The Story of "The Crow" Sting in WCW

Wrestling Bios Presents - The Story of "The Crow" Sting in WCW
When people think of WCW, they think of Sting. Steve Borden's character captured the imagination of fans throughout the late 80s and early 90s in WCW, becoming one of the company's most celebrated and popular superstars. When times began changing in wrestling, Sting was smart enough to move with the times and alter his character for a new generation of wrestling fans.
In the summer of 1996, the nWo was formed in WCW and Sting would eventually became the group's main rival. When superstars of WCW began questioning Sting's motives, he became a new and brooding character. Steve Borden transformed from the "Surfer" Sting to "The Crow" Sting, a superstar who wouldn't say much but still managed to have the audience in the palm of his hand.
Sting would feud with the nWo and, eventually, he would even join the "Wolfpac" version of the faction. Throughout the years, the man they call Sting was able to stay relevant while still capturing championship gold and further cementing himself as a legend of World Championship Wrestling.
This mini documentary from Wrestling Bios takes a look at "The Crow" Sting in WCW. Topics covered include:
02:11 - The debut of The Outsiders and the formation of the nWo
02:49 - Sting and Lex Luger vs The Outsiders at Hog Wild 1996
05:17 - The debut of "The Crow" Sting
08:25 - The Hogan vs Sting Feud
10:40 - Sting vs Hulk Hogan at Superbrawl 8
11:43 - Sting joins the nWo Wolfpac
13:41 - Sting returns to WCW at Spring Stampede 1999
14:25 - Sting's WCW Heel Turn
16:02 - Sting vs Vampiro
- Much More!
Original Sting Theme Remix by Jayde Garrow
/ jaydegarrow
If you would like to support the channel and my work, please consider becoming a channel member: / @wrestlingbios
#wcw #documentary #sting

[@tobznoobs]

one of the reasons fans wanted Sting vs Taker, both guys changed their gimmicks and were successful. Both guys were loyal to their respective companies

[@theghostshadow8855]

Sadly that match will never happen one is retired and the other just recently retired (allegedly) plus both are past their prime.

[@marshalllee624]

The question is, who would win the match? Whom would people vote for? It would be sad if either of them will lose

[@dreday5880]

All due respect to both, but I think Taker should get the win

[@Harshfxd]

@@dreday5880 I think Sting should win because Triple H has already ruined his wwe carrer , he should get a proper retirement match win

[@davidjsaul]

@@Harshfxd I was so annoyed when Triple H won that Mania match. It just felt completely unnecessary and another WWE ego trip decision.

[@thisisnotachannel]

I grew up with Sting, from 1986 onward. I liked how the transition from "Surfer Sting" to "The Crow Sting" was gradually implemented, and didn't just happen out of nowhere one day. It made sense, in the context of what was happening at WCW at the time. And I LOVE that it was Scott Hall's idea!

[@qazialimohayuddin6526]

It was the best era ever

[@Machete87]

The crow Sting was suggested by Scott Hall n Steve Borden ran with it. Scott Hall is a genius.

[@AbominationalFailure]

@steve bills that's called "inspired". His Razor Ramon gimmick was inspired by Scarface. If his character was named Tony Montana and he kept saying things like "Say hello to my little friend" over and over, then it would have been stolen. Saying he stole his gimmick from Scarface is the same as saying Shane Helms stole his Hurricane gimmick from Superman.

[@paulvercetti4489]

Right he didn't exactly copy the character just more or less leaned on it. There's a difference between an inspriation and a direct imitation.

[@paulvercetti4489]

Or that Trish Stratus stole her late 2001 gimmick with Vince McMahon from a porn star? Or wait a minute... 🤔😂

[@paulvercetti4489]

Sorry, 2000 it was 2000 and not 2001. I think before that she managed the Tag Team of T & A, Tits and Ass, I mean, Test and Albert.

[@donhill1825]

@steve bills Ya, I remember in Scarface when Tony was a professional wrestler & and giving everyone the Razors Edge? WTF are you talking about?

[@Leraux]

He’s literally the Batman of wrestling. A watchful protector

[@JarJarBinks4ever]

Or, you know, The Crow.

[@Leraux]

@@JarJarBinks4ever that is his gimmick name lol

[@JarJarBinks4ever]

@@Leraux Or, if you're going for a comic book connection, there's also The Crow.

