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What’s the story?
Per Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the WWE had no further plans for Sting prior to his career-ending injury back in 2015.
Additionally, a possible reason for Sting choosing to re-sign with TNA (now-Impact Wrestling) on several occasions in the past, has also been revealed.
In case you didn’t know…
Sting, whose real name is Steve Borden, competed in the sport of professional wrestling from 1985 until he suffered a career-ending neck injury during his match with Seth Rollins at WWE’s Night of Champions PPV in 2015.
Sting was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016 and announced his retirement the very same year.
While Sting performed for several professional wrestling promotions over the course of his career, he rose to notoriety in WCW (1987-2002)—following which he was a mainstay in TNA from 2003 until his departure from the promotion in 2014.
The heart of the matter
One ought to note that while with TNA, several experts have time and again noted that Sting chose to sign new contracts with the promotion on an annual basis, rather than making the transition to the WWE.
In response to a fan stating on Twitter that Sting was at fault for not signing with WWE and choosing to perform for TNA for several years, Dave Meltzer stated—
“Whatever. Somebody offers you $500,000 a year for minimal dates and the other side offers you nothing. Decision should be easy and he made the right one for himself and his family.”
Furthermore, in response to a fan asking as to whether WWE had any plans for Sting after the latter’s feud with Seth Rollins, Meltzer negated the banter, stating—
“There were actually no plans”
What’s next?
Sting is presently signed to the WWE under a Legends Contract, and has, on multiple occasions, asserted his appreciation towards the WWE—lauding the promotion’s work and business sense.
Author’s take
Sting is perhaps one of the most hard-nosed competitors to have ever graced a professional wrestling ring.
Injuries are an unfortunate part of most sports, and Sting sadly suffered a pretty serious injury that forced him into retirement a few years back.
Regardless, it’s awesome that Sting and WWE finally reached a deal, and worked with one another before the legend’s career came to a close.
