Did Sting blow his final chance?

[deathdrop81]

I'll make no bones about it. I'm a huge Sting mark.
But with Hogan and his goons running TNA now, I thought it would be the perfect -- and probably final -- chance to make the jump to Vince's empire.
Detractors might argue that he's too old for the WWE. Hogwash. Flair was falling off ladders there not long ago and aging veterans like Shawn Michaels and the Undertaker continue to have the best matches and fan following out of anyone.

When Sting joined TNA a few years ago, he stated that Vince's product was too raunchy and did not fit into his Christian-like lifestyle. How can he make that argument now? WWE has gone PG and TNA has run with the sleaze. The Beautiful People playing strip poker with Val Venis is family-friendly entertainment? Or what about Samoa Joe pulling knives on people? I can't remember anyone in WWE ever pulling a knife on someone, unless you count the Berzerker's sword.

Some might also say that Sting enjoys the laid-back schedule in TNA. But I see him as someone worthy of the Shawn Michaels treatment. I'm sure Vince wouldn't mind if he only worked TV and pay-per-views. If Vince would refuse that kind of deal, he'd be out-of-his mind even more so.

I'm not saying Sting would be the savior for WWE. In fact, I couldn't see him there for more than a year. But both Sting and WWE could make a little bit of money out of this. WWE could lure in some of his older fans that wandered away from the product while I'm sure kids would love the man in paint. The youngsters would buy up Sting masks like they do the Mysterio ones.

Another popular argument against Sting going to WWE is that Vince would bury him. I'm not so sure about that one. Over the years, Sting has spoken respectfully of Vince and WWE, despite disagreeing with the raunch in its product at one point. Sting is different from homegrown WCW talent like Scott Steiner, Booker T (although I consider his tenure in WWE very successful) and even Bill Goldberg. I think Vince would view him in a higher light and not engage him in foolish storylines or put a Goldust wig on him.
I'd say give him one run with one of the world titles and have him put over guys like Orton and C.M. Punk, cementing their status in the modern world of pro wrestling. Also, you can't forget the dream matchups between him and Michaels or the Undertaker. Imagine all the possibilities and interesting angles that could play out, especially with Bret Hart back in the fold for the time-being and the Ultimate Warrior rumored for the Hall of Fame/Wrestlemania weekend.

While I respect Sting's decision to remain in TNA because of Ric Flair, I feel he'll be wasting his time there especially with Hogan at the helm. Remember what happened in the so-called 'Match of the Century' at Starrcade 97? Hogan didn't want to lose cleanly to Sting so we had that whole nonsense with Nick Patrick. You can't say nothing like that would happen again.

In sum, I believe it would have been an opportune time for Sting to jump to WWE, finally, at the start of the year. After all, his contract with TNA expired and there's not much else he can add to that promotion at this time. Agree?

 

[It's Damn Real!]

What chance? Sting said himself he never wanted to work for McMahon. There's a reason he didn't join when they really wanted him (partially to prevent him from joining TNA) in 2005, just prior to him joining the company. Vince wanted to run Sting in a program for Flair, for Flair's retirement, but because Sting wouldn't come in, the job went to Michaels instead.

No – he didn't blow any chance, because there's no chance to be blown. He simply doesn't want to work for McMahon, and at this point his career is far too great for having avoided McMahon for him to go back to a PG kids show like the WWE. If anything, that would blow the air out of his tires faster than anything he's doing in TNA right now.

 

[arun_is_wrestling]

What chance? Sting said himself he never wanted to work for McMahon. There's a reason he didn't join when they really wanted him (partially to prevent him from joining TNA) in 2005, just prior to him joining the company. Vince wanted to run Sting in a program for Flair, for Flair's retirement, but because Sting wouldn't come in, the job went to Michaels instead.

No – he didn't blow any chance, because there's no chance to be blown. He simply doesn't want to work for McMahon, and at this point his career is far too great for having avoided McMahon for him to go back to a PG kids show like the WWE. If anything, that would blow the air out of his tires faster than anything he's doing in TNA right now.

Yes well, tna's so called tv-14 fits in stings lifestyle and beliefs, but wwe pg doesnt. Its his decision and i would reccomend him do so. not cus i love the wwe, because it would be awesome seeing sting there, hopefully he will and he will get offered a light contract. all in good time.

