Is WWE making the wrong decisions when it comes to Triple H vs Sting?

[JDHale]

Before I get started I want to say I am looking forward to this match but honestly when I took a step back and looked at the bigger picture I just feel like WWE have missed so many opportunities with this.

So my first question is whether it should be Sting vs Triple H in the first place? I mean from a nostalgia point of view it's great for us more 'in the know' fans, but for a large number of the casual viewers (especially younger) I don't feel they'll get invested into the match. I also don't see this match making a ton of money for the WWE because that same large number of viewers will probably buy merchandise for different stars than a Sting who might disappear after a short while, and it certainly isn't selling WrestleMania buys, because to be honest most would watch it without that match on the card. In my opinion, it should be Ziggler that should be facing Triple H at WrestleMania, but it could be the likes of Ryback or Ambrose too. Why? Because the WWE Universe are already connected to these people, and a high calibre Mania match against one of the best would elevate them to a level where the audience wants to see these guys, and that would lead to ticket sales and merchandise sales I'm guessing, a lot more so then Sting in my opinion.

My next questionable topic on the feud is what the build up is based on, which is essentially Sting coming from WCW. Now considering that so many in the WWE audience do not have a clue who Sting is and struggle to relate to him, and I'm guessing I'm one of the youngest person to know about Sting's WCW run (and I'm 17), it makes me wonder if this is the best way to go. I feel like instead of it being about WCW which many don't have a scooby doo about, they should have said Sting has a legendary career outside of WWE and leave it at that.

Finally, even after last night's face to face confrontation, we have yet to have seen Sting talk. Why I feel this is a problem is based on my previous point about lack of connection to the younger members of the WWE universe, and that surely it would have been better for Sting to demand a match at WrestleMania whilst threatening Triple H with the bat, explaining that the way he treated the likes of Cena, Bryan, Reigns, Ziggler, Ryback and Rowan is disgraceful, giving him that ground to start build a following with the younger viewers on the basis that he will beat Triple H because he's been throwing his weight around unfairly. Of course without him speaking you get that mystique value, but I don't feel that would sell more than a character with a purpose from my point of view anyways.

So basically there are a few questions I'm hoping you guys and girls can give me your thoughts on.
1) Should someone else be in a feud with Triple H at this time heading to WrestleMania?
2) Is Sting "best for business" in terms of the money he can make WWE?
3) Should the feud be based around Sting's WCW legacy or should they have took it a different direction? Am I wrong in thinking it is being built around his WCW legacy?
4) Should Sting have spoken on the microphone since his WWE debut back in November?

I tried not to be too biased so hopefully it doesn't come across that way. Regardless it should be a fun feud even if I think it could be better! Thanks in advance!

 

[CyberPunk]

Before I say other things, let me answer your questions:

1) It could've been anyone. However, this feud has been built well by two of the veterans of this business. So, even if there were other options, Sting vs Triple H is the best way to go this Mania.

2) Sting is not for all demographics, like John Cena isn't for all demos. Sting, for sure, would bring in some of the older and past WCW fans. After he was the franchise of one of the most well known wrestling promotions of 90s. So, yes, if not best, he's good for business.

3) May be for younger fans WCW doesn't mean much, but there is no denying the fact that WCW is inseparable part of Sting's legacy. WCW was huge in its days and as I said earlier, a lot of fans were WCW fans. Sting is meant for those fans.

4) If anything, I dig that Sting didn't say a word. That was pure storytelling at its finest. Sting is a vigilante character and man of few words. He didn't need to speak. That adds to the intrigue of his character.

I can see what point you are trying to make. As much as WWE caters to its younger fanbase, there is another part of its fanbase who'd love to see Sting go against another legend. I personally hoped Taker when I first heard of Sting but I have no problems with Sting vs Triple H. Also, there's enough out there about Sting on the Internet for younger fans to see. If anything, I believe that this feud is way more intriguing than anything else going on in WWE right now. It's way bigger than you think it is.

 

[Wrestlingaholic]

Don't forget that all WCW ppvs and Clash of Champions, plus various episodes of Nitro, are available on the WWE Network. The Network puts WWE in a position where it can use more non-WWE alumni as the fans have the ability to research them on the same price-plan as the ppv they are wrestling on.

Is Sting v Triple H the right way to go? I absolutely think so. There's a lot to be said for keeping younger less established stars away from the likes of Triple H, meaning when he does face them (like last year v Daniel Bryan and then the Shield) it means so much more. Also I can't believe for a second that Wrestlemania will be Sting's only WWE match. But he hasn't wrestled in a while (a full year if not more?) and neither has his 'dream opponent' the Undertaker - perhaps WWE is seeing (a) how 'Taker gets on v Bray Wyatt and (b) giving Sting an opponent we know won't stink up the joint in order to shake of the ring rust, before finally committing to Sting v 'Taker in Dallas next year.

Just a thought.

 

[Kodo Sawaki]

1) Should someone else be in a feud with Triple H at this time heading to WrestleMania?

Possible, but there is nothing wrong with Sting.

2) Is Sting "best for business" in terms of the money he can make WWE?

Probably no and for example Rock/HHH could make more. But its high profile enough to make good money.

3) Should the feud be based around Sting's WCW legacy or should they have took it a different direction? Am I wrong in thinking it is being built around his WCW legacy?

Nothing wrong considering people like reminescenting.

4) Should Sting have spoken on the microphone since his WWE debut back in November?

