Sting: Big Fish in a Small Pond?

[Midnite Express 2009]

This is my first thread, but I am very excited to see the responses I get from everyone. I hope the feedback is very engaging.

So, I have mentioned a few times on various forums about my feelings concerning Sting and how I believe he is playing the "Big Fish in a Small Pond" role by choosing to stay in TNA. First of all, I can't ever tell a man what to do with his money and/or his family. He's earning a paycheck legally, so that's great for him. However, I think Sting ala, Charlie from Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, found a golden ticket to WWE-Land and decided to not go, instead IMO, played it safe and stayed in TNA.

Here's my gripe. Sting stays in TNA where he knows he's never going to be fully appreciated for who he is as a star. Sure, TNA has it's followers and fans, but they are NO WWE fans. I think Sting decided to play it safe and face guys whom he's faced hundreds of times and where he can still keep his persona in check without truly being tested. Men like HHH, The Undertaker, John Cena, Edge and Randy Orton all were and are waiting in the WWE for someone like Sting to come along. Fans too. The fans would like to see prehaps the last Dream Match and any of those mentioned above vs. Sting would be an awesome Dream Match, especially Sting vs. HHH or The Undertaker.

So, I ask, is/was Sting scared to go to WWE? His complaint before was the fact that he didn't like the content in WWE after the whole merger of WCW went down, along with a few other things. It's been 10 years later (THIS MONTH actually) and yet no sign of Sting anywhere. In 10 years the content has certainly melted away and instead TNA's content is almost how WWE's was 10-12 years ago. Hell, even Goldberg went to WWE, and he's no Sting. Again, do you feel Sting is scared or just complacent now? I doubt we will ever see him in a WWE ring. It's sad. But Sting used to spout off "This is Where The Big Boys Play" in WCW a long time ago. Still feel that way now Sting? Or are you just happy being the biggest BOY instead of a bigger man and stepping foot in front of WWE fans and seeing if you are who we always thought you were?

 

[SullivanSmith]

Personally, I think this subject is the dead horse that everyone who can find a stick wants to take a swing at. But what the hell....?

When WCW first folded and Sting had the chance to go to WWE (or WWF or whatever) he declined because he didn't like the way the WCW guys were being used and didn't want to see his character go the same way. It wasn't really a content issue - I don't recall him voicing too much concern with the stuff that Vince Russo was doing when he captained that ship.

As for why he doesn't go NOW? Yeah, going to WWE now WOULD be a big challenge for him after all these years in WCW and TNA. Who's to say he WANTS a challenge, though? He's, what, 51 now? He's got kids and a family and is, quite frankly, getting old. If he's going to wrestle at all, why not wind your career down with the people you're used to?

 

[brochester8]

I think now the only reason he isn't going is the schedule WWE puts on its stars. Even with a limited schedule he'd probably be working more than he wants. Many people have said that Sting doesn't want a full scheduled at like 52 years old. As much as I want to see Sting vs TAker, HHH, Orton, Cena, and many others I guess I just go my hopes up thinking he was coming last month.

One thing for sure is that he's not scared. Why should he be, he's Sting he's made his mark in wrestling but now he has to do what's best for him and his family and that's a limited spotlight. I want to hope that someday we see him but I highly doubt it. If he does come though I know he will ensure he's not constantly beaten by WWE stars as vince has been known to do.

 

[Cruiser]

Obviously no one but Sting really knows the true reason but if you ask if he's scared or complacent I'd say he's complacent. Sting most likely feels he's accomplished everything in the wrestling biz and is happy with just wrestling in a smaller company like TNA. I don't see why he would be scared to come to the WWE as he has wrestled in front of massive crowds in the past against the biggest names in the industry. There are definitely other reasons why he doesn't come to the WWE but I don't think fear is one of them.

Now I personally don't understand why Sting wouldn't want to come in for a one more dream match scenario. I definitely think the E would have him in a heartbeat. He would definitely not work a full time WWE schedule. He would probably show up to a few episodes of Raw and wrestle at the big show. I know he's stated in the past that he wouldn't come to the WWE because of its content and how it conflicts with his religious beliefs. Since then, WWE has gone to family friendly programming while TNA has gotten pretty raunchy. He has no problem working in the TNA environment now which makes me wonder what his big problem with the WWE was. I would love to see Sting at Wrestlemania just once but it doesn't look like that will happen. Chances are he will have his last match shortly with TNA and ride off into the sunset. As I said before, no one but Sting knows the reason for this. Maybe he wants to help the younger company grow into something big or maybe it's something personal with the WWE.

