I know it's an any criteria tournament, and I don't have a problem with that but I just don't enjoy the bigger star argument for Austin. I just don't. I know it's because i generally vote for people based on who I believe to better better outside of kayfabe but that's my decision I know.
But really. Hulk Hogan lost to Edge earlier in this tournament for the silliest of reasons, but lost nonetheless. I don't see much reason as to why Sting couldn't beat Austin in a hypothetical match-up despite less people knowing his name, the same thing happens all the time in wrestling.