relevant has cemented him as one of the most respected and enduring figures in the sport. He signed a contract with WWE in 2014. He is currently signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Sting is known for his signature moves, including the Scorpion Death Drop and Scorpion Deathlock.