[@Leraux]

@@JarJarBinks4ever hmmm that also works

[@Iconhulk]

@@ChristopherJames1993 Huh No.. Unless Kilmer or Keaton are your 'Dark Knight'..

[@stingersplashentertainment3410]

It was super fitting to transition into the “Crow” character since he was apparently also going through some of his own problems in his personal life.

[@alexl.4362]

What problems.

[@gusbus5227]

@@alexl.4362 drug

[@marked4death076]

@@gusbus5227 does he talk about this at all anywhere? I never heard about his issues

[@uncommonsence153]

@@marked4death076 why would you want to listen to another man talk about his problems, you should want to listen to him talk about his successes, I don't know just my opinion

[@edwardsicklesjr9038]

I was doing some thinking on how this whole thing got started? Because during that year. I was in my 20s or 23 ? And I had went to sixx flaggs America with my friend and his mom and I went as the crow and I had no idea? That sting had went with the crow idea from Scott hall. So that following year in 97 I went as sting again as the black and red sting. This was alot to remember lol

[@InkWarrior]

'Crow' Sting vs. Undertaker will forever be the match fans will never get to see but so richly deserve.

[@vincemcmahonreadskoran3120]

I, Vincent Kennedy McMahon, refuse to care about what the fans think they deserve. I deserve a Nobel peace prize for making big guys pretending to beat each other up in their underwear into a global sensation but that's another story.

[@MS-it9vv]

I would have loved to see Surfer Sting versus Original Undertaker, too. Although I would definitely have been rooting for that Sting. Crow vs post-ABA Deadman, I wouldn’t even know who to root for!

[@speedking7224]

That, hbk vs eddie Guerrero, whiny Hart vs Kurt angle and HHH vs stone cold vs the rock are matches I wish happened

[@robertdudley3398]

They did wrestle once in N.Carolina before Undertaker made a name WWF or WWE. Stinger won, He beat Steve Austin too before he was STONE COLD.

[@younglove3362]

Sting vs Taker would have been a failure!

[@Shortchangehero0311]

This was the Sting that I grew up watching on tv, the best character in my opinion in the wrestling world.

[@billyhyatt5190]

Back when I watched wrestling I remember when he first started out...back in the days of the NWA. KZbin search Sting's first match to see just how much he's changed.

[@welshhibby]

I disagree Jake the snake was the best character EVER

[@nateskinner767]

Sting was my favorite (I'm 33), yet I'm sure the "best character" debate would never be put to rest.

[@Shortchangehero0311]

Nate Skinner you’re right it never will I’m 30 I started watching wrestling in 97 so I watched Sting at the height of the crow gimmick, he was the only reason I watched WCW, I was always a WWF/E kid

[@nateskinner767]

@@Shortchangehero0311 I was a WCW kid all the way. I knew the WWF was loaded, yet liked the broadcast team, the roster, ect. WWF responded with the Attitude Era, that included boobs on pay-per views , and WCW seemed to continue to focus on the writing, and match-ups. That's not to say the WWF didn't give us incredible matches, because they did. WCW just seemed to be the main draw for me. Sting is, and always will be my favorite wrestler, due to the Crow persona. I recall Raven being a really intriguing character, who also had to "gamble" on it working. I believe it did.

[@julianbecerra8260]

Watching sting in 1997 helped me overcome a very dark period when I was 7 years old. Sting is more than just a wrestler to me.

[@epilp2]

Same. He was inspiring in untold ways!

[@thepubknight6144]

@@epilp2 Back when wrestling companies knew how to build year long angles and gimmicks

[@codycooper5768]

Same. I was 11 and had just lost my mother. Sting sort of going dark was so awesome, and so FITTING for me at that time. I felt much like the sting character must have felt during the surfer to crow transition.. Childhood hero for sure

[@blakeb9964]

​@@thepubknight6144 Yep! Monthly PPVs and 2-3 shows per week killed long term angles.

[@nurseelliott4256]

This was my favorite version of "Sting" amazing run during this time. Sting got over without a word or doing a full match.

[@stingerfan30]

Sting as the Crow could say more and cut a promo with his stare and just the pointing of the bat better than any wrestler that would actually talk.

[@alexl.4362]

@@stingerfan30 other than The Rock and Austin.