 

[Reddannihilation]

If I remember correctly, the major reason Sting didn't sign with WWE was because he thought he'd be buried like DDP and Booker T were. Also the time he made those comments about the WWE's content was during the era of the Katie Vick/Necrophillia storyline,which is nothing like TNA's content. So no Sting didn't ruin anything, he's the biggest wrestler to have never worked for the WWE and he's proven you don't need the WWE to succeed.

 

[go2war313]

Yes well, tna's so called tv-14 fits in stings lifestyle and beliefs, but wwe pg doesnt. Its his decision and i would reccomend him do so. not cus i love the wwe, because it would be awesome seeing sting there, hopefully he will and he will get offered a light contract. all in good time.

wwe being pg and tna being tv-14 doesn't have shit to do with sting . Sting just don't like Vince and can you blame sting he didn't wanna take the chance of vince burying him like other wcw stars that came over after the buyout and I give major props to Sting for not selling his soul for a paycheck and instead helping build another company .

 

[Topher D]

I like Sting and would love to see him in the WWE, but he is not coming. HBK is never going to leave the WWE, so it is possible for a man to be loyal to his company and/or beliefs. TNA would love to have HBK; not going to happen. WWE would love to have Sting; not going to happen.

 

[Schizophrenic]

I don't think he blew anything. From the looks of it they are going to go forward with a Sting/Flair angle so they can work together one more time. Sting has said in front of the wrestlers that Flair is the reason he stayed for another year. After this I feel The Stinger will hang up the boots. And just because he never went there I dont see that stopping Vince from someday putting Sting into the Hall Of Fame. Hell is Pete Rose can get in there why not Sting?

 

[DarkAngel]

Absolutely not. I know a lot of people would of LOVED to see Sting enter the WWE, but as a Sting fan, I'm glad he never signed the deal and sold himself to that scrumbag McMahon! They would of under used him, and at the same time mis handle him as just being another WCW guy under the WWE throne. If anything, Sting is even MORE OF A LEGEND in my eyes to NEVER join the WWE ranks and that shows the character of the man and also the loyalties to his beliefs. TNA is lucky to have Sting finish out his career, and I think Sting made the right decision.

Besides, TNA is now a hyped program and he gets to get one lost shot at his idol, Ric Flair. Kudos to the Stinger for being REAL. Like someone else said, one day, why not give Sting his WELL deserved props, and enter the hall? If McMahon can bring back Bret fuckin' Hart then I'm SURE he can make a place for the Stinger, who deserves it the MOST out of anybody.

 

[dionlyone18]

if i remember correctly he said he was close to joining when the whole invasion started but it was this one moment when booker t had a run and him and the rock cut a promo and then booker and rock backed into each other and the rock looked at booker t and mouthed..who are you? and at that moment sting knew he didnt want to be pulled down and have his career tarnished...ddp should have had to the title at least three times and booker should be at least a 9 time champ

 

[Greenlight13]

Whilst it's a good point that kids would enjoy Sting masks, the majority of the WWE audience wouldn't know who he was. If he just appeared he'd get next to no reaction. The reason for this is that his name hasn't been mentioned nor his image seen in the WWE outside of a pair of DVDs and the wrestling roundtable series that virtually no-one watches. They would have to start running vignettes for his arrival like they did with Rey Mysterio and spend weeks talking him up, maybe even showing past clips.

While I'd mark out for Sting against HBK or Undertaker, I don't see him stepping in the ring with any other WWE talent besides maybe Jericho who essentially took Randy's legend-killer gimmick last year. Ignoring the fact he's contracted until the end of the year, I don't see him doing anything but coming in for a one-shot Wrestlemania deal against one of the three guys I mentioned, doing promos on Raw but only wrestling on the grandest stage of them all.

 

[dwith73]

Sting has been offered big money numerous times by Vince McMahon, and Sting constantly turns him down. He is the one wrestling superstar that has never sold out to Vince McMahon and his money, and I respect Sting that. It has alway's urked Vince that he couldn't buy someone. I wish Sting would make a final run as the original Stinger with the wild hair, and bright colorful paint makeup. Go out with a splash.

