When I first began watching professional wrestling, like many others, it was because of WWE. However, it was Sting who truly captivated my attention and led me to explore other promotions and their pay-per-views and wrestling shows. For many, Sting is more than just a wrestler; he is an icon, an embodiment of resilience. A true pioneer of the business, he has taught countless individuals that dedication can lead to unthinkable achievements, ones they never imagined possible. Age is merely a number; it is passion that propels us forward, allowing us to pursue our dreams as long as we believe in ourselves and maintain faith in our abilities.
“I knew it from the very first time I saw Darby in action; he is a risk-taker. I was a risk-taker in my young age; I am kind of old now, but I am still a risk-taker.” – The ICON Steve ‘Sting’ Borden
Known as ‘The Icon’ Sting to wrestling fans worldwide, Steve Borden officially hung up his boots on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at the AEW Revolution Pay-Per-View after a remarkable 39-year professional wrestling journey. The Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina, erupted with chants of “Thank You, Sting”, as Borden delivered a heartfelt message to the fans present in the arena and the millions watching on television.
“To be honest with you, I have been thanking you all since March of 1988, since the Nature Boy-Sting 45-minute draw for the world title. Thank you, Rick (Flair).”
Throughout his illustrious career, Borden held a total of 26 championships, including 22 between WCW, TNA, and AEW. He was named “Most Popular Wrestler of the Year” by readers of Pro Wrestling Illustrated on four occasions, a record he shares with John Cena. In 2016, Borden was rightfully inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame.
Reflecting on his retirement match at AEW Revolution, the legendary Sting expressed, “I just want this night to be a night that wrestling fans will not forget. A night of wrestling that will extend in your mind for years to come, and it is me, The Sting; this is a night I will never forget.” He also extended his gratitude towards his tag team partner, with whom he successfully defended the AEW World Tag Team Championship against ‘The Young Bucks’ – Matt and Nick Jackson. In return, Darby Allin paid homage to his on-screen mentor, stating, “I said I would die in your last match, but I’m still breathing.”
After the live television broadcast concluded, ‘The Icon’ Sting addressed All Elite Wrestling (AEW) Promotion owner Tony Khan, delivering a heartfelt message.
Born on March 20, 1959, now 64 years old, Sting, during his time with WCW, was known as “The Franchise”. Sting is known for being a one-of-a-kind wrestler who made a name for himself, becoming a generational legend independent of WWE. His career began back in 1985. Sting’s WWE stint only lasted from 2014 to 2015, where his first retirement occurred following a nearly career-ending injury during a match with Seth Rollins. Subsequently, he parted ways with the company in 2020. After that, he joined AEW, and three years later, he finally hung up his boots.
Gimmicks of Sting:
- The Franchise (of WCW)
- (The) Stinger
- The Icon
- The Hooligan
- The Man Called (or They Call) Sting
- The Vigilante
Major Accomplishments of Sting:
- WCW World Heavyweight Championship (6x)
- WCW International World Heavyweight Championship (2x)
- NWA World Heavyweight Championship (1x)
- TNA World Heavyweight Championship (4x)
- TNA World Tag Team Championship (1x)
- AEW World Tag Team Champion (1x)
- TNA Hall of Fame (2012)
- WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2016)
- Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame (Class of 2018)
- Appeared on more PPVs in WCW than any other wrestler
- Longest career of any professional wrestler (39 Years)
- Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year (1990)
- Wrestler of the Year (1990)
- Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (1991, 1992, 1994, 1997)
- Stanley Weston Award for Lifetime Achievement (2023)