I do hope that in a few years when Sting is done with TNA the WWE will offer an induction to the Hall of Fame. He's a guy who definitely deserves it and since the WWE is the final link to WCW he should be honored within that company.

 

[reed214]

i think tna offered him another run with the title and knowing wwe probably wouldnt do that he chose to stay in a building where 20 fans get in free to watch even worse storylines than the wwe ( i didnt think that was possible until i watched it one night and couldnt wait for smackdown to come on the next night) vince has swallowed his pride before and got other ppls creations over so i thought Sting would be in that catagory, but who really knows why he wanted to go back to the cancer of pro wrestling (hulk hogan) and ruin his legacy and continue to not get the recognition he could have once got if he stepped into an arena.a new generation could have become sting fans but they will probably never know now

 

[The HEEL JuiceLee]

I think there might be some truth to him being scared.The reasson that i got that opinion is a little weord and i might get bashed for it but am i the only one that noticed
:::::::his new robe & face paint::::::
That robe was pretty fancy,something that looked like it belonged in the WWE.I think he ordered it for the Taker ManiA match.But about 2 weeks before he was to debut he lost his his confidence to compete in the WWE. tHIS IS JUST MY oPINION

 

[Rasha]

LMAO... scared? Did you forget that wrestling's a scripted sport, dog? If anything, going to the WWE would be EASIER for Sting because he could wrestle against guys like Taker, Cena, and Miz who he could keep up with much easier than trying to put on great matches against the likes of Angle and AJ Styles.

Also, your post makes it sound like you think WWE fans are somehow superior to TNA fans. If that's true, then go fuck yourself and stay off our forum. You tried to present this as an attempt for "engaging" conversation, but it just strikes me as dolled-up trolling.

 

[Hyorinmaru]

This is my first thread, but I am very excited to see the responses I get from everyone. I hope the feedback is very engaging.

Congrats on your first thread.

So, I have mentioned a few times on various forums about my feelings concerning Sting and how I believe he is playing the "Big Fish in a Small Pond" role by choosing to stay in TNA.

I've never thought about it this way but I guess he is

First of all, I can't ever tell a man what to do with his money and/or his family. He's earning a paycheck legally, so that's great for him. However, I think Sting ala, Charlie from Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, found a golden ticket to WWE-Land and decided to not go, instead IMO, played it safe and stayed in TNA.

The man has stated time and time again since the end of WCW he will not work for Vince McMahon. In the begining it was because he was afraid Vince would fuck him over like he did every other WCW star he acquired but now I'd say it's the tough schedule WWE puts on its stars, the man is 52 yeas old after all.

Here's my gripe. Sting stays in TNA where he knows he's never going to be fully appreciated for who he is as a star. Sure, TNA has it's followers and fans, but they are NO WWE fans.

He's never going to be fully appreciated for who he is as a star? Everyone knows who Sting is even if they've never watched TNA.

I think Sting decided to play it safe and face guys whom he's faced hundreds of times and where he can still keep his persona in check without truly being tested. Men like HHH, The Undertaker, John Cena, Edge and Randy Orton all were and are waiting in the WWE for someone like Sting to come along. Fans too.

They can wait all they want but it won't do any good. After all this time if Sting wanted to Wrestle for Vince he would have but it looks like he going to sray true to his word and no go to the WWE

The fans would like to see prehaps the last Dream Match and any of those mentioned above vs. Sting would be an awesome Dream Match, especially Sting vs. HHH or The Undertaker.

Those would be awesome matches to be sure but I, like many others, have come to terms with the fact that they more than likely won't happen.

So, I ask, is/was Sting scared to go to WWE?

Scared? Not at all he just doesn't want or need to go to the WWE.

His complaint before was the fact that he didn't like the content in WWE after the whole merger of WCW went down, along with a few other things. It's been 10 years later (THIS MONTH actually) and yet no sign of Sting anywhere.

He's a man of his word what do you expect of him? I for one would be disappointed if he went back on his word after all these years and went to the WWE.

In 10 years the content has certainly melted away and instead TNA's content is almost how WWE's was 10-12 years ago.

As far as I know the Storylines Sting has been involved in have been, not straight laced, but a lot more Christianlike than what the WWE was putting out on a weekly basis 10-12 years ago.

Hell, even Goldberg went to WWE, and he's no Sting.