[@NateMac434]

Hall said “Hey I see you’re growing out your hair.” “Yeah what’s it to ya” “Are you still gonna wear the California surfer tights?” “Maybe... what’s it to ya” “Listen imagine if you did this....” -Legend was born.

[@SteelRhinoXpress]

Hall did for sting with the crow gimmick what page did for hall with the diamond stud gimmick.

[@nurseelliott4256]

Scott might have made a good booker. People say how great his mind is for the business. But unfortunately other things got in the way.

[@BeyondDaX]

@K C In WCW I guess

[@SteelRhinoXpress]

K C, i'm talking in terms of major gimmick changes that changed the course of someones career.

[@BeyondDaX]

@K C But you were saying he was a major star outside of WCW which other than maybe New Japan. Not so much. You misunderstand me.

[@jasonvoorheesthethird]

And Sting is now ALL ELITE! I literally screamed and jumped out of my seat when I saw him walk towards the ring....goosebumps!!!!!

[@tehjboney4249]

Sting going to All Elite Wrestling is really sudden but not surprising I mean WCW Monday Nitro last episode was on TNT and the show finally went out of business

[@bighomiekitchen2193]

It went so well. God bless the Stinger.

[@georgieboi097]

This was the STING I came to know and like because of the CROW look

[@JW666]

Me too! =)

[@only25cents45]

Right 👍🏻

[@BrianAwesome]

@G. Master, everything after that point, was just a variation of the Original Crow Sting.

[@bigsidrealprisontalk9173]

G. Master not me

[@only25cents45]

I didn't know him and the surfer Sting was the same person at first

[@WillFeral420]

RIP Scott Hall. The idea of this gimmick worked amazingly.

[@Oplix]

Crow Sting is the most iconic wrestling character of all time.

[@modernnorseman3615]

Watching sting change from that popular loud hero character to this dark silent vigilante looking for vengeance was just amazing. It showed how a man can change into the opposite of what he is

[@dr.manhattan6669]

Just look at how much cooler Old WCW wrestlers look compared to today's wrestlers.

[@brockf5]

@Lakers fan need to bring that back what made wrestlers memorable even to non wrestling fans

[@nihilist1680]

They were MEN... nowadays wrestling is full of just boys.

[@isaiaharmand9901]

@@nihilist1680 that was so corny

[@flowwersxoxo]

You're talking about the mummy right?

[@wideawake7071]

Guess im living in yesteryear so to speak.. but when a guy grows his hair down an it lays on his back? The women went wild .. thats when wrestler Characters looked the best an was the coolest looking .. long live the days like those of the past cause that was the most popular times of the wrestling entertainment spectacle..

[@TheAutistWhisperer]

One of my favourite gimmicks and I'm also a big fan of The Crow.

[@justafanofnerdculture7602]

TheAutistWhisperer Same here! Coincidentally, I just watched The Crow a couple of nights ago.

[@commentcopbadge6665]

Have you ever looked at Brandon Lee's and Steve Borden's(Sting without make-up) face side b're twins but they do resemble each other by side? I'm not saying they're twins but they do resemble each other.

[@justafanofnerdculture7602]

Lakers fan In my opinion, it is. It's one of my favorite movies, actually. I watch it at least once a year.

[@LegendStormcrow]

@Lakers fan its a gritty retro cool. One deadman versus a whole syndicate.

[@CreightonChaney-io4xv]

Read the Crow graphic novel There’s some dialogue Sting could’ve used in some of his promos 🦂🖤

[@tonymatrisin4328]

That first Crow Sting theme was perfect

[@MajinErick]

I think Scott Hall helped him with that one. Funny how they all knew each other for years. I liked that theme too.

[@terrancegallemore6864]

Sting crow was his best gimmick and how he had the crow bird being all dark and Antisocial made it even better

[@beefgravystudios]

Crow Sting is what brought me back to wrestling after I thought I had moved on. In my humble opinion: BEST GIMMICK EVER!

[@ricky-sanchez]

This "gimmick" was stolen from Brandon lee and associates. The best non stolen gimmick in wrestling history is the rock. 🤨

[@4zafinc]

@@ricky-sanchez Rock's gimmick was stolen from Elvis and Johnny Bravo

[@ricky-sanchez]

@@4zafinc Lol that checks out. There are no original gimmicks then.😆

[@4zafinc]

@@ricky-sanchez sadly true. Almost all wrestling gimmicks I hear about the creator will give a statement I got inspired from "so and so medium". It's cool they give the source material due credit, but still wish there were gimmicks built absolutely from scratch

[@jimbo0411]

Sting resembled Brandon's face features is why the wcw crow character really pulled it off well.