 

[go2war313]

Whilst it's a good point that kids would enjoy Sting masks, the majority of the WWE audience wouldn't know who he was. If he just appeared he'd get next to no reaction. The reason for this is that his name hasn't been mentioned nor his image seen in the WWE outside of a pair of DVDs and the wrestling roundtable series that virtually no-one watches. They would have to start running vignettes for his arrival like they did with Rey Mysterio and spend weeks talking him up, maybe even showing past clips.

While I'd mark out for Sting against HBK or Undertaker, I don't see him stepping in the ring with any other WWE talent besides maybe Jericho who essentially took Randy's legend-killer gimmick last year. Ignoring the fact he's contracted until the end of the year, I don't see him doing anything but coming in for a one-shot Wrestlemania deal against one of the three guys I mentioned, doing promos on Raw but only wrestling on the grandest stage of them all.

Are u talking about no one would of knew sting if he went to the wwe after the wcw buyout if so give some of the weed ur smoking sting was very popular and got over with the crowd before sting and others got to tna there rating was 0.9 and under now look at tna 1.5 ratings now the company is growing and vince knows it

 

[T2KFreeker]

Or what about Samoa Joe pulling knives on people? I can't remember anyone in WWE ever pulling a knife on someone, unless you count the Berzerker's sword.

Nope, you are right. They just had Brian Pilman pull out a gun on Steve Austin and try and kill him after he broke into his house. And yes, I know that was a long time ago. So how about Triple H breaking down Randy Ortons door and terrorizing his wife as he tears through the house with a Sledge Hammer trying to take out Ranfy Orton? Yes, that is much better than pulling out a knife on someone.

 

[Derek Bastard]

In my humble opinion, I think Sting is in the best place he can be in. THey don't treat sting as joke (Well, except for that failed casket style match with Abyss not too long ago) and push him very well. Sting has probably been one of the few men who is always put in good and meaningful angles. He is an asset to TNA and TNA is an asset to sting and i am by no means a huge sting fan. Always thought he was somewhat over-rated but in TNA he has done alot to put over the up and comers and TNA has done well to not make sting look like he is a washed up loser. I think Sting has atleast another really good year in him within TNA and I think with Hogan, Flair, and Bischoff in the mix... He will be placed in yet another really well put together Angle. WWE is too risky because WWE is a place where, if you weren't bred in WWE, they usually misuse use and bury you on purpose...

 

[RawIsRamsey]

In all honesty, Sting NEEDS to end his career with Vince, simply so we can kill all the dream matches before he gets his HoF spot and DVD, then retire.

Hell, tell him he only has to pop in for TV and only wrestle at PPV. A 12-month Sting retirement tour would be awesome...just imagine getting the old dream matches against Taker and HBK, the modern matches with Cena and Orton, or getting a chance to work for the first time with old WCW mates, like Jericho and Mysterio.

Then again, maybe Sting wants to retire as the only major star never to work for Vince...would be a pretty great feather in his cap and a nice final "fuck you" to the WWE.

 

[DarkAngel]

In all honesty, Sting NEEDS to end his career with Vince, simply so we can kill all the dream matches before he gets his HoF spot and DVD, then retire.

Hell, tell him he only has to pop in for TV and only wrestle at PPV. A 12-month Sting retirement tour would be awesome...just imagine getting the old dream matches against Taker and HBK, the modern matches with Cena and Orton, or getting a chance to work for the first time with old WCW mates, like Jericho and Mysterio.

Then again, maybe Sting wants to retire as the only major star never to work for Vince...would be a pretty great feather in his cap and a nice final "fuck you" to the WWE.

Exactly. As I said before, with Sting being offered tons of money to go to the WWE and him not ever biting and being the ONLY major wrestler of his caliber to have success without the WWF/E just adds more to his legend. Long live the Stinger!

 

[mral82]

In my humble opinion, I think Sting is in the best place he can be in. THey don't treat sting as joke (Well, except for that failed casket style match with Abyss not too long ago) and push him very well. Sting has probably been one of the few men who is always put in good and meaningful angles. He is an asset to TNA and TNA is an asset to sting and i am by no means a huge sting fan. Always thought he was somewhat over-rated but in TNA he has done alot to put over the up and comers and TNA has done well to not make sting look like he is a washed up loser. I think Sting has atleast another really good year in him within TNA and I think with Hogan, Flair, and Bischoff in the mix... He will be placed in yet another really well put together Angle. WWE is too risky because WWE is a place where, if you weren't bred in WWE, they usually misuse use and bury you on purpose...

