Sting, especially in WCW, was the epitome of a fan favorite.
As the flagship Superstar for the brand from the late 80s all the way until the promotion shut down in 2001, Sting was beloved in WCW. He would even go on to carry that relationship with his audience into TNA Wrestling and finally into WWE until he retired in 2015.
Appearing on The Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling Podcast, Sting reflected on his relationship with his fans and what his legacy in pro wrestling really is.
Credit to The Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling Podcast for sending along the following quotes.
His legacy on the business:
Man, I hope people remember things like my worth ethic, being dependable, I didn?t pull no shows, I didn?t milk injuries, I had longevity. When I was in the ring I tried to bring in every night. I tried to be as entertaining as I could, keep the crowd involved in the match. I?m hoping fans will remember my gear, staying in shape, being believable, trying to always be better, always be innovative, and creative, the way I was able to change and evolve. I hope they remember those things about me.
Connection to the fans:
There was just something about my character, that resonated with the fans. The fans shared with me a thousand times, that there was something about me that connected with them. Whether it was my demeanor, I helped fans get through tough times, I helped them through bullying, or whatever their issue was at the time. Fans have told me the relationship with their fathers was watching wrestling and watching me, so it?s very powerful stuff. Whether I came out of the babyface locker room or the heel locker room, it didn?t matter, there was something about the character Sting that there is something even beyond wrestling that was connecting with them.
Also in this interview, Sting talks about the time he spent in the ring with Big Van Vader. You can check it out at this link.