[@freedomseedplanter5987]

Idiotic statement.. you really think because they might have had similar facial features is why the gimmick worked?

[@leelohaskin7941]

@@freedomseedplanter5987 umm it wasn't that idiotic, hell they do resemble each other, but then again then again you rarely see Sting without his make-up unlike Brandon Lee.

[@willvee1282]

I’m lucky enough ( or old enough 😳) to have been able to watch Sting’s entire career from WCW to now AEW. Fantastic wrestler who has the rare ability to evolve and remain relevant.

[@shamusfarmer]

I was a goth in the late 90s, early 2000s. I loved Sting, I loved his anti-establishment stance, and I loved his quiet strength. I grew out of it before "The Crow Sting" concept had fallen... Its interesting to see what had happened since my childhood...

[@HereIsWisdom1318]

I bet youre all for the establishment now!

[@wesker9041]

Crow sting is easily one of the best gimmicks ever. I'll never forget how cool that white and black face paint was when I first saw it as a kid.

[@dickmarx1298]

Seriously though You've gotta give mad credit to the announcers for building the perception and aura of crow Sting during that year.

[@brianpankeyentertainment]

Tony Schiavone "It's Sting"

[@sdo1840]

Always wanted to see Austin vs Sting, the 2 most popular wrestlers on each side. People forget how special Sting was

[@DemonRage90]

This were the prime days of wrestling man. Playing WCW vs NWO and watching all these amazing superstars rise from the beginning. First ever wrestler I saw when I was 8, I fell in love with the way he looked, from the outfit to his matches. Amazing memories.

[@zitofan4life]

Gheyyy

[@Paul-wu7xd]

"Crow" Sting and "Hollywood" Hogan were the greatest wrestling character evolutions, which made the "hype" around their match at Starrcade 1997 immensely special.

[@Maurice76746]

I was a fan of "surfer sting" , I grew up in the 80's.

[@ricky-sanchez]

Lol when crow sting came out I was like " what happened to regular sting?"

[@dirty3073]

You got the best years of wrestling my dad grew up in minneasota and was good freinds with animal and Hawk and told me all the stories of back in the day!

[@dreday5880]

Crow Sting vs. Bret Hart 96-97 would have been one of the greatest matches ever

[@brutusb8004]

Facts

[@steviecritiquenewby7874]

The Crow Sting is the greatest rebirth character in professional wrestling history. Along with that Surfer/Crow character to me is the greatest gimmick/wrestler period.

[@noodlefoo]

Thanks for this video. This Crow Sting is arguably the best character in pro wrestling. I still recall the mystery, chill and excitement every time Sting appeared on the alter of the stadium, wondering what he was going to do next. The era of Sting, NWO and Goldberg is the highlights of WCW.

[@TheUnknown285]

8:08 - I think that's the best version of his black and white facepaint scheme, with the intricate lines and a single, centered line above each eye.

[@superrobz]

Crow Sting vs Ministry Taker🤤

[@lulfred4473]

2007 taker🤤

[@fastspeedeye]

Thats The Watch I AlwYs Wanted Both In Their Best Prime Days

[@MeximidgeComedy]

Baby Undertaker vs 90 yr old Sting

[@ziahamm1603]

Crow Sting v The Fiend would be sick as well

[@_nolan_nolan]

Either Ministry or Lord of Darkness Taker

[@msperry1719]

This was a great gimmick making Sting dark without turning him heel. My favorite wrestler ever. Even Joker Sting 😂😂 Thank you for the labor of love to make these bios. I hated the Vampiro feud.

[@mylesmulenga-uz6gd]

Sting's Crow character is one of the coolest gimmicks in wrestling history.

[@lb2.0.45]

The Crow Sting was always one my favorite characters and favorite version of the man himself.

[@jayasavunat7173]

Stings story would make the best career mode on a wrestling game if done properly. Awesome video bro. We needed this

[@theebronks]

I would love coverage on wrestler's TNA careers. A lot of WCW guys passed through that had arcs arguably better than their more prominently known ones.

