Long before his time in the WWE or AEW, the legend this is Sting was celebrated for his vibrant and colourful persona in WCW during the early 90s.
Recognisable by his bright blond hair, vibrant face paint, exuberant ring attire, and energetic presence, this persona cemented Sting as a beloved and iconic figure. But during the nWo takeover of 1996 where in storyline, it had been assumed by fellow babyfaces that Sting had double-crossed the entire company, a new Sting emerged, similar in presentation to Brandon Lee’s look in the 1994 movie adaption of ‘The Crow’…
He had become a darker, enigmatic presence marked by black and white face paint, a long trench coat, and a brooding, silent demeanour. His transition to the “Crow” persona was a huge departure from his previous flamboyant image, aligning him as a mysterious and vengeful figure seeking retribution against the villainous forces in the wrestling world. Now arguably more popular than ever, this transformation played a significant role in reshaping his career and solidifying his status as an iconic and enduring figure in professional wrestling.
However, turns out not everyone was a fan. As documented by Wrestling Shoot Clips, during an episode of KC Guest Booker, wrestling veteran Robert Fuller expressed how he would have never changed Sting’s gimmick.
“If I’d have been in the office, I would have walked with a pot roast a lot faster if they’d have wanted to put Sting in a black outfit! And things comin’ down his face and the baseball bat! I’d have said, “hey, guys. Y’know, I don’t think I can get anything going with this thought!”.”
Sting’s early look during the emergence of WCW was bright and loud and a stark contrast, at least visually, to what he later became.
“This guy was the franchise. He was WCW. And he was over with the kids. When they put him the black outfit and all that, what did the kids do?! And I don’t want my kids out there watching TV… It’s the thing that’s made him the whole time, the kids love him and he was like Hogan back in the heyday. Sting was their Hogan and I wouldn’t have changed that.”
Robert Fuller began his wrestling journey in 1970 in the Alabama and Tennessee regions, often teaming with his cousin Jimmy Golden and achieving numerous tag team titles. After his wrestling career had ended, Fuller ventured into managerial roles, including becoming Col. Robert Parker in WCW, and later as the near identical character in Tennessee Lee in the WWE, where he managed Jeff Jarrett. Fuller witnessed the transformation of Sting and the business as a whole first hand being a part it but he stresses, he was not a fan.
“I didn’t like that thing with Sting. I would have done it all different.”
Will Sting Return To AEW?
Following his retiring, much speculation was made about whether or not Sting would ever reappear on AEW television. Former multiple World Champion Jeff Jarrett discussed the possibility of it happening. Though he did express some doubt regarding on his potential for assuming a regular on-screen role following retirement, he indicated that the wrestling veteran would likely be more involved in licensing, action figures, and video games, aligning with the brand’s representation.
H/t to TJRWrestling.net