Probably would be better, but they were saving it for Mania season because he is someone with limited appereance.

 

[chuckmdubya]

This isn't as big of a deal as they want it to be. There will be few, if any, old fans that come back for this. If it were Austin Vs Goldberg or HBK vs Nash, then there would be more appeal. What we have is the two guys that were very important to their respective companies but got lost in the shuffle between Behind the NWO, Austin, Rock McMahon, and Foley. This match isn't gonna draw old fans back because these aren't the guys that stick out in their memory.

1. I think with his current position on the show, HHH shouldn't be fighting Sting, he should be putting over young talent like last year. A feud with Ambrose would be better, I think.

2. Sting is good for business, although he may not have a wider fan base like the NWO and Flair did, he is still a cult favorite and his presence will bring in a lot of old Sting fans, but not necessarily old school wrestling fans in mass.

3. It's difficult to just throw Sting in the mix after all these years. However, I don't like how HHH still has sour grapes about it, almost like he's trying to act like Mr. McMahon. There's not much else they can do with him, as everyone watching knows the history. So sure, his WCW legacy is about the only thing they got for such an established star.

4. What makes Sting cool is that he doesn't have to talk. I want to hear him speak one time before WM though, just to explain "why he's here now."

 

[Poop Master Flex]

1) Should someone else be in a feud with Triple H at this time heading to WrestleMania?

I think Triple H is right where he should be this Wrestlemania. It's a big match but it's a big match that doesn't overshadow anything on the card. One of Triple H's biggest problems is he often overshadows everything going on in the company, even guys he's trying to get over. Triple H working with Sting gives him something worthwhile to do but it also keeps the focus on some of the younger talent.

2) Is Sting "best for business" in terms of the money he can make WWE?

Outside of John Cena and Brock Lesnar I can't think of 1 person currently that is better for Wrestlemania 31 business than Sting. Sting is 1 guy that fans always wanted to see in WWE and he gets a pretty big match on the card to boot. Outside of the guys I mentioned there isn't anyone who can make more money with Triple H than Sting.

3) Should the feud be based around Sting's WCW legacy or should they have took it a different direction? Am I wrong in thinking it is being built around his WCW legacy?

It's not necessarily the story I would have chosen but it gives them a reason to fight I guess. This is one of those things that you don't need a great story to get into it. You got the top face from WCW vs. a top heel in WWE, that alone carries this match.

4) Should Sting have spoken on the microphone since his WWE debut back in November?

Nope. Sting is a guy who can sell a match without talking and since he dawned the Crow gimmick Sting has had a shroud of mystery around him which makes him intriguing. Sting not picking up a mic helps with his mind game motif and helps keep that "mystery man" aura that he currently has. Certain characters don't need to talk to get over and Sting is most certainly one of those guys.

 

[Bockwinkel's Class]

4) If anything, I dig that Sting didn't say a word. That was pure storytelling at its finest. Sting is a vigilante character and man of few words. He didn't need to speak. That adds to the intrigue of his character.

What they're doing is recreating the build to Starrcade '97 when Sting didn't speak for an entire year while he was chasing Hogan and the NWO.

 

[Rahil_Rage]

I think TRIPLE H will win, because STING has deathdropped him twice now, at Survivor Series and Fast Lane.

 

[Navi]

I think TRIPLE H will win, because STING has deathdropped him twice now, at Survivor Series and Fast Lane.

There is no way that Sting will lose his first match in the WWE, especially at Wrestlemania. HHH has been accused in the past about burying people, but we saw him put Evolution back together last year, and in two back to back PPV's put the Shield over. Now Sting doesn't have to be put over, but I think HHH has too much respect, and worked a long time to get him here just to beat him. It wasn't Vince who talked Sting into coming to the WWE, all reports say it was HHH who held out the olive branch and who is ultimately responsible for us seeing him.

That's why I believe this feud that we're seeing is between the two of them. Sting was probably made promises by HHH that he won't go back on. Now I'm just guessing, but they are following a programme set out and approved by both of them.

 

[Creepy Old Man]

I think WWE's approach to the match is outdated. Sting's "silent stalker" gig doesn't play well to a 2015 audience of ADHD kids. Also, WCW is so ancient history now. Referencing it would have worked in the mid or even late 2000s, but not today. You can tell there's something wrong in the audience reaction to Sting: there's a deep-pitched cheer from the older males, but most of the kids don't get it. That's why Sting should be talking: I believe verbals are the only way to make the young, alienated audience care. Youngsters perceive an icy, detached figure, not someone who is one of them.

Personally, nothing can sully this match for me. It's Sting's first WWE match, dammit, and he's going against a guy who can work. It should be great, and the smarky WM and post-WM audience will pop for Sting like I wish every audience would.

 

[c71score]

1) HHH is perfect. No one else has the combination of tenure and talent to face Sting.

2) Sting is a good for business. The only worry I have is crowd reaction. If there is a large local fan base from San Jose, will they know Sting well enough. WCW wasn't huge on the west coast even in th NWO prime.

3) WCW legacy must be brought up. Their is not much else to bring up. Maybe teaming with the Ultimate Warrior, but that would bring the wrong reaction from most because of last year.

4) Sting should not speak. Going with the Crow gimmick, he is a man of few words. Sting wasn't a great promo in a traditional sense, but he got people fired-up to watch.

By the way, I'm only getting Mania because of this match, so somethings working, lol.