[@Mr.Memphis10]

Remarkable content! Shout out to Scott Hall for pitching the crow character to Steve Borden. The crow Sting favorite WCW wrestler. RIP WCW

[@koutlaw30]

The Sting vs Vampiro feud was very underrated. Should have talked more about this feud.

[@gaipontiff2]

The key element that gets overlooked in Sting's transformation from surfer to The Crow is his promo the night after Fall Brawl. No music, no pyro and the promo was done with his back to the hard camera.

[@Kindaserious365]

Another thing that gets overlooked is how Hogan had to carry sting in their showdown at starcade. Sting was terribly out of shape and to an extent not his fault at all. He probably should’ve went overseas to NJPW to stay in shape and keep his persona the same here in the states

[@gregoryfuller9736]

I always prefer sting to Goldberg in wcw as the top face

[@blackjohn9240]

Who doesn't???

[@gregoryfuller9736]

You be surprised how many Goldberg marks they are in the wrestler community that prefers Goldberg over stings

[@uncommonsence153]

I was like twelve when Goldberg and sting or the top faces of WCW, and I preferred Goldberg back then,now that I'm older and I get it I understand sting is the better wrestler, but as a kid I preferred Goldberg

[@wordlifejohn1122]

@@greatomeister675 but overall as wrestler Goldberg sucks big time.

[@aoescool]

the way i see it during that era.. the nwo was the ultimate threat.. Goldberg was Superman.. and Sting was Batman.. the hero that would come out of the darkness and do some badass stuff.. seeing sting in the rafters just chilling was the best..

[@hoanirutledge1048]

The whole mysterious saviour against the nwo dynasty was awesome

[@justafanofnerdculture7602]

Love "Crow" Sting, especially in ' 97 and early to mid "98. Very glad to hear you give him his props, as far as him helping WCW winning the Monday NIght Wars, for a time. Most of the time, when the Wars are mentioned, you mostly hear NWO, Stone Cold, Rock, DX, Goldberg but, you don't hear Sting's name as prominently, for some odd reason. You hear it but, not nearly as much as we should. We were on the edge of our seat every Monday Nitro waiting to see what he was going to do next. Awesome video, as usual, Sir. BRAVO!!! 👏👏👏

[@superlex611]

They are trying to build the Monday night wars more tougher

[@TheOnemanmoshpit]

I grew up watching Sting when he was more like an Ultimate Warrior that could actually wrestle and I was a huge fan but Crow style Sting was the best repackage ever! The NWO always gets the credit for making WCW ratings explode but Sting was just as popular if not more.

[@younglove3362]

There would be no crow Sting without NWO black and white

[@stustewart3140]

Thank you!!! Sting is my all time favorite and you did great! Crow Sting made WCW the best for a short time, hate that management screwed up what WCW was but Sting made it must see TV from 1996 to 2000, good job!!

[@123dan165]

The problem is that they overstaurated the N.W.O to no end. WCW's downfall can be summed up like this: WCW is the person N.W.O is the cigarette. WCW uses the cigarette to relief stress and helps WCW solve its problems. But then the side of effects of relying on that cigarette eventually became issue and the person failed to address that issue until it became an incurable disease say cancer and for this anology the decline in ratings which leads to their death I.e losing the Monday night wars.

[@Rinzler03ny]

Sting look like a diesel version of Brandon Lee.

[@claytonhusted]

I remember turning on WCW just to see Sting club the nWo.

[@DOYLETWAT]

Did any WCW title match ever end with a clean finish!?

[@mrblonde609]

Hogan defeated Nash fair and square by poking his powerful finger on him. The only other moment, where Hogan presented this raw power was when he clearly defeated Jeff Jarrett by planting his foot onto him. Not a title match though, but an incredible act of sheer sorcery. RoboCop and Chucky were proud of that moment.

[@tomdewyn5689]

When Goldberg first won the belt against Hogan Also Remember a Sting vs ddp title match on Nitro without interference Those are the only 2 that come to mind

[@GhostTower]

luger vs hollywood (after much counter-interference)

[@MS-it9vv]

WCW had so much "dust" that almost all matches had Dusty finishes. lol

[@Deedric_Kee]

Yes. You can find more on WWE Network as well.

