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Sting

Historical Figure

Sting

b. 1951

American professional wrestler (born 1959)

Modern

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Biography

Steve Borden, better known by the ring name Sting, is an American retired professional wrestler. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), with which he continues to make sporadic appearances since his retirement. Borden is best known for his lengthy runs in two major American professional wrestling promotions: World Championship Wrestling (WCW) from 1988 to 2001 and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) from 2003 to 2014, as well as his retirement run in AEW from 2020 to 2024. Although the World Wrestling Federation purchased WCW in 2001, Borden did not sign with them at the time; he would later work in WWE from 2014 to 2020. Prior to WCW, he wrestled for the National Wrestling Alliance's (NWA) Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP)—which became WCW in 1988—the Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF), and the Continental Wrestling Association (CWA). Borden wore face-paint throughout his career, and in 1996, changed from the multi-colored paint of his "Surfer" persona to the monochromatic paint of the "Crow" gimmick.

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In Their Own Words (5)

Timeline

The story of Sting, told in moments.

1951 Birth

Born Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner in Wallsend, Northumberland. His father delivered milk. Got the nickname "Sting" from a black and yellow striped sweater he wore constantly. Worked as a teacher and ditch digger before music.

1978 Event

Formed the Police with Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers. Their first album cost 1,500 pounds to record. Within two years they were one of the biggest bands in the world. Bleached his hair blond for a chewing gum commercial and kept it.

1983 Event

"Every Breath You Take" spent eight weeks at number one. Most people think it's a love song. Sting has said it's about surveillance and obsession. "I think it's a nasty little song, really."

1985 Event

Launched his solo career with The Dream of the Blue Turtles. Brought in jazz musicians, which alienated some Police fans. The album went triple platinum anyway. The Police never officially broke up.

2007 Event

Reunited the Police for a world tour that grossed $340 million. It was the third-highest-grossing tour in history at the time. The three members still didn't get along. They haven't toured together since.

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