Icon: Why Sting Should Never Sign With World Wrestling Entertainment

By now, most wrestling fans have either seen, or at least heard about, the infamous "02/21/11" promo that aired on Raw this past Monday night.  Depicting a dark stranger in a trench coat walking towards a house in the pouring rain, some people believe the mysterious person to be The Undertaker, but most people believe the figure to be none other than Sting.

Known for his tenure in World Championship Wrestling during the 1990s, Sting is often referred to as "The Franchise of WCW", having stayed with the promotion from it's humble beginning in 1988 to it's untimely demise in 2001.  He became a six-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, a two-time WCW International World Heavyweight Champion, and a one-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion.  He is also referred to as "The Icon"—partially because he is one of the most popular wrestlers of the 1990s, and partially because he is the most famous professional wrestler to never sign with World Wrestling Entertainment.

After WCW closed it's doors in 2001, Sting joined the short-lived World Wrestling All-Stars and remained with the promotion until it's closing in 2003.  While there, he became a one-time WWA World Heavyweight Champion.  Soon after leaving WWA, Sting joined a then small, independent, wrestling promotion founded by Jeff Jarrett—Total NonStop Action Wrestling.

In the time since joining TNA, Sting has won three additional world title reigns—once again winning the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, and becoming a two-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion.  "The Stinger" is also responsible for helping create The Main-Event Mafia—a veteran stable that dominated TNA in 2008 and 2009.

Along with Kevin Nash, Sting left TNA in 2010.  In kayfabe, he didn't agree with the direction Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff were taking the company, while in reality, his contract was almost up.

It is unclear at this time where Sting is headed. The fact that both Kevin Nash and Booker T returned to WWE have taken many by surprise, as it was expected that TNA was about to revive The Main Event Mafia to feud with Immortal.  With half it's core members gone, that doesn't appear to be the case.

Now, with the 02/21/11 promo circulating, the rumors of Sting finally joining the one promotion he has refused to sign with for a decade are popping up at full force.

But just because Sting hasn't signed back with TNA, that dosen't mean he's going to WWE.  Far from it.  As a matter of fact, I hope Sting returns to TNA.

Before you jump to conclusions, let me explain myself.  When you think of The Undertaker, what do you think of?  You think of the longest-lasting WWE superstar in the company.  You think of the top veteran that has remained loyal to Vince McMahon his entire career.  You think of the cornerstone of World Wrestling Entertainment.

That's who The Phenom is.

When you think of Sting, what do you think of?  You think of the top veteran in professional wrestling outside of WWE.  You think of the franchise of WCW. You think of the cornerstone of TNA.  You think of the one, and only, wrestler than refused to sign a contract with the largest wrestling promotion in the world, and still remain popular, respected, and well-known with fans around the world.

That's who The Icon is.

Sting has proven that you can have a successful career in professional wrestling without ever working for Vince McMahon.  Just like The Undertaker is known for always being in the WWE, Sting is known for never being in the WWE.  That's what makes him legendary in the business, and it's one of the most interesting parts of his career.

So why let the legend die?  Why destroy the one thing that sets you apart?  Why become...like everyone else? 

I say Sting should simply go back to TNA.  Heck, I'd rather see him retire at 51 years old than watch him spend his final years in the business on Monday Night Raw or Friday Night SmackDown.  His home is Thursday Night Impact, and that is where he should remain until he takes off his boots for good.

The idea of Sting joining WWE, when first considered, is an exciting one.  But look at the bigger picture here.  Sting never needed WWE in order to be Sting, and that reason is part of what makes him The Icon in the first place.