[@jedi49er1]

The first sighting with the long hair was EPIC!!! I so miss those years of wrestling.

[@holagovito]

As a musician and a music lover, the fact that you remix these themes by ear AND create quality video to go along with it....your work never surprises me

[@frankd5119]

I would love to see the return of "surfer" Sting. That's the Sting I first started watching and enjoyed.

[@charlesdavis4887]

Sting was such an iconic character in WCW/TNA. Never understood why he signed to WWE to only be buried.

[@ii9714]

Me to it must have been a huge pay packet so Vince could use his likeness for merchandise

[@faz6877]

easy answer, he got $$$

[@ricky-sanchez]

To stay relevant.

[@kevinpayton2664]

Sting didn't wrestle for almost the entire year in 1997 until Starrcade and he was still so popular. He usually got the biggest pops on Nitro.

[@forzendikar9908]

Hell of a wrestler, Sting is my #3 all time behind Flair and Hogan!

[@mrowley7300]

Man I completely forgot that Sting "Joined" the NWO before uncensored also can't wait for you to talk about joker sting.

[@commentcopbadge6665]

And black face Sting. lol

[@evilubuntu9001]

@@commentcopbadge6665 Black face Sting, I forgot about that, and the time that Booker T said "Sting, we comin' for you nugga"

[@commentcopbadge6665]

EVIL UBUNTU LOL! Oh Booker. Booker. Booker... Hahahahaaa! That was hilarious. Tiny correction though, it was "Hulk Hogan, we comin' for you, nugga!". LOL! Regardless, it was funny as hell. Happy new year, friend.

[@evilubuntu9001]

@@commentcopbadge6665 I know. I was making a joke about "Black face Sting" Happy new year to you.

[@Bazooka_Sharks]

The wolf pack haha red and black

[@cobracyxx8808]

I was a sting fan from the beginning, but Crow Sting was the absolute best. The guy was wrecking the NWO like every week. Just him and a baseball bat for the most part. Lol. It was dope to watch

[@17thNO]

It really was.

[@trentshimmonsiilaogreens4074]

Love this channel. I first started watching wrestling in the early '80's. I grew up with surfer Sting as a little kid. When Stinger turned into the crow it was cool because I was a teenager and had changed as well. I hated the NWO. Hogan screwed everyone over and Sting was acting how I felt. When Sting turned to the NWO I was pretty much over it all. I'm looking forward to his later years as I had stopped watching. It really wasn't until I found your channel that my love for wrestling was reborn. So hey, thank you

[@LeanieSigel]

Crow stings signature song was UNDERRATED also he had the best persona, song, everything around that time and I’m a Bret Hart fan but around that time nobody could touch Sting

[@mrblonde609]

I should skip elements of the video that you covered before? No my friend, going all the way! Your content deserves it.

[@c6blackvette17]

GOAT. Love these high def pics. His paints were the best. Wrestling will never be like this. Wish WWE 2k Would allow us to modify his paints in their game or at least give us a proper Sting 97 model

[@Crystal-yd3oq]

Yes I liked his outfit the paint all of that, fave sting

[@blackjohn9240]

CAW

[@zitofan4life]

The man they call Stink… I loved when he would one up rikishi and do his Stinker Splash

[@DarkDestroyer98]

Watching this brought back memories...but also outlines a key issue with WCW back then...and something Eric has admitted to since on the podcast, they were terrible booking finishes. Constant run ins, dqs, not just ruined finishes but destroyed entire angles. Convoluted angles, etc. They might be still around if this wasn't such a huge issue.

[@BasedKungFu]

The suits at Turner/AOL weren't going to let it survive no matter what.

[@phicks5956]

It was quite unique to watch this transformation in those days. Really had to be there to understand. Edit: Look up in the rafters! IT'S STING!!!

[@babalon7778]

I had no idea Hall came up with the Crow gimmick, I love it! I also think it says a lot about what a decent guy Hall is.

[@rooneye]

I think Glenn Jacobs' Isaac Yankem to Kane was the single greatest gimmick change personally, but each to his own! But yeh, like Kane, Crow Sting was enigmatic and mysterious and those make for the best and most interesting type of characters in wrestling IMO.

[@BerryZitoo]

Mean Mark Mest (AKA The Punisher) (AKA The Undertaker ) was the single best gimmick change. notice those are different names. But Sting wasn't really a gimmick change but more like a continuation and a evolution of the sting character . it truly was the best.