Your last sentence is a lie Chris Jericho, Rey Mysterio, Booker T., Chris Benoit, Stone Cold, The Undertaker, Triple H, The Big Show, Eddie Gurrero, The Hurricane, Torrie Wilson, Molly Holly, Stacy Keibler, Ric Flair, Billy Kidman, and Jim Ross are just a few of the WCW alumni that the WWE did not misuse or bury. WWE never buried any of the WCW or ECW alumni for the word. Anywho Sting would definitely get the Legends contract if he joined the WWE and they would even probably do a Sting movie or something. I would love to see Sting in the WWE if only for a 1-2 yrs cause that would be iconic legen....(wait for it)...dary.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

I respect Sting, what's he's done in wrestling and the fact that he's always conducted himself with dignity and respect. Sting's ultimate wrestling legacy has virtually no opportunity to be tarnished and I think Sting fans should be happy with that most of all.

When it comes to age, I'm of the belief that once you cross into your 50s, it's time to hang it up. When I see a 50+ year old man in a wrestling ring with 25 year olds and not only doing very well but actually wins most of the time, it just makes me sort of shake my head a little. It's just hard for me to look at a young guy and take him seriously when he loses a match to someone that is twice his age and well past his physical prime. I know it's staged, but my suspension of disbelief only extends so far. Sting has had his time, he's won his titles and he's left his mark.

As for Sting winding up in the WWE, I don't believe that Vince McMahon would want him in any type of wrestling capacity due in part to his age. The fact is that TNA has had a major influx of 50+ year old wrestlers/wrestling personalities that currently have some major part to play on TNA television and it's just not doing much for some. Nostalgia is only going to last so long before rock hard reality sets in.

Sting doesn't need the WWE and the WWE doesn't need Sting. The truth is, I don't particularly think either side wants all that much to do with the other. And, to be honest, that doesn't bother me in the slightest. Some wrestling working relationships are better left to the imagination.

 

[SinCityBlitz]

Exactly. As I said before, with Sting being offered tons of money to go to the WWE and him not ever biting and being the ONLY major wrestler of his caliber to have success without the WWF/E just adds more to his legend. Long live the Stinger!

What legend is that exactly though? He's played second fiddle to someone else his whole career. What should have been his biggest moment of his career was ruined by Hogan. When I look at Stings career I see someone who never really carried any fed he was in. That doesn't scream out legend. I don't blame him for Hogan ruining what should have been the one time he was going to carry the fed.

I don't know if Sting blew his final chance. Like other have said I'm not sure he even wants to go to the WWE.

He's a hypocrite like Bischoff. Both have been extremely outspoken against AE era WWE. But when WCW started going that way Sting said nothing and stayed even though it was against his beliefs. Now the same thing with TNA. Now you see the same thing with copy cat Bischoff.

 

[DarkAngel]

What legend is that exactly though? He's played second fiddle to someone else his whole career. What should have been his biggest moment of his career was ruined by Hogan. When I look at Stings career I see someone who never really carried any fed he was in. That doesn't scream out legend. I don't blame him for Hogan ruining what should have been the one time he was going to carry the fed.

I don't know if Sting blew his final chance. Like other have said I'm not sure he even wants to go to the WWE.

He's a hypocrite like Bischoff. Both have been extremely outspoken against AE era WWE. But when WCW started going that way Sting said nothing and stayed even though it was against his beliefs. Now the same thing with TNA. Now you see the same thing with copy cat Bischoff.

Wow, where to start.

What Sting has brought to the wrestling business since Flair put him over and the transformations he's played with during the coarse of his career is one thing that sticks out first and foremost. He IS the major face. He IS the major fan favorite. They tried to turn Sting heel multiple times and it just wouldn't work over the fans and that speaks wonders at where your connection is at with not only the fan base, but wrestling in general.

