A hero is defined, according to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, as "an illustrious warrior," "a person admired for achievements and noble qualities," and "one who shows great courage." (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hero ) In the previous encounter against Vader at Great American Bash 1992 (which you can read HERE), Sting personified all of those traits needed to be considered a hero or, in wrestling terminology, a face. He showed tremendous courage in fighting against insurmountable odds against the monstrous Vader. And he almost defeated "The Man from the Rocky Mountains" on a couple occasions that night. In the fan's eyes, Sting was still their "hero" and could conquer the monster at their next encounter.
That next encounter, on a major stage, would take place at Starrcade 1992. Both men would be involved in the King of Cable Tournament to celebrate the 20th anniversary of wrestling airing on the TBS Superstation. Sting would defeat Brian Pillman and Rick Rude to make it to the finals. Vader likewise would make it to the finals defeating Tony Atlas and Dustin Rhodes. Therefore, fate and a booker's pencil had brought Sting and Vader back together again to face off on what many have considered to be WCW's biggest event of the year: Starrcade. Would Sting finally be able to slay the monster with his heroic warrior spirit?
Let's go back to December 1992 and check out this next chapter in this awesome rivalry.
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Sting vs. Vader; King of Cable Tournament Finals, WCW Starrcade 1992
Can be found on WWE Network: The Man They Call Vader Collection
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WCW Starrcade 1992
Atlanta, Georgia
December 28, 1992
King of Cable Tournament Final
Sting vs. Vader (w/Harley Race)
Jim Ross and Jesse Ventura review the history between Sting and Vader. A few weeks ago, Vader attacked Sting in the ring. Afterward, Sting broke a 2x4 over the back of Vader during an interview.
We get the introductions, including Harley Race in a tuxedo. Vader is wearing a bandana on his head. (I'd say something, but Vader would still kick my butt even from the grave.) Sting comes out to a good ovation from the crowd.
The bell rings. Both men are slow to start the match but eventually do. Vader throws Sting away. Sting hits Vader with a bunch of punches, but Vader no sells them. "No pain," says Vader. Sting gets slammed a couple times. He runs at Vader, and Vader just knocks him down. Vader military presses Sting over his head into the top rope twice. Sting goes to the floor to get a breather. Back in the ring, Sting does the rolling kick to knock Vader down a couple times. GERMAN SUPLEX BY STING! Vader and Sting both go over the top rope to the floor! (Wasn't that a DQ in old WCW? Where's the bell?! Is Watts still running the show at this time?) Sting goes back in the ring and dives out on both Vader and Harley Race. Vader gets up and back in the ring. Punches and strikes in the corner by Vader. Sting fights back but runs into the boot of Vader in the corner. Sting hits Vader with several boots and a DDT.
Sting puts Vader on the top rope! Suplex off the corner! 2 count. Scorpion Death Lock by Sting! Vader gets to the rope and goes to the floor. Sting charges at him and goes for the Stinger Splash. He misses Vader but connects with the guard rail around ringside! Vader rolls back in the ring. Sting gets back in and gets mauled by Vader. Vader tells Sting to stay down, but Sting kicks out at 2 from a pin attempt. Vader is bleeding from the mouth. Vader continues to beat down on Sting. Back suplex and a Vader Splash only gets a 2. Vader yells a very non-corporate expletive. Headlock and twist by Vader. Sting desperately goes for the backslide. He gets it, but he only gets a 2. Sting goes for the Sunset Flip. Vader jumps to sit on him, but Sting moves out of the way.
Vader goes back on the attack despite missing the last attack with some shots. Sting gets a back suplex on Vader. But in an odd situation, Vader gets up and covers Sting for the 2. (Again, Sting is selling his butt off for Vader. Vader is covering him after Sting hits an offensive move. And as with the last match, a great formula for this match: the monster dominates while the hero gets the moment or two of hope. Then, the hero starts getting more offense towards the end.) Vader just pummels Sting in the corner while Sting tries to cover up like in a boxing match. Vader continues to pummel Sting in the ring while Sting stumbles around and covers up. Jesse Ventura comments that Sting may be trying to do the old Ali trick of "Rope-A-Dope." (This is why Ventura is still considered one of the great color commentators of all time.)
Vader puts Sting on the top turnbuckle and climbs up. Sting fights off Vader, and Vader goes flying back into the middle of the ring. Vader still gets up before Sting and continues the assault in the corner. Sting is telling Vader to bring it! Vader continues to attack Sting around the ring. Sting is starting to get worked up. He decks Vader with several punches. Vader falls down! Sting gets Vader up and hits the Samoan Drop. STING SPLASHES VADER FROM THE TOP ROPE! 2 count. Race distracts Sting while Vader attacks from behind. Chokeslam by Vader in the center of the ring. He climbs up the corner. Big splash off the middle rope by Vader. Vader goes back up, this time from outside the ropes to the top. He flies off, but STING SLAMS HIM COMING DOWN! 1-2-3!
Winner: Sting (King of Cable Tournament Winner)
Match Grade: A. Another classic match here. The formula for the first match carries on into this one with a bit of a twist. As Ventura mentioned on commentary, Sting learned from the first encounter between the two on PPV. This time, Sting dodged a few of Vader's moves and tried to wear out the big man by having him wear himself out. Another great part of this match is that, like the first match, Vader and Sting sold each other's offense so well and made each other look even better coming out of this. And again, the finish gave Vader an out as he got caught doing a move one too many times. We unfortunately live in an era where wrestlers aren't protected in losing matches (doing jobs). This is how booking a match should be done: give both guys enough to be protected in winning or losing.
Something else that should be noted here: This was actually both men's second match for the evening as they had worked in the evening's BattleBowl Tournament. So, when you consider that, this has to be considered a great achievement by both men and another classic in Starrcade history.
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Next time, we will look back at the White Castle of Fear Leather Strap Match from SuperBrawl III. Forget the vignettes. We're going to just focus on the awesomeness of Vader vs. Sting in the ring.
Until next time, take care of yourselves. Spread some awesomeness.
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