Crow wrestling, a unique form of professional wrestling, has captivated audiences with its distinctive characters and storylines. This article delves into the history of Crow wrestling, exploring its key figures and the unwritten rules that govern this captivating spectacle.
The summer of 1996 saw the formation of the nWo, which shook the entire landscape of professional wrestling. The faction essentially dominated the company over the course of an entire year.
The Emergence of "Crow" Sting
For the better part of a decade, Sting was known as WCW’s beloved hero. He never compromised his morals. He was colorful, charismatic, athletic, and larger than life.
Note: Scott Hall originally pitched The Crow concept to Sting since his hair was already longer in length and much darker.
Nearly one month later, Sting re-merged during the conclusion of a match featuring Fake Sting. "Crow" Sting debuts wearing black and white. WCW Monday Nitro, October 16. 1996.
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Members of the nWo entered the ring with Ted DiBiase acting as the mouthpiece.
Sting’s response: "That right there is your cheap imitation. You get what you pay for, don’t ya? The real Sting may or may not be in your price range.
The night after Halloween Havoc, Sting was first seen in the rafters during Steven Regal vs. Juventud Guerrera. It was a tad strange and already out of character for Sting to be wearing a black shirt with FX Studios on it.
As Lex Luger was squaring off against Booker T, Sting re-appeared, but this time in a section’s entranceway. This prompted the Total Package to abandon his opponent and rush up to Sting.
What were his intentions here, and why did he specifically target Jeff Jarett?
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Later on in the program, Lex Luger was scheduled to compete against Scott Norton. Lex eventually took to the microphone and let viewers know he doesn’t have any answers related to Sting.
Furthermore, Luger noted that WCW is at its darkest, and while he proudly carries WCW on his shoulders, it’s far too much weight for one man to carry.
One thing is for certain, both the nWo and WCW believe that Sting is the difference-maker who could easily tilt the undeniable advantage for either side.
Gene Okerlund was in the middle of the ring, asking Lex Luger about his incredible momentum as of late. As the interview carried on, Sting could be seen hopping the guardrail with a baseball in hand.
An inquisitive Lex Luger repeatedly asked Sting questions that were not responded to. Instead, Sting placed the end of the bat on Luger’s chest and proceeded to nudge him back.
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Backstage, Gene Okerlund asked Lex Luger about Sting’s recent actions.
In Nitro’s episode following World War 3, Sting intervened in the Rick Steiner vs.
Nitro kicked off with Scott Steiner calling out Sting to ensure he doesn’t plan another cowardly act against Rick.
Meanwhile, Rick Steiner asked Sting to finish what he started tonight.
Sting tossed his black bat to the side as he turned his back to Rick. Steiner took advantage of the opportunity by clotheslining the Stinger from behind and forcing him to the outside.
As Scott cared for his brother, Sting effortlessly pushed him out of the way with the black bat and pointed it directly at Rick.
In an eerily similar situation to Lex, Sting nudged Rick backward with the bat and then proceeded to hand the object over.
Sting then marched towards the back but paused to address Nash, Bischoff, and Hall on commentary.
As Scott and Rick Steiner stood in the middle of the ring, Sting swiftly worked his way through the audience.
Amongst the chaos, Sting marched down to the ring. Arn Anderson and Mongo McMichael attempted to attack Sting to little avail as the onlookers simply stopped in their tracks.
During an intense showdown between Roddy Piper and Hollywood Hogan, nWo members ran down to assist their leader by holding the Rowdy one.
Meanwhile, Sting slowly entered the ring, pushed Patrick aside with the bat, dropped it, and proceeded to whisper inaudible words to both competitors.
While every member in the nWo stood across from the Giant, chaos ensued with an angered monster defending himself against former comrades.
After walking away from the Giant’s fallen body, Sting emerged from the crowd and stood over his body.
Hacksaw Jim Duggan made his way down the entrance ramp to be interviewed by Mean Gene, waving a WCW flag while also carrying his trademark 2 x 4.
This marked the very first time Sting descended from the rafters. Sting repels from rafters for the first time on WCW Monday Nitro in Chicago’s United Center, January 20, 1997.
When Sting found stable ground, he immediately pointed his bat at Savage and marched towards the ring. Sting circled the chair in a very intimidating fashion and placed the tip of his bat under the Macho Man’s chin.
Instead of pummeling Sting, Savage decided to toss it back. The proverbial game of chess was over.
Tony Schiavone wondered, "Is he walking out with the nWo? Is he turning his back on WCW? Even at 11 years old, my hunch at this point was that Sting was simply testing his former allies to determine their loyalty, but I found myself constantly second-guessing this theory.
Having been a Sting fanatic for years, I adamantly believed that he would never turn his back on us.
DDP: "You know, it’s pretty obvious that DDP’s got a big ole’ bullseye in the middle of his forehead.
Cause of that, I’ve got something to say. I’ve never been accused of being the smartest guy, and this might be one of the stupidest things I’ve ever done, but I come out here tonight to make a statement.
And the statement is I’m tired of running. Sting confidently tossed his bat to Savage, who taunted and teased DDP by sauntering around the chair while sporadically tapping it.
Backing Dallas into the corner, Sting made his move and nearly hit him with the bat but pulled back at the very last moment.
Bischoff mostly ignored the duo and continued to mock Piper. During the main event featuring Piper vs. Piper forced Hogan to pass out to the Sleeper Hold, but the celebration was cut short after the referee noticed Hogan’s legs were conveniently placed under the ropes.
Savage proceeded to hand Hogan brass knuckles while the referee was distracted.
Furthermore, Bischoff claimed Luger did not have a doctor’s release to compete and even utilized his cast in the match.
Luger: "Not so quick. You would have to carry me out on a stretcher just to hand this over. I’m so sick and tired of your political positioning.
At this moment, Sting then marched down to the ring from the entrance ramp. As he entered the ring and stood in the middle, Sting suddenly turned towards Hollywood Hogan.
Why didn’t Sting reject the hug? The nWo reappeared with the Steiner’s, Luger, and the Giant in the ring.
Without being forgotten, Bischoff reminded Hogan to present Sting with the official nWo shirt.
After members of the nWo, including Dennis Rodman, picked apart Luger’s lifeless body, they exited the ring since the job was completed.
At the tail end of the Uncensored PPV, Sting rapidly descended from the top. A visibly nervous Scott Hall entered the ring and was hit in the mid-section by Sting’s bat.
Sting hit Savage with a Scorpion Death Drop while Hall and Nash suffered the same fate.
Hogan cautiously walked back down to the ring with Rodman by his side. Sting gave Hollywood his bat, but Hogan threw a punch that was blocked and countered once he returned around.
The battle line between good and evil runs through the heart of every man.