To say Sting didn't carry a "fed" is nothing short but ignorant. I've watched Sting his whole career and grown (like MILLIONS of others) to love him not only because of his flamboyance, and the ability to carry matches and connect with the crowd, but also his loyalties to ONE company and the lone ability to draw what he drew without the works for working with the wrestling mastermind in McMahon. He was the company's main draw for years and his crow personal changed the ways of how wrestling was built. Yes, with the help of Hogan, but Sting carried that whole angle and he wasn't even asked to do much for a whole year and he was STILL the most popular wrestler at that time. Credit WCW, but Sting pulled it off when noone else in his shoes could, or would of.

Listen, there are MAJOR wrestling icons and wrestlers in the game, and I believe Hulk Hogan can't be TOUCHED, by anyone when it's all said and done. It was unfortunate for Sting that he had to work under Hogan and the direction of the company of the time of the n.W.o and in the midst of all that, he still left his mark working with Hogan and arguably was the most over wrestler out of the two during the height of both wreslters. But Hogan is Hogan and Sting is a team player, first and foremost, and what happened with him at Starcade '97 was absolute hoarse shit, but at the time, and with the direction of the n.W.o and how popular it became, it CERTAINLY wasn't his fault or his say of how things could have went down in that match. In a time of turmoil, Sting always handled himself with the up most respect and that showed in the ups and the definite downs in WCW. He was the franchise and their top draw, so to say he didn't carry a Federation is ludicrous.

He was voted wrestler of the year in 1990.
He was voted the most popular wrestler in 1991, 1992, 1994, and 1997.
He was voted most inspirational wrestler in 1990
He was voted most improved wrestler in 1988.
He was voted having the match of the year in 1991.
He was voted wrestling comeback player of the year in 2006.

Say what you want, but ALL of these contributions were without the work of the WWF/E and that speaks major wonders, esp with little spotlight. Even when he was out of the public and wrestling eye for YEARS, when he came to TNA in an already small market company, the man STILL drew the best rating of that company (at the time) at an old age, and he put on matches that rivaled his most popular years. I can certainly go on and on and on and on but you get the jest and saying Sting doesn't deserve the word legend and he didn't do things to signify it is just mind blowing to me. If ANYTHING, he's the staple of wrestling and is the wrestler that kept his mouth shut and brought in the big bucks to the company, and also the fanbase. He's second to none and is for sure a one of a kind personality AND business man. If it's anyone deserving of a sendoff and a mark in wrestling hall of fame, it's Sting.

Like I said, the success he's had without McMahon is one thing, but to be the wrestler he was without the tags of the WWF/E just adds more to his legacy and yes, LEGEND.

 

[wazaveli]

This is my favorite wrestler of all time. He somehow has been good enough to be the only NWA guy not to go to the WWE. There might be others but none as well known as him.

Him going to WWE will do nothing for him, he will get into the Hall of Fame. He never bags them out whilst they respect him. Thats the end of their relationship and as far as it needs to go.

TNA and him can do good things until he retires.

 

[bigpawpa27]

WWE has tried plenty of times to get Sting to sign.I heard about one time where they wanted to have him show up and drop into the ring during a match between Rock & Austin I think. I might not be sure about that part. But I know they wanted him to work a WM once and he told them no. And the one i heard about was before Flair and his retirement.

I doubt Sting will go to WWE for anything. I don't think he feels he needs to or has to. Sting will finish out in TNA and probably retire and that will be the end of it. WWE might try to get him to come out for a HOF induction and maybe a DVD on hiom at some point. Who knows. But I highly doubt Sting will leave TNA for WWE.

 

[Mr Jones]

What legend is that exactly though? He's played second fiddle to someone else his whole career. What should have been his biggest moment of his career was ruined by Hogan. When I look at Stings career I see someone who never really carried any fed he was in. That doesn't scream out legend. I don't blame him for Hogan ruining what should have been the one time he was going to carry the fed.

I don't know if Sting blew his final chance. Like other have said I'm not sure he even wants to go to the WWE.

He's a hypocrite like Bischoff. Both have been extremely outspoken against AE era WWE. But when WCW started going that way Sting said nothing and stayed even though it was against his beliefs. Now the same thing with TNA. Now you see the same thing with copy cat Bischoff.

First of all, I respect Sting for holding on to his principals and having the ability to get himself over without the WWE machine and for being a loyal company man while in WCW.