And he got treated like shit for the most part. Do you really want the chance of this happening to a great wrestler like Sting?

Again, do you feel Sting is scared or just complacent now?

The way I look at it he's staying true to what he's said for years while at the same time getting the next generation of Pro-Wreslters ready to take over when the big names retire

I doubt we will ever see him in a WWE ring. It's sad.

More disappointing than sad really

But Sting used to spout off "This is Where The Big Boys Play" in WCW a long time ago. Still feel that way now Sting? Or are you just happy being the biggest BOY instead of a bigger man and stepping foot in front of WWE fans and seeing if you are who we always thought you were?

Sting has nothing to prove to anyone not even the 'Great' WWE or it's fans. Would it be a huge mark out moment for everyone? Hell yeah it would but he doesn't need to. He's called "The biggest star to never work for Vince McMahon" for a reason and I hope it stays that way.

 

[sfury2005]

To those who still don't seem to know why Sting never went to WWE/F. There is even a youtube video made back then telling why he didn't go which in it he stated he saw the way Booker T was treated and chose not to go because he didn't trust what they would do with his character.

As for now it's most likely because he has bad knees and a bad shoulder I believe as well so he is probably more comfortable working with people who he is used to working with. That along with a much more limited schedule than he could get from WWE are probably the reasons.

 

[abuduru1]

I think sting is just comfortable in tna due to it's lighter schedule and the respect he gets in the company. He has a better relationship with Dixie than he does with Vince. I really wanted him to debut in wwe last month but now I don't think he's ever going. He might go into the hall in the future but that's probably going to be it. I guess we are just going have to keep creating sting on the wwe video games to see our dream matches.

 

[MB1025]

How about this.


Those vignettes were always meant to be the Undertaker and the only people who thought it was Sting was the internet wrestling fans. The WWE never hinted at Sting and every new promo we saw became more and more obvious it was always Taker. To sit here and blame the man for not giving you want you wanted and calling him a scared coward without knowing the full circumstances is a shallow move. That goes towards anyone who has something negative to say about it.


1. We don't know if the WWE even contacted Sting and we will never know most likely

2. If he was contacted and didn't want to go to the WWE that doesn't make him a coward. It makes him a man of his word.

3. Sting is an icon and has done nothing wrong on or off screen to warrant any backlash for what didn't happen. All this was was the IWC assuming one thing and they ended up being wrong.

Blame yourselves and not Sting.

 

[UFOcalling]

It really wouldn't surprise me to hear it, if Sting actually did entertain an offer from Vince "up North". If such a conversation happened between the two of them (recently), I'm sure Vince told him all about how he could be signed to a Legends Contract (work less dates), and work Wrestlemania (either this year or next).

Whether or not such a conversation happened is beyond me. If it did, I for one am happy that Sting stuck to his guns and decided to stay in TNA. I understand that a WWE "Legends" Contract would be a much lighter work-load than a full-time WWE schedule, but it can't have anything on TNA's schedule.

With Sting's situation in TNA now, he probably only has to work a few days a month...and spends the rest of his time at home with his family. At 51/52 years old, that sounds like a great deal to me. A cushy paycheck, an easy schedule, familiar faces, and he gets to be the Champ there too? ...sounds like an OVERWHELMINGLY easy choice to make. Anyone who thinks otherwise is just being selfish, and not thinking of the 51/52 year old man who actually made that decision.

We (the fans) still get to see him wrestle on television, so relax and let the man work where he wants to work. At this point in his career, he doesn't owe us (the fans) ANYTHING, yet he continues to entertain us. What I mean by that, is that he definitely doesn't "owe it to the fans" to go to the WWE...although a selfish part of me will admit that some of those dream matches would be incredible to see.

 

[Ruthless-RKO]

This has been explained before many times, its been what 10 years this month? Sting knows the true answer for sure, but the reason he never went back when WCW folded was because he didn't want his character to be ruined, Let's be honest, VKM mistreated most, if not all the WCW guys when they came to WWE, they may have got good debuts but they careers wern't all that, maybe just 3 got the world title, correct me if am wrong, Goldberg, Hogan and Booker T, the rest had enough title shots but didn't get anywhere.. e.g. Kevin Nash, Scott Steiner..

For Sting to go now, it would jsut be for a dream match, he is 51 and has accomplished everything there is to, heck he accomplished everything within his first decade of wrestling.. Is he scared? Maybe, who knows...

 

[UnBEARaBULLfan]

Men like HHH, The Undertaker, John Cena, Edge and Randy Orton all were and are waiting in the WWE for someone like Sting to come along.

