Sting Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / September 3, 2024
Sting Then
Steve Borden, born on March 20, 1959, in Omaha, Nebraska, and raised in Southern California, is widely recognized by his iconic ring name, Sting.
Before his legendary career in professional wrestling, Borden was an all-around athlete, excelling in both basketball and football during his high school years.
His passion for fitness led him to pursue bodybuilding, where he not only honed his physique but also demonstrated the discipline and dedication that would later define his wrestling persona.
Borden even owned a Gold’s Gym health club, a testament to his commitment to the world of fitness.
Borden’s journey into professional wrestling was somewhat serendipitous. Initially, he had no interest in the sport until he attended a WWF event in Los Angeles.
There, he witnessed the larger-than-life personas of wrestling legends such as Hulk Hogan, Andre The Giant, The Iron Sheik, and The British Bulldogs.
This experience ignited a passion for wrestling in Borden, inspiring him to transition from bodybuilding to the squared circle.
His encounter with these wrestling icons was a pivotal moment, marking the beginning of what would become a storied career in the wrestling world, where he would go on to become one of the most revered and influential figures in the industry.
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Sting Wrestling Career
Before Steve Borden became known as the legendary Sting, he embarked on his wrestling journey as part of Team USA in the Memphis-based wrestling company, Continental Wrestling Association.
Wrestling under the name “Flash,” Borden teamed up with future wrestling star, The Ultimate Warrior.
Together, they became The Blade Runners, a dynamic duo that eventually joined the Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF).
It was during this time that Borden adopted the moniker “Sting” and began to make a name for himself in the wrestling world.
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His rise to prominence came after his memorable match against Ric Flair at the Clash of the Champions in the late 1980s, a bout that established Sting as a major player in professional wrestling.
Following this, he captured his first NWA title, setting the stage for his ascent as the “face of WCW” during the 1990s.
Throughout his illustrious career, Sting achieved an unparalleled level of success, becoming the only wrestler to hold multiple prestigious titles across different organizations.
He claimed the NWA World Heavyweight Championship twice—once during his time with the NWA and a second time in TNA.
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Sting also won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship six times and the WCW International World Heavyweight Championship twice.
His dominance continued in TNA, where he captured the TNA World Heavyweight Championship four times and the WWA World Heavyweight Championship once.
Sting’s accolades extended beyond heavyweight titles; he held several other championships, including the NWA World Television Championship, the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship twice, and the WCW World Tag Team Championships three times with partners Lex Luger, The Giant, and Kevin Nash.
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He also won the TNA World Tag Team Championship alongside Kurt Angle.
Despite his long-standing loyalty to WCW and initial reluctance to join WWE due to concerns over the company’s treatment of former WCW stars, Sting eventually made his WWE debut.
Unfortunately, his time in WWE was cut short due to a neck injury sustained during a match against Seth Rollins at a WWE pay-per-view event.
This injury led to his retirement announcement when he headlined the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2016.
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Sting’s contributions to the wrestling industry have earned him numerous accolades and honors.
WWE named him the greatest superstar in WCW history, and Pro Wrestling Illustrated recognized him as the “Most Popular Wrestler of the Year” four times, a record he shares with John Cena.
He is also a member of the TNA Hall of Fame and holds the distinction of having captured a total of 26 championships throughout his career.
In 2016, Sting was inducted into both the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame and the WWE Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of the most iconic figures in the history of professional wrestling.
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Sting Wrestling Competition
- Continental Wrestling Association (CWA)
- Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF)
- Jim Crockett Promotions (NWA)
- World Championship Wrestling (WCW)
- World Wrestling All-Stars (WWA)
- Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA)
- World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)
- All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
Sting’s Wife and Children
Sting, born Steve Borden, married his first wife, Sue, in 1986. Together, they built a family with two sons, Garrett Lee and Steven Jr., and a daughter, Gracie.
For over two decades, the couple navigated the challenges of Sting’s demanding wrestling career, which often kept him on the road and away from home.
However, in 2010, after 24 years of marriage, Steve and Sue decided to part ways and finalize their divorce.
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In 2015, Borden found love again and married Sabine, marking a new chapter in his personal life.
This marriage came after a period of significant personal transformation for Borden.
During the 1980s, like many of his contemporaries in professional wrestling, Sting admitted to using anabolic steroids, a common practice at the time to maintain the rigorous physical demands of the sport.
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However, his life took a profound turn in August 1998 when he became a born-again Christian.
This spiritual awakening brought a renewed sense of purpose and direction to his life, influencing both his personal and professional decisions moving forward.
Sting’s faith has since become an integral part of his identity, guiding him through the ups and downs of his life and career.
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Sting Now
At 65 years old, Sting, born Steve Borden, remains an iconic figure in the world of professional wrestling.
Best known for his legendary tenure as the face of two major American wrestling promotions—World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA)—Sting’s influence on the industry is undeniable.
Though he initially retired from wrestling, Sting surprised fans when he signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and made a dramatic return at Dynamite: Winter Is Coming. This marked his first appearance in the ring in over five years.
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At AEW’s pay-per-view event, Revolution, Sting proved that he still had what it takes by securing a tag team victory alongside his partner, Darby Allin, demonstrating that age is just a number for the seasoned veteran.
Beyond the wrestling ring, Sting has embraced the digital age and remains active on social media, particularly Instagram.
With a substantial following of 1.1 million followers, Sting frequently shares videos and photos, keeping his fans engaged and connected to his life.
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His Instagram presence offers a glimpse into both his professional endeavors and personal moments, allowing fans to continue their journey with him even after decades in the spotlight.
Through his online activity, Sting maintains his status as a beloved figure in wrestling, bridging the gap between his storied past and his current endeavors.
Sting Net Worth
Sting, an American professional wrestler, and former bodybuilder has built a remarkable career that has contributed to his net worth of $4 million.
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FAQs
No, Sting never fought The Undertaker in a one-on-one match, despite it being a dream match for many fans.
Sting’s WWE wrestling tenure was brief, spanning from his debut in 2014 to his retirement in 2016.
Sting’s last match as of now was in AEW at Revolution 2023, where he teamed with Darby Allin and won against Christian Cage, Swerve Strickland, and Brian Cage.
Sting adopted his “Crow” persona in late 1996, inspired by the character from the movie The Crow.
Sting is currently active in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he continues to wrestle and manage Darby Allin.
The “real” Sting is Steve Borden, who has wrestled under the name “Sting” for most of his career.
Yes, Sting has three children: two sons, Garrett Lee and Steven Jr., and a daughter, Gracie.