That being said. I think that Sting blew his final chance for going to the WWE because of one person: Eric Bischoff. At one point, Sting was the hottest free agent in the biz and Bischoff was playing silly games for ratings and buyrates. Luger ended up beating Hogan for the title on the Nitro before Road Wild, which, to me, killed Sting's heat. Bischoff knew full well that the fans wanted the Sting/Hogan match right then and there, but he pissed it away for a cheap ratings bump.

 

[Hollywood Hulk Hogan]

I'll make no bones about it. I'm a huge Sting mark.
But with Hogan and his goons running TNA now, I thought it would be the perfect -- and probably final -- chance to make the jump to Vince's empire.
Detractors might argue that he's too old for the WWE. Hogwash. Flair was falling off ladders there not long ago and aging veterans like Shawn Michaels and the Undertaker continue to have the best matches and fan following out of anyone.

When Sting joined TNA a few years ago, he stated that Vince's product was too raunchy and did not fit into his Christian-like lifestyle. How can he make that argument now? WWE has gone PG and TNA has run with the sleaze. The Beautiful People playing strip poker with Val Venis is family-friendly entertainment? Or what about Samoa Joe pulling knives on people? I can't remember anyone in WWE ever pulling a knife on someone, unless you count the Berzerker's sword.

Some might also say that Sting enjoys the laid-back schedule in TNA. But I see him as someone worthy of the Shawn Michaels treatment. I'm sure Vince wouldn't mind if he only worked TV and pay-per-views. If Vince would refuse that kind of deal, he'd be out-of-his mind even more so.

I'm not saying Sting would be the savior for WWE. In fact, I couldn't see him there for more than a year. But both Sting and WWE could make a little bit of money out of this. WWE could lure in some of his older fans that wandered away from the product while I'm sure kids would love the man in paint. The youngsters would buy up Sting masks like they do the Mysterio ones.

Another popular argument against Sting going to WWE is that Vince would bury him. I'm not so sure about that one. Over the years, Sting has spoken respectfully of Vince and WWE, despite disagreeing with the raunch in its product at one point. Sting is different from homegrown WCW talent like Scott Steiner, Booker T (although I consider his tenure in WWE very successful) and even Bill Goldberg. I think Vince would view him in a higher light and not engage him in foolish storylines or put a Goldust wig on him.
I'd say give him one run with one of the world titles and have him put over guys like Orton and C.M. Punk, cementing their status in the modern world of pro wrestling. Also, you can't forget the dream matchups between him and Michaels or the Undertaker. Imagine all the possibilities and interesting angles that could play out, especially with Bret Hart back in the fold for the time-being and the Ultimate Warrior rumored for the Hall of Fame/Wrestlemania weekend.

While I respect Sting's decision to remain in TNA because of Ric Flair, I feel he'll be wasting his time there especially with Hogan at the helm. Remember what happened in the so-called 'Match of the Century' at Starrcade 97? Hogan didn't want to lose cleanly to Sting so we had that whole nonsense with Nick Patrick. You can't say nothing like that would happen again.

In sum, I believe it would have been an opportune time for Sting to jump to WWE, finally, at the start of the year. After all, his contract with TNA expired and there's not much else he can add to that promotion at this time. Agree?

Sting would be treated like ass in WWE. Don't act like he wouldn't be there to carry Triple H's bags or put over THE MIZ or some dipshit. I love Sting, and he's where he belongs in TNA.

Now we can get one final showdown between Sting and Flair.

 

[Dagger Dias]

I disagree because Sting has been one of the top guys in both WCW and TNA, and we all know how Vince dislikes it when wrestlers have made a federation jump to WWE after having already had a lot of success in another organization. It has sometimes resulted in a terrible gimmick change or a lack of a decent push. If Sting had decided to go to WWE then he would run the risk of being given a bad gimmick, being stuck on ECW.... or worse, both. I'd hate to see that happen to Sting and he might have been concerned all along with that same risk. I remember hearing once in an interview that he did not think his character would be used correctly if he went to WWE. He is better off remaining in TNA because there are still a few good feuds left that he could still do.... and now with all the bigger names coming in lately, there are even more possibilities. They could also re-do some old classic feuds again. I think that if he was going to go to WWE then he already would have by now, TNA is where he should be.