Yeah so he can come there and put them over and become a notch on their belts. there's no reason for him to go to the WWE, he's accomplished every thing he has done without them no reason to go now when your 52 years old.

 

[Strife3]

It's funny that people say this subject has been used alot. Aparently people want answers and miss the older threats.

As for the subject of the title, Yes he is the Big Fish in the small pond. TNA in my eyes is turning into a WCW 2.0 just not as good with the ratings. They have Former WWE stars and still can't do it. With Sting he has not pulled it off.

But the main reason Sting stays with TNA is that TNA allows Sting to wrestle when he can and not force him to do it week after week like WWE would trying to use Sting to bring up more talent as well as cement Stings legacy in wrestling.

Sting and WWE need to come to an agreement and allow Sting to wrestle Undertaker at WM 28 even if String is still in TNA. Both Companies need to allow this, to Allow Sting to always be remembered so that even if he remains the big fish in the small pond that he took on the very best at the biggest event of the year in Wrestling, As much as each company has their big event of the year maybe TNA and WWE need to come together and have a joint Wrestlemania, let the TNA stars feel what it's like and let Sting finally face the dead man.

 

[MachoMadness1988]

Hmmm maybe it's because Sting is actually LOYAL to TNA. I know that is a hard concept to fathom. Sting is living proof that loyalty, honor, and dignity still exists in a sport that has lost so much of it. Like Sting has said so many times, TNA is his brand. He loves TNA.

He is scared to go to WWE? What a bunch of bullshit.

 

[Midnite Express 2009]

I must admit, I have somewhat of a different take on this as I have read through the replies. I never once said Sting is scared for a particular reason, but if people must know, the word "scared" means, he is scared his legacy will be tarnished if he leaves now? That's what I meant, not "oh is he scared he'll lose to someone? If he does, he does. He wouldn't be the first one. My take has slightly changed due to the fact that Sting is a grown man and makes decisions for himself, meaning that he is intitled to keep his word, so therefore if he made a personal vow to himself and/or his friends and family, as a man he should own up to it (that being that case I believe).

I think Sting has always be a loyal person. He was loyal to WCW when they had some of the most over the top storylines (both pre and post Eric Bischoff and Nitro) and he never swayed or left. I think, now, in hindsight that Sting respects what TNA is doing and feels what's the use in leaving. Maybe the question should be, "how much does TNA NEED Sting vs. Sting needing TNA?" Does that make sense? Does he feel that at THIS stage, it'd hurt the TNA brand if he left, especially if his exodus caused a few other top guys to leave?

 

[davenchi]

I know we have been through this a million times, but I truly think and believe that the truth of the matter is this. Sting has worked his butt off and made his name never needing the WWE. I think that Sting is the kind of guy that will do the timed tradition and put people over before he leaves and he is not repeat not going to go over to the wwe and job to put over the wwe's talent to wrestle the undertaker at a wrestlemania (which he would've been asked to job) or Cena (which who do you think is Mcmahon going to let win that one) his wrestling career is almost pretty much done this year and I look for him to put over guys for a company that needs him to increase their product; instead of a company that doesn't really need him and has their own stars like the ones appearing for wrestlemania to put the younger stars over. Side rant how come when the wwe brings back all of the old guys for wrestlemania noone cares, but if tna does it. it is unoriginal boring and pointless ?? I just think it is funny that lately they need Stone Cold, The Rock, JBL, Michaels, and HHH I thought the wwe was known for their young talent being over with the crowd

 

[itssoeasy123]

I think there might be some truth to him being scared.The reasson that i got that opinion is a little weord and i might get bashed for it but am i the only one that noticed
:::::::his new robe & face paint::::::
That robe was pretty fancy,something that looked like it belonged in the WWE.I think he ordered it for the Taker ManiA match.But about 2 weeks before he was to debut he lost his his confidence to compete in the WWE. tHIS IS JUST MY oPINION

I'm pretty sure that Red and Yellow outfit had something to do with a certian egotistical washed-up prick who can't shut his mouth about the rival company and has been irrelevant for the last 4 years.

It's called using you ego to get your way.

Anyway, on topic, I just think, to be honest, I do'nt know what to think? Did he go because of thel ighter scheduale, to be Champion again (i.e. does he have an ego) it does'nt make sense.

Sure, he may not want to beo n a heavy schedule compared to WWE's, but him atleast signing to go into the WWE Hall of Fame would make sense.

