The icon called Sting is one of the few wrestlers who have been actively working since the Monday Night War Era between WWE and WCW. He has always been a fan favorite since his days at WCW. The icon developed a legendary status for himself during his time at the company, gaining a lot of fan support and attraction. Fans are still hooked on seeing the former WWE Superstar after all these years of praising his excellence.
During the final days of the company, Sting transitioned into a dark and thrilling character, which was liked by the audience. Despite his success in the company, Sting wasn’t seen jumping the ship from WCW to WWE back in 2001. Various top WCW Talents debuted in the Stamford-based promotion after it was shut down. But Sting had a pretty solid reason to avoid coming to the Triple H-led promotion.
During an older interview with the Icon, Sting openly talked about the reason he didn’t join WWE in 2001. The former WCW champion stated how good Vince McMahon was to him back in the day and insisted he join. Sting wasn’t convinced by the offer, as he was not happy with how WWE treated the WCW wrestlers. He even recalled the segment involving The Rock and Booker T, which broke him.
Sting stated, “The Rock looks at Booker T and he said, ‘Who are you?’ And you know that one little comment was all it took to just bury somebody”. He further added, “Let the world know that you’re a WCW guy and you’re a peon here”.
Imagine if Sting came to WWE during the Invasion angle in 2001?
We could have seen him against Taker, Kane, Austin, Y2J, & Rock.. pic.twitter.com/i47bF2N7Ld
— HEELReport (@HEELReport) September 23, 2017
The icon certainly didn’t like the reception WCW Stars got initially in the WWE. The promo segment involving The Rock and Booker T turned out to be a huge factor in Sting not joining WWE back in the day.
Sting made his WWE debut in 2015
After nearly two decades, Sting finally decided to step inside a WWE ring for the first time in 2015. The Vigilante made his WWE debut after shockingly appearing at the Survivor Series 2014. Since making his debut, he has locked horns with Triple H. The duo delivered an instant classic at WrestleMania 2015, marking Sting’s first match in WWE.
After his first WrestleMania match, Sting was involved in a World Title rivalry against Seth Rollins. The duo faced each other at the Night of Champions for the World Title. Though Sting wasn’t able to win his Pay Per View matches, he was truly respected by the crowd.
Before his debut, Sting gained a lot of fans with his decorated career in TNA Wrestling just after leaving WCW. He was one of the main attractions of the company, giving some unforgettable bouts with Mick Foley, AJ Styles, Kurt Angle, and various other superstars. His decision to not join the WWE is still one of the most debatable decisions of all time, leaving fans in an endless discussion regarding the icon.