A main event to Crow about?: Sting vs. Undertaker at WrestleMania rumors light up Internet
It all started with last night’s eerie RAW video promoting a returning/debuting superstar to World Wrestling Entertainment on February 21. The well-produced video-almost like a teaser trailer for an upcoming horror film-shows a man in a trenchcoat and boots walking toward a creepy house in the woods during a horrible thunderstorm before fading into “2-21-11.” Of course, the Internet fan boys have analyzed this video like the Zapruder film for the last 24 hours, with some swearing that the numerals 2-21-11 spell out/morph into STING. (I finally saw the same thing after approximately two hits of acid.)
Then came Internet images, likely fan art, promoting a Sting vs. Undertaker dream match at WrestleMania in Atlanta. As most of you know by now, TNA’s “They” was originally supposed to be the reuniting Main Event Mafia-Kevin Nash, Booker T, Sting, Kurt Angle and Scott Steiner-as babyfaces. Instead, Booker and Nash signed deals with WWE and appeared in Sunday’s Royal Rumble, with Diesel’s return apparently sponsored by Just For Men. Thankfully, TNA will have to go another direction-y’know, like maybe elevate some young talent and create new headlining stars. (A novel concept, I realize.) So, where does that leave Sting? The last official word I heard was that he had not re-signed with TNA, but that he was expected to if the money were right.
In the cards? Sting vs. 'Taker…the dream match to die for.
I will say that the timing is certainly right-it’s now or never for Sting, who has never worked for WWE, unless you count the Nitro farewell bout with Ric Flair. While it’s been rumored that Wade Barrett was slotted to be ‘Taker’s opponent for WM, that would have to be considered a letdown considering two straight years of HBK/Dead Man classics. And it’s like they’ve built up Barrett has a world beater. Then there’s the issue of ‘Taker’s injuries and if he’d even be ready to go by ‘Mania. While it was not looking good a few months ago, the latest word is that he indeed will be risking his streak once again on the big stage. (He’s set to appear on…the 2-21-11 RAW (coincidence?). And with Atlanta being the WrestleMania site this year, what better place for Sting to make his long-awaited Stinger splash into the world of sports entertainment? If he’s signed a one-year deal as some are speculating, Sting would have to be considered a favorite for the Hall of Fame as well, especially given his history in Atlanta as WCW’s biggest star for years. The buildup for ‘Taker vs. Sting would be memorable and give the event a special once-in-a-lifetime feel a la Hulk Hogan vs. Rock years ago. A dream match-up to die for.
Supposedly, Steve Borden’s religious beliefs prevented the Sting character from appearing in WWE shortly after McMahon purchased WWE. But with Vince’s new PG mandate and the comparatively raunchy TNA product, Borden wouldn’t have to sacrifice his beliefs for one last run. Besides, Sting’s got to be insanely curious as to what Vince and his production team could do for his character. (Granted, that hasn’t worked out too well for some former WCW stars, but I expect they’d pull out all the stops to get Sting over as a god, especially with the company’s lack of huge stars right now.)
I guess we’ll all know soon enough.
Digg
I read one place that the piece they did last night was eerily similar to the one they did for 1997’s Hulk/Sting match in WCW for Starrcade. I read in another place the the NY Daily News wrestling guy is reporting a 1 year deal for Sting, with him going into the Hall this year at Mania.
Just like with weathermen and all this snow we’ve been getting, I’ll just believe it when I see it, I suppose. Although Sting vs. Taker is a lot more exciting than more back pain from shovelling out from Mother Nature, to be certain…
Oh, Scott, I forgot to add, that Mania Poster with Sting holding the Taker card is AWESOME!
I for one am holding up hope we see this match.
Also, it must have been the MOTHER LODE of wrestling news today—Rock reports on his Facebook he is going to come back to WWE (albeit not as a wrestler) and Chris Jericho says there’s a deal on the table for him to come back to WWE that is “90% done.” Good day to be a wrestling fan, that plus I finally found the Shieky figure I needed to finish off my Series 2 Legends! WHOOOoooooo!
Just in case anyone was wondering if that Sting/Taker card image is legit, here’s the Dark Knight poster that the fan artist clearly ripped off:
http://i56.tinypic.com/dboci1.jpg
That said, I am already marking out at the idea of a potential Sting/Taker match at Wrestlemania. Sting is one of my favorites of all time and he needs to go out on the big stage, not in TNA. Perhaps even better than the match would be the long-overdue Sting dvd set that would definitely be released if he does sign a deal. And of course, Mattel action figures! Who wants to see a Great American Bash 90 defining moments figure? I do!
Sting would be foolish at age what? 51 or so? To not sign a WWE Legends deal and get the Merch machine in motion-and a batch of matches including one against Taker? I’d be one happy fan.
Or perhaps this is just signifying ‘Taker’s return? The slight musical refrain that was playing in the background sounded quite similar to his theme music… That being said, Sting vs. Taker would be THE headliner this year and definitely on par with Rock vs. Hogan.
This has to happen!! No offense to the former fed but personally this Nexus angle and Miz has not been the shot in the arm it needs. Sting would be it. Even at an advanced age the Stinger can still put together a great match, especially with someone with the chops Taker has. I for one am hoping Vince pulls this off. This could be one for the ages.