Sting is a small fish in a very, very small pond. Which is my analogy. He just does'nt seem to want to get the respect and recognition he deserves. The only way that can happen, is if he goes in to the WWE Hall of Fame.

 

[Azane]

Sting's lasting legacy will be the fact hes never wrestled for the WWE/F

 

[rondiesel2005]

if you watch the video with Sting telling us why he didn't go to WWE 10 years ago, now it seems like his reasons for not going are a little bit confusing because of the way the product was for WWE 10 years ago, but look at now with TNA. TNA is an edgy product and am not getting what Sting is talking about.

you know what i think, he probably was scared back then. Think about it, guys like The Rock and Austin, knowing how Sting promos are, if Sting and The Rock was in the ring right now delivering a promo, do you think The Rock would chew him up in promos?? I can see it happening, but do i see Sting coming back at The Rock? I don't know because i don't see Sting's promo at the level with The Rock and Austin

I know he is very loyalty to TNA, but notice how his character kind of change in TNA. Anybody tell me at one point in WCW did Sting comes out with T-shirt, pair of jeans with sunglasses and no face-paint?? We all want to know what is going to be different for Sting this year?? how is he going to help TNA because it's very strange for a guy like him to stay when they continue to throw more money at him to get him to stay. He has to make a match look good with the right people not with anybody. i can only know his best matches in TNA are with Kurt Angle and AJ Styles

Only Sting knows why he didn't want to go to WWE. only he can answer that, and i hope he answers to the fans because we want to know why he made a choice to go back to TNA. When Sting debut back in TNA last week, the whole Crow gimmick mix in with his surfer gimmick doesn't look good. I don't know how he thought it was a good idea to do that even with the long coat he got on that looks like something William Regal would wear

 

[GrandSword]

Now that Shawn Michaels has retired the only person in the WWE who is worth his time is the Undertaker... everyone else is beneath him kayfabe wise. His time has past in the WWE and all the youngsters shoudln't have another glass ceiling put over their heads.

Sting was a main eventer in WCW in the early 90's and was squashing guys like Steve Austin. Cena, Orton, HHH are big names now, but Sting is of a different generation. Only Taker proves any real match for him.... at his age he shouldn't have to put over horrible WWE creations like the Miz. His time has past to go there....

As for being a big fish in a small pond, I think all that comes down to is booking. Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Kurt Angle, Scott Steiner, Kevin Nash, Booker T, Mick Foley have all been apart of TNA and have all been beaten by guys like Samoa Joe, AJ Styles etc. putting them on their level. The gigantic stages aren't there and the booking needs a huge improvement but being a small pond is all in the eye of the beholder.

Guys like Sting and Kurt wants to make TNA a viable alternative it seems and good on them.

 

[sfury2005]

I'm pretty sure that Red and Yellow outfit had something to do with a certian egotistical washed-up prick who can't shut his mouth about the rival company and has been irrelevant for the last 4 years.

It's called using you ego to get your way.

Anyway, on topic, I just think, to be honest, I do'nt know what to think? Did he go because of thel ighter scheduale, to be Champion again (i.e. does he have an ego) it does'nt make sense.

Sure, he may not want to beo n a heavy schedule compared to WWE's, but him atleast signing to go into the WWE Hall of Fame would make sense.

Sting is a small fish in a very, very small pond. Which is my analogy. He just doesn't seem to want to get the respect and recognition he deserves. The only way that can happen, is if he goes in to the WWE Hall of Fame.

The WWE HoF is only relevant to WWE Fans. The rest of us who've been watching wrestling for years and choose not to watch the WWE don't care about the WWE HoF. I have no clue who all is in the WWE HoF but from some of the names I've seen others post here in the past it's not that big of a deal. Koko B. Ware? Yeah right he belongs in an HoF.

 

[BobbyDigital]

He's probably got a year or two left in the tank... if he stays in TNA, he'll get the good bye that he deserves.

 

[UnBEARaBULLfan]

Sting is a small fish in a very, very small pond. Which is my analogy. He just does'nt seem to want to get the respect and recognition he deserves. The only way that can happen, is if he goes in to the WWE Hall of Fame.

Sting already gets the respect and recognition he deserves from WRESTLING FANS, he might not get it from the die hard blind WWE fans, but obviously he doesn,t care about that or he would have gone to WWE.

Fans should respect him more for sticking to his word and not going to WWE and trying to help build up another promotion so wretlers have more options for work.