Interview with STING!!!!

Who was your favorite person to work with?
OF ALL TIME IT WOULD HAVE TO BE "THE TOTAL PACKAGE." WE'VE BEEN THROUGH A LOT TOGETHER BOTH IN AND OUTSIDE OF THE RING/BUSINESS.

What was it like working with "The Ultimate Warrior"?
IT WAS A BLAST AND I WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED TO WORK WITH ANYONE ELSE WHEN I WAS JUST BREAKING INTO THE BUSINESS.

How long have you been wrestling professionally?
SINCE 1985

If you could wrestle any one person, who would it be and why?
STEVE AUSTIN OR THE ROCK, POSSIBLY THE UNDERTAKER, THEY SEEM TO HAVE A LOT OF HUNGER

What do you think of the direction Vince Russo is taking WCW?
I'M OPEN TO ANY NEW DIRECTIONS. THERE WILL ALWAYS BE PROBLEMS IN THE BACK AREA OF THE BUSINESS NO MATTER WHO IS IN OPERATION.

If you could do any one thing over again in your career, what would it be and why?
NOT A THING.

Which "version" of the Sting character is your favorite?
I'VE LOVED THEM ALL IN A DIFFERENT WAY. HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE VARIOUS CHARACTERS IS THE BEST.

Why do you think that Sting being a heel didn't work?
THE FANS DECIDED IT WOULD NOT WORK.

Do you do your own make-up? If so, how long does it take?
YES. ABOUT 5 TO 10 MINUTES.

Who is your favorite wrestler to watch?
REY JR

How many children do you have and what are their ages?
I PREFER NOT TO VOLUNTEER INFORMATION ABOUT MY CHILDREN ON THE INTERNET.

Do you allow your children to watch wrestling? If so, are they allowed to watch WWF and ECW as well?
IF AND WHEN MY CHILDREN DO WATCH WRESTLING THEY ONLY WATCH ME ON TV. LUCKILY THEY HAVE HAD NO OTHER INTEREST IN IT SO FAR.

How do your older children deal with their father being as famous as he is?
THEY SIMPLY DO NOT REALLY SEE ME AS BEING FAMOUS, I JUST HAVE A JOB LIKE EVERY OTHER DAD.

Who came up with "The Crow" Sting?
SCOTT HALL

Why hasn't it been changed to something more colorful if you aren't the "happy" colorful Sting but at the same time not the "dark and depressed" black and white Sting?
I AM MY OWN CHARACTER (IN BETWEEN). THE BLACK AND WHITE SEEMS TO HAVE WORKED BEST WITH THE FANS NO MATTER WHAT MY PERSONA IS.

What are your feelings on Backyard Wrestling?
DO NOT AGREE WITH OR ENCOURAGE IT AT ALL.

Do you know anybody/have heard of anyone in pro wrestling who was in/is still in/helps promote Backyard Wrestling?
YES.

On April 3, 200, when both the Nitro (at the Worcester Centrum Centre) for that night and the Thunder for Thursday and any house shows scheduled for that week got canceled,
1) How much notice were you given?
A FEW HOURS

2)How did you feel when you found out?
DISAPPOINTED AND SOMEWHAT RELIEVED AT THE SAME TIME.

3)How do you deal with a show being canceled if you are part of the main event
I DON'T LET IT BOTHER ME. THERE'S NOTHING I CAN DO ABOUT IT.

4) Can I get tickets for the next time WCW is here in Worcester since I had decent seats for that Nitro?
YOU NEED TO CHECK WITH THE COMPANY THAT TRANSMITTED YOUR TICKETS, IF YOU WERE ALREADY GIVEN A REFUND THEN THEY WILL NOT "REPLACE" YOUR TICKETS. I HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THAT.

Did you watch wrestling while you were growing up? If so, who did you look up to?
NO

Tell us about the Blade Runners while in the UWF.
THAT LASTED JUST A VERY SHORT TIME BUT I LEARNED AND EXPERIENCED A LOT. HELLWIG AND I HAD A CERTAIN CHEMISTRY TOGETHER. IT WAS HARD YET INTRUIGUING WHEN HE LEFT AND I WAS ON MY OWN FOR THE FIRST TIME.

When you got "burned" in the Human Torch Match against Vampiro, there was a rumor circulating during the time that you were in bandages that your character was supposed to undergo changes. Is there any truth to this rumor?
NONE.

Was the Clash of Champions 45 minute match against Ric Flair with a panel of guest judges your first World Title shot?
YES, MARCH 27, 1988 WAS MY FIRST TITLE SHOT AND IT WAS AGAINST RIC FLAIR.

Is there any one person in the back that you don't get along with both personally and professionally (if you can't/don't want to answer, that's fine just let me know)?
THERE ARE SEVERAL.

What was it like being rescued by "RoboCop"?
IN A WORD? DIFFERENT.

Is there an official Sting site in the works? If so, when can we expect to see it?
NOT AS OF YET. I DO NOT WANT WCW RUNNING A SITE AS THEY DO NOTHING MORE THAN ADD THEIR OWN STIPULATIONS AND RUMORS TO GAIN RATINGS. THERE WILL BE AN OFFICIAL STEVE "STING" BORDEN SITE BUT UNFORTUNATELY AT THIS POINT I CANNOT TELL YOU WHEN THAT WILL BE FINISHED.

Who was your toughest opponent?
THEY ARE ALL TOUGH IN THEIR OWN WAYS.

Most wrestling fans know that you've always stayed loyal to WCW. What has kept you there for so long and what would it take for you to "jump ship"?
I'VE BEEN VERY CLOSE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TO LEAVING (EITHER BY RETIRING OR JOINING THE WWF). I THINK I AM STILL HERE MAINLY BECAUSE OF, NOT ONLY THE FANS, BUT I AM A BIT MORE PATIENT AND HAVE A HIGHER TOLERANCE TO DEAL WITH THE BUSINESS. AND I KNOW THE GRASS IS NOT ALWAYS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE. IF I WERE TO GO TO A DIFFERENT FEDERATION I WOULD HAVE TO EXPECT THE SAME PROBLEMS IN THE BUSINESS THAT I HAVE NOW.

Was there ever any conflict between you and Bret Hart about use of the Scorpion Deathlock/Sharpshooter?
THERE ARE CONFLICTS BETWEEN A LOT OF WRESTLERS ABOUT EVERYTHING YOU CAN POSSIBLY THINK OF.

What do you do in your time off?
SPEND AS MUCH OF IT AS I CAN WITH MY LOVELY WIFE SUE (I WOULD NOT BE WHERE I AM NOW IF IT WAS NOT FOR HER - SHE IS 100% STRONGER THAN ME) AND MY CHILDREN.

If you weren't wrestling, what do you think you would be doing?
ACTING

On the set of your movies ("The Real Reason" [taped it, loved it] and "Shutterspeed" [taped it, loved it]) did the actors treat you any differently because you were a wrestler?
NO

What are your thoughts/feelings about Terry "Hulk Hogan" Bollea suing WCW for defamation of character (Again, if you can't answer that's fine just let me know)?
I TRY TO NOT GET INVOLVED IN OTHER PEOPLES' PERSONAL ISSUES WITH THE BUSINESS.

Did/do you have any concerns about coming down from the rafters as an entrance after what happened to Owen Hart?
VERY LITTLE. I WAS TRAINED A LOT MORE IN THOSE ENTRANCES AND USE A TOTAL OF FOUR HARNESSES WHICH IS WHY IT TAKES ME QUITE SOME TIME TO ACTUALLY GET DOWN AND RELEASE MYSELF. OWEN HAD ONLY ONE HARNESS TO SUPPORT HIM, AND THAT ONE WAS APPARENTLY TAKEN FROM A SAILBOAT. MINE ARE DESIGNED FOR THE PURPOSE I USE THEM IN, NOT FOR SAILING.

In your opinion, do you feel that it is necessary for the wrestlers to take big bumps and do major stunts to make a match memorable?
NO

What were your feelings about the finish to the Human Torch Match?
I THINK IT TURNED OUT PRETTY GOOD ALTHOUGH SOME OF THE REHEARSALS WERE ACTUAL BETTER THAN THE LIVE SHOWING.

When fans come up to you and say that they want to get into wrestling somehow, be it as a wrestler, commentator, or otherwise, what do you tell them?
GOD BLESS AND GOOD LUCK.

How hard is it being on the road for much of the year?
IT GETS QUITE HARD AND STRESSFUL BUT IT DOES BECOME SECOND NATURE AND YOU GET VERY USED TO IT.

Is there any truth to the rumors that Sting will be getting a new look?
I HAVE BEEN HEARING THIS RUMOR FOR YEARS NOW. NO, THERE IS NO TRUTH. THE ONLY OTHER "LOOK" I WOULD CONSIDER WOULD BE MYSELF, WRESTLING AS STEVE BORDEN.

What are the major differences between the "black and white Sting"and the "colorful Sting"?
FOR MYSELF, NOT A THING. I AM THE SAME PERSON NO MATTER WHAT I AM WEARING OR HOW I LOOK. FOR OTHERS, I SUPPOSE IT DEPENDS ON WHAT THEY THINK OF EACH CHARACTER.

Everyone knows that Russo's big thing right now is giving the "New Blood" shots they claim they never got. Who do you see being the next big star of WCW?
THERE IS A LOT OF POTENTIAL OUT THERE. I PREFER NOT TO PINPOINT ONE PARTICULAR PERSON. EVERYONE HAS THE OPPORTUNITY SO LONG AS THEY WORK FOR IT AND DO NOT EXPECT IT HANDED TO THEM.

When you are done wrestling, do you think you will somehow be involved in it, one way or another?
IT IS POSSIBLE BUT I HIGHLY DOUBT IT.

Wrestling was Mick Foley's dream; that's all he ever wanted to do. Was this the same for you?
NO

What is your most memorable fan moment, in and out of the arena?
THERE ARE WAY TOO MANY TO NAME ONLY ONE.

What is your most memorable wrestling moment?
DEFEATING HOGAN IN 1998. I CAN'T EXPLAIN THE FEELINGS I HAD TO THE REACTIONS AND THE VICTORY ITSELF.

What one thing happened that made you realize you were a success?
I ALWAYS CONSIDER MYSELF A SUCCESS. EVEN IF I WAS WORKING OUTSIDE THIS BUSINESS AND NO ONE EVER HEARD OF ME. I WOULD STILL CONSIDER MYSELF A SUCCESS BECAUSE I HAVE A LOVING AND SUPPORTIVE FAMILY THAT PROVES IT.

Who own the name "Sting" - you or the singer? Who was using it first?
THE SINGER WAS USING THE NAME FIRST. I ADAPTED THE NAME NOT EVEN THINKING OF THE SINGER. I LATER ON BOUGHT THE NAME.

Wrestling fans know you took it off as a sign of respect after Columbine, but who (or what) made you put the trenchcoat back on (if you don't want it I'll take it)?
THAT COAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PRETTY BIG PART OF MY CHARACTER AND IT WAS SIMPLY MY DECISION TO CONTINUE USING IT.

On QVC, you said that you can't sit still for long periods of time because of your knee and hip on opposite sides. How does that hinder your traveling?
IT GETS BOTHERSOME BUT I'VE ADAPTED.

What are some responses you get while traveling for your actions (i.e.: not taking off the facepaint; wearing sunglasses at night)?
I GET ASKED WHY A LOT BUT THERE IS NO ANSWER TO THAT. MY CHARACTER HAS AND WILL PROBABLY ALWAYS BE MYSTERIOUS IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER.

Have you ever traveled in your wrestling gear? If so, what are some of the responses you've gotten?
NO

In the early 90's, you feuded with Ravishing Rick Rude. How did you feel when you found out he died, and was any of the in-ring animosity real?
I FELT SADDENED FOR HIM AND HIS FAMILY, THE SAME AS I WOULD FEEL IF ANYONE PASSES ON. THERE IS ALWAYS SOME FRICTION BETWEEN WRESTLERS AT ONE POINT OR ANOTHER, BUT IN THE RING IT IS STRICTLY FICTIONAL.

How is wrestling different now from when you started (not fan or arena wise, but politics and popularity: The Rock is as known as Michael Jordan; Hulk Hogan as Tom Cruise)?
IT'S VERY DIFFERENT AND UNFORTUNATELY NOT IN A GOOD WAY. TOO MANY ARE THICK-HEADED AND WANT MORE AND MORE WHILE ONLY GIVING LESS. IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE "POPULAR" IN THE BUSINESS, YOU WILL BE. POLITICS ASIDE, THE FANS DECIDE ON THAT. BUT AS FAR AS THE POLITICS ARE CONCERNED WITH COMPARING WRESTLERS TO OTHER ATHLETES, ACTORS, CELEBRITIES, ETC., IT IS JUST WEAK. IT MAKES NO SENSE, LIKE MOST POLITICS.

In your opinion, would wrestling benefit from a union?
NO

How do you feel knowing that guys like Scott Hall, Ric Flair, and Hulk Hogan are getting paid to sit on their couches at home with their families, while you are earning your money?
THAT IS THEIR DECISION AND I PREFER NOT TO GET INVOLVED WITH THEIR OWN PERSONAL PREFERENCES JUST AS I DO NOT WANT ANYONE INVOLVED IN MY PERSONAL LIFE.

How do you deal with the fact that your husband is on the road for most of the year?
It was hard at first (and can still be hard) but I have adapted to it. It is part of his job and something we all need to make sacrifices for and accept. Luckily, I am very close with my family and Steve's and they are there when times can get quite tough while Steve is on the road. And, also, he is always usually a phone call away if I do need him indefinitely.

How do your older children deal with their father being as famous as he is?
Very well I believe. They are very seldom treated "different" just because of what their father does for a living and I do hope it continues to stay that way. They are very strong individuals.

We know you and Steve have had your up's and down's, as every marriage does. Has there ever been a time when you wished Steve hadn't been a wrestler; that he had chosen a more "normal" career?
Honestly, yes, there have been numerous times when I have wished Steve had a more "typical" job and was home more and also not so "popular." But I do respect and accept who is he and his career in general.

Has Steve ever missed an anniversary/birthday of yours and if so . . . for how long will he be paying for it?
If you mean "missed" as in being on the road during an anniversary or birthday the answer is yes and he definitely doesn't need to "pay" for that. However, if you mean "missed" as in "forgotten" the answer is no and I don't see how that ever could happen.

How do fans react when they find out who you are?
It pretty much depends. Some are very flattered to meet me. Others are under the impression I must be "stuck-up" because of who my husband is. And there are also some who are quite shy. It depends on the person and I try not to stereotype and I just be myself.

After the interview I did with Steve, one person wrote and said "that in an effort to protect the business Sting didn't answer the questions to the best of his ability...the interview stunk however it was not your fault..." What is your opinion on this?
Steve may have answered some questions to "protect" himself, the business and numerous other issues. However, he did answer them to the best of his ability and gave the answers which he thought were appropriate. If someone feels the interview stunk, that is their opinion, pure and simple. Steve has nothing to "prove" when doing interviews in any matter. And when he is aware that an interview is highly more likely to be on the Internet, yes, he does keep a bigger guard up as what is posted on the Internet as a very higher likelihood of being "changed" and having his words "switched around."

Are you ever amazed at the lengths fans go to in order to meet their favorite wrestlers?
All the time.

After Steve retires do you think the "Little Stingers" will be as loyal?
I certainly hope so and from what I know of most of them I do believe they will continue to be loyal fans of Steve's.

Lately on the Internet they have been saying how fans of Sting are some of the most loyal people around. Do you find this to be the case?
Definitely.

If any of your children ever wanted to become wrestlers like their dad, would you and Steve try to talk them out of it?
None of the children have an interest in wrestling (yet). Neither Steve or myself would try to persuade them from doing anything they truly wish to do in life. However, with Steve in the business himself he has seen the very good as well as the very bad of it and would probably do his absolute best to prepare them in every way possible.

Ever get scared when your husband would jump off the rafters?
Always.

Do you want to be written into the script?
No. I prefer to stay out of the "script." I am not a wrestler nor an actor and do not want to be. One is enough for this family!

Can I have an autographed baseball bat?
Is this a trick question?

When is wrestling coming back to Worcester, MA and do you travel with him?
I have traveled in the past but very rarely travel with Steve currently or in the recent past. I do not plan to travel with him too much in the future as I prefer to be the "old fashioned Mom" and care for the children at home. We also both agree we do not want to subject our children to the type of atmosphere that CAN be out there in the business. I will have to get back to you regarding Worcester.

What do you think about all this political mess going on with the election and who did you want to win?
It is all quite childish. I will keep my vote to myself, however.

Which Sting gimmick has been your favorite?
The same one that I receive the most positive feedback from (the current "black & white Sting" character.

Any last comments?
I definitely want to say thanks to all the fans and want to let you know how much you all are truly appreciated. We have an overloaded room full of fan mail and Steve does read each and every letter ever sent to him (assuming it gets passed WCW officials and security) although this takes him quite some time. Without the fans, Steve would not be where he is today. You are all very much loved and appreciated by the entire family. God Bless you all!

STAY STUNG or else "I'll kick you so hard in the balls they'll replace your eyes!"

If anybody has questionz, comments or suggestionz, feel free to Email me

Until next time, Say Stung, and remember that Fear Is Only A Four Letter Word.