[@SeasideDetective2]

I think it was appropriate that his "Crow" face started out as what was almost a commedia dell'arte pantomime mask, not only because it looked a lot like the harlequin mask Brandon Lee wore for one brief scene in the movie - which was itself also seen in James O'Barr's original comic - but because during those first months in the rafters Sting looked like a slightly pissed-off clown. A clown who was fed up with the world viewing him with contempt - which is close to what Sting himself was feeling at the time - and was determined to stop being funny for once and wreak vengeance on his accusers. Sting was always a force to be reckoned with, but he was basically a goofy, Hulk Hogan-like character before this, and I'm glad he went in this radical new direction.

[@realhamonwry8620]

This incarnation of Sting is, without question, the greatest character in the history of the business.

[@TheGrowlerCatB2BGame]

Haven't even watched it yet, but gave it a like regardless. I know this is gonna be a good one. Just about everything you do is good. Thanks!

[@Deedric_Kee]

WCW ruled from '85 to 98. Sting had a lot to do with it. To watch wrestling back then and live it,was the absolute best.

[@InTheMindOfDavid]

This is the Sting I grew up with. Wish I had actually been around to experience the creation of this version of the character.

[@justaguy2410]

Wrestling Bios: If you would like to skip, click the timestamps Me: and shorten these great videos?...nope

[@lorenzoalsobrooks739]

The gimmick was legendary. What was even more amazing is how Sting/WCW wouldn't allow him to do any promos for more than a year. In that business, that's hard to do.

[@ApeBrainGames]

Always found it amusing how crow Sting's color scheme was black and white - same colors as the faction he was fighting against

[@joshuawhite8247]

Always thought undertaker was the top dog in the business and consistent but man idk now, not only the sting crow gimmick and everything he did post wcw but the original blonde hair sting is an ICON and maybe I'm on the moment but I'd give that award to sting!

[@bobthebrickbuilder1876]

I always liked Sting, since his blonde hair days and I fondly remember when he introduced "The Crow" Sting and proceeded to randomly pop up around the arena(s), brooding silently, because WCW. The 90s and early 2000s were the last era before the internet and smart phones really took over and things changed, peeceptually. A lot of things have lost their illusion, wrestling included, because of the ever present eye of social media and smart phone 24/7 connectivity. Someone will probably call me a boomer but in the 90s we got our info from magazines, watching the matches live or pre-recorded on TV or from our friends - and maybe if you were fortunate enough, you might have had access to the internet. When I first encountered the internet there wasn't a lot of pictures or videos and there was a whole lot of text w/ no emojis but there was also info, glorious information. There was guitar tabs and sheet music, synopses for television shows I could not remember/recollect and eventually, when the bandwidth got stronger, there was video. What a time to come of age. Great video, it brought back fond memories.

[@bradleyhollon6085]

Well said

[@farahonrojas5221]

I'm down with Sting. Sting is and always was one of my favorite wrestlers.

[@leroylawrence2773]

I was in basic training from Aug-Oct ‘96 then AIT from Oct-Feb ‘97 it was like a soap opera, I was so lost!

[@imfrombmf_7258]

I grew up watching surf sting and since than hes always been one of my most favorite wrestlers

[@demetriuse.stroud4016]

LOVE THE STING STORY AND INTRO MUSIC

[@markmonroe652]

I like the surfer sting looked with the brown hair grown out the best.

[@trentweston8306]

Brandon Lee's The Crow is a tragic masterpiece. I didn't watch any WCW growing up in Australia. The only wrestler I knew was Sting and now I have my suspicion confirmed there is a connection between the two.

[@bootlegdarappertv]

WCW 97. Greatest year of wrestling ever in my opinion.

[@HyperActive7]

I loved both Crow movies and Sting pulled this look off masterfully. I became a big fan of his because of the promo he cut scathing Hulk Hogan which was one of the best in wrestling history to jumpstart the Crow character.

[@davidcoffey8810]

There are 4 Crow movies but only the first 2 are any good.

[@bradleyhollon6085]

Yes i agree lets only acknowledge the first 2 movies

[@Juwellz18]

You're the gift that keeps on giving. Thank you for all this great content. We don't deserve it 😩🙌🏾

[@johnnycee9325]

Dude didnt talk for like a year. And we LOVED IT! 🔥🔥🔥

[@dickmarx1298]

Mad credit to the announcers for building up so much hype around him during that time he didn't speak.

