Reimagining Sting’s Career: A Look at What Could Have Been
In a pivotal match, Sting suffered a severe injury that sidelined him for over five years. During the encounter with Seth Rollins, a buckle bomb maneuver caused Sting to awkwardly snap his neck backward, leading to his collapse on the mat. Although referees checked on him promptly and he attempted to continue, he ultimately succumbed to the injury before the proper finish. Following the match, Sting was taken to the hospital and diagnosed with cervical spine stenosis, which required him to consider retirement. In April 2016, he officially announced his retirement during the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, revealing that he chose against surgery on his neck.
For years, fans have speculated about what might have happened if Sting had not been injured that night. It’s worth noting that Sting had only recently signed with WWE and had yet to win a championship. After losing to Rollins, it was evident he was not set to be crowned champion, especially given the match’s unpredictable finish. Following that, Sheamus, who had the Money in the Bank briefcase at the time, attempted to cash in but was interrupted by Kane.
Dream match scenarios between Sting and The Undertaker were frequently mentioned among fans. Sting himself expressed a desire to face "Taker," citing that uncertainty about their match was part of his decision to leave WWE. There is a lingering curiosity among fans about what might have been if WWE officials had revisited this dream matchup or if Sting had not suffered his injury in 2015.
Despite retiring from in-ring action in 2016, Sting resurfaced in wrestling when he debuted with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in December 2020. Fans ponder whether, had he not faced that fateful injury, he would have remained with WWE or ventured into a different path altogether. Given his extraordinary talent, there’s a possibility that he could have secured a more significant legacy within WWE.
Fan Take: This analysis highlights how one injury can dramatically alter a wrestler’s trajectory, affecting not just their own career but also the larger narrative of professional wrestling. For wrestling fans, recognizing these pivotal moments adds depth to the sport’s history and underscores the fragility of these athletes’ careers.
