WWE has offered Sting a deal similar to the standard $10,000 Legends contract without any other guarantees, reports the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Negotiations had been going smoothly, but ultimately it resulted in only a legends offer, which we presume is why the rumoured deal stalled. The Observer states that talks are still ongoing. The news of WWE's lowly offer is somewhat surprising, and we can understand why Sting hasn't agreed to that deal. Not to call him greater than anyone else, but he clearly represents more value than a standard legend. As a businessman who has always been aware of his own brand, Sting isn't about to devalue himself, he will play the long game to secure a better deal. WWE broke the bank to bring back Bruno Sammartino in 2013, Sting won't get the same sