Sting: The Lost Tape FULL RECAP
Sting: The Lost Tape featured unseen footage of Sting from 1995 at the WCW Slamboree pay-per-view event where he took on Big Bubba Rogers, formerly Big Boss Man in WWF.
Given the fact that Sting (Steve Borden) is reportedly no longer under contract with WWE, the timing of this unseen footage is particularly intriguing. But as we know, the only thing for sure about Sting is that nothing is for sure.
The nostalgic graphics will transport you back to the days where VHS was still a prominent part of everyday life where the phrase “Be kind. Rewind” could be seen at a participating Blockbuster near you.
The opening footage showed our valiant hero, Sting celebrating with the World Heavyweight Championship as he proclaimed, “I do look to the Stingers. All different shapes and sizes. They are my lifeblood.”
A graphic sets the tone for this feature: “In the mid-1990s, Sting was one of WCW’s most popular Superstars, capturing numerous world titles and amassing one of the largest and most loyal fanbases. Sting was considered by many to be one of the faces of the company.”
The producer asks Sting while he’s seen putting on his face paint in front of a mirror: “What goes your mind when you put this stuff on? Sting responds with, “I’m nervous. Nervous. I’m always nervous. I’ve always had butterflies. You know, there’s a lot of people out there.”
It then cuts to a voice-over where an extremely humble Sting explains that he doesn’t see himself as a superstar and that he’s still the same Sting that he was 8-years ago.
More text that reads: “In 1995, WCW held their annual Slamboree pay-per-view celebrating legends of the past, and talent of the future.”
Sting allowed cameras to follow him as he prepared to face off against Big Bubba Rogers in a Lights Out Match. The footage hasn’t been seen in 25 years.
Traditionally, a lights out match is considered to be 'unsanctioned' and takes place after the rest of the scheduled card. Once the house lights had briefly been turned off to signify the end of the event. This was most recently utilized at AEW: Full Gear featuring Jon Moxley vs Kenny Omega.
St. Petersburg Florida, Mene Gene calls Sting over for a backstage interview. Gene believes he has the fight of his life coming up against Big Bubba and notes that his opponent believes it will be a repeat of uncensored where Rogers defeated Sting in a singles match.
Sting raises his voice to a point where he’s yelling essentially explaining there’s no chance of a repeat and promises to lock Big Bubba in the Scorpion Deathlock.
The tape suddenly rewinds following the interview segment between Mean Gene and Sting.
The Stinger is without his make up and wearing shades as he greets fans explains how he attempts to connect with the audience: “I relate to the people or at least I try to. Me, I like to throw a little colour into it, obviously. A little paint on the face to mix it up even more. Flat top hair cut and white hair. Beat on the chest, howl, look at each and every person out there, make eye contact with all of them. Just relate. That’s all.”
Several are fans are shown mimicking his recognizable howl.
Brian Pillman, in his gravelly voice, can be heard stating “Sting’s a great guy. It’s no wonder that he’s got the Stinger’s all across the globe rooting him on each and every night. I think it has a lot to do with the fact he spends quality time with his fans. He’s always been there for me when I’ve needed to talk about a match or some problem. It’s a real testimony to the Stinger.”
Backstage, Sting is seen with announcer Gordon Solie. Terry Taylor walks through a certain and is caught by surprise asking, “am I on tv?” Sting then introduces him.
Sting is then seen chatting with a very young Marcus Bagwell. Buff notes he’s simply there to support Sting against Big Bubba. Bagwell also brings up the fact Sting graciously took him under his wing 4 years ago as a rookie and it’s never been forgotten.
Sting then puts over the new talent and established talent associated with WCW as the clips show Harlem Heat, Arn Anderson. He also brings up the Macho Man and the Hulkster while specifically naming Johnny B. Badd, Marcus Bagwell and Alex Wright as particularly gifted young athletes.
Sting used to consider himself to be somewhat of an innovator for someone his size but noted that the moves from the young athletes are simply unreal and that it’s crucial to keep up with them.
A backstage moment between Sting and Macho Man is shown. Sting preemptively warns Savage there will be some questions asked and to say some nice things about him.
Savage jokes around with his sunglasses before Sting fixes them. Savage: “We help each other out as much as we can for as long as we can and a lot of people keep trying to divide a stake in between us. It’s never going to happen you know why? Honour amongst thieves, brother. We’re as bad as bad can be.”
Sting then promises the two will continue their Gin rummy game as Savage jokes he owes Sting a lot of money but the truth of it is he’s never going to pay him.
Savage then gets serious for a moment: “The bottom line is, he’s one of the greatest athletes I’ve ever met in my life. When I’m his tag-team partner, I’m amazed at what he does in the ring. In fact, when he reaches out to tag me sometimes, I’m not ready to come in because I’m just like a fan who paid his way into the arena. It gives me chills when I see him wrestle. Sting is one heck of a guy and I think that a lot of people could use him as a role model and if they picked him as a role model, you couldn’t pick anybody better except for the Macho Man.” He concludes with a smirk.
Slamboree kicks off with Eric Bischoff introducing fans to the show.
While wearing a headset, Sting is interviewed backstage by Mike Tenay and Mark Madden as they take live hotline calls. Mike asked about a new contract.
Sting noted he signed a new contract a few months ago and it’s a multi-year deal so he’s going to be there a while.
Explaining the importance of dues, Sting had the following to say, “It definitely felt like I had to prove myself. Everybody has to pay their dues in wrestling. I can’t think of anybody who walked right into wrestling. A lot of people are under the impression that as long as you bleach your hair, put a dog collar on or act foolishly in front of millions of people, you can be a wrestler. And that’s not all there is to it. I wasn’t under that impression, but I’m saying a lot of people do that. I knew I had dues to pay and when I came in, that’s exactly what I did.”
Vader: “Without question, the greatest matches I’ve ever had in the ring have been with Sting. He was a great competitor, a fierce competitor and for some reason, it felt like the harder I hit him, the longer the match goes. Probably the better wrestler he comes.”
Big Bubba Rogers admits Sting is one of the best wrestlers in the world but essentially promises to crush the dreams of his fans.
Sting is shown painting his face and notes he doesn’t always know where he’s going, but just begins painting and starts going. Furthermore, he contemplated sticking with the blue, orange and black face paint since it has been well received by the fans.
When asked by a producer if the facepaint makes him feels strong, Sting responds that it’s not like Superman wearing a cape. It just makes him feel like Sting.
In terms of the ingredients for being a main eventer and world titleholder, Sting notes it’s about keeping in shape, sleeping at night, working out, eating right and treating other people the way you would like to be treated.
Sting introduces viewers to a WCW trainer and notes he uses 18 miles of tape per night. Mostly on the Nasty Boys.
The Stinger notes he doesn’t want to be a primadonna and simply hold out his wrists to be taped, so he simply does so himself.
Sting notes he would love to perform in front of 50,000 fans every night going nuts and letting their hair down sort of speak. He feeds off the electric energy.
While making his entrance, Sting is seen carrying a table high above his head.
Many tend to forget just how incredible Sting’s dropkick looked and this should serve as a much-needed reminder.
Bubba is shown choking Sting with a tie as Bobby Heenan notes, “we have a dress code here at WCW. That’s why we wear a tie.” Yet another witty line from the Brain.
The two continue battling on the outside while Sting slams Bubba on a table but soon after, Rogers would throw powder in Stinger’s eyes and return the favour.
By the way, the table featured throughout this match was remarkably sturdy and not easily breakable.
As promised and predicted, the match concludes with Sting submitting Big Bubba to the Scorpion Deathlock.
We can faintly hear the sounds of The Man Called Sting playing in the background. If you’re unfamiliar with it, this theme song is particularly corny and dated. Due to the sheer nostalgia involved, I admittedly have a soft spot for it.
Sting makes his way backstage and says goodbye to Mean Gene. Given that we lost Gene several years ago, this made my heart sink.
As Sting continues to make his way throughout the backstage area, he ponders out loud, “Next time, maybe, what can I bring next time? Maybe a chainsaw..no! Let’s just stick with good ole’ family entertainment.”
The full Lights Out Match then concludes Sting: The Lost Tape.
In terms of his legacy, to me, Sting is undoubtedly the franchise of WCW along with one of the greatest babyfaces of all-time. More importantly, Sting is one of the most well-respected and unselfish gentlemen to ever step foot in the wrestling business. If anyone has a bad word about Steve Borden, it says a lot about their character. I certainly hope WWE strongly considers produces more of these Lost Tapes, since the new footage is worth every minute of viewing time.