[@BluRadoZ71]

I remember Sting starting as the Blade Runners. Sting will always be The Icon. The GOAT.

[@justincredible7676]

My favorite storyline of my childhood love 97 sting

[@chipskylark172]

I’ve said it before I’ll say it again Starrcade 1997 should’ve been the nail in the coffin for the WWF. This was an 18 month build...18 months!!! And sting was as hot as can be as was hogan. If done well this was supposed to be the night WCW planted their flag in the ground. Man what the world would look like had WCW actually did this the right way. I think after that sting lost a little steam sadly

[@baseupp12]

Nope even if that happened WWF was gathering back some momentum during this time so WWF would've rebounded

[@chipskylark172]

baseupp12 rebounded most def I mean I was around I saw in December Austin was basically white hot it was well known he was going to be the man (I wasn’t a fan at first I blamed Austin for Shawn Michaels not being there I wanted Hbk back after mania lol I was a big Hbk fan lol I was like 8. But anyway stood storyline could’ve permanently cemented WCW as the number one show but of course WCW did what WCW does.

[@aaronneville1164]

Nothing tops 1997 in wrestling for me. Preferred WCW over WWF as a whole, but my favorite 1 guy to watch was Shawn Michaels. After Wm 14 in March of '98, being a kid not knowing the business, I resented Austin for becoming the man and I hated HHH with a passion for dissing Shawn the next night on Raw and assuming leadership of DX lol. We may never again see wrestling as hot as it was from 1997-2000.

[@chipskylark172]

RC Jonas you know? I loved 97 tbh besides the major moments I didn’t like 98-99 of wwf it was too dumb ( I choppy your peepee stuff like that was dumb to me) I enjoyed after Russo left the late 99-01 are my favourite of the AE but I think my all time favourite year which I think is severely underrated is 2002-2003. There’s was a stretch from mid 2002 that every single ppv was a smash to me. Start at sslam 2002 and go from there they had some awesome shows. Even mania 19 (besides the miller lite cat fight the ending of hhh/ booker t,and the taker big show a train match)it just seems like those months are always forgotten or looked over. Tbh if I had to choose between AE and 2002-2003 I’d choose the latter.

[@aaronneville1164]

@@chipskylark172 We are on the exact same page. While I recognize how huge wrestling was commercially from 97-00, I was not a big fan of WWF's Attitude Era 98-99 either....mainly because my main guy (Shawn) was not really apart of it. 2002 without a doubt was the best year in WWF PPV's.....best Summerslam ever and best Survivor Series ever in my opinion. The roster was stacked as hell and had LEGITIMATE star power and main event guys everywhere. I got everything I wanted in 2002.....Hogan and HBK comebacks with World title victories for both ! To your point, it just goes to show you how star studded 2002-2003 was. Look no further than Wrestlemana 19. I may be in the minority, but if we're talking eras, the AE isn't even in my personal top 3 eras in wrestling.

[@snowdust3657]

My absolute favourite wrestler in my favourite era! Love Steve Borden! ❤

[@horsthacker6355]

This was the stuff when i was a kid. I was glued to the tv when sting came on.

[@onelifedental5607]

Always Sting, never stink!

[@thefookinchamptfc]

Yes dude been waiting on this one for so long

[@MrOuest]

Scott Hall got all his good ideas from films. What a cinephile.

[@Jd-zr8bs]

He was groomed by dusty ,war games etc.They always hit more than miss

[@khalidibrahim7726]

Ah miss Crow aka Sting wrestling greatness legendary 90s all time. and R.I.P WCW Era 1985-2001

[@keach1983]

I remember it like it wasnt almost 25 year ago

[@EVGriffinJr]

Hey, I just started watching your video and your opening version of the role theme for sting, I have to say they should hire you to make his music for WWE! Nice remix!

[@ToysToolsandTales]

By far one of my top, best, and favorite wrestling character renditions ever created. from savage to the wolfpack. Scott hall played a big part giving sting the idea

[@joannjohnson2481]

Damn I miss WCW the 90's was on fire . I Been a wrestling fan since my teenager years now l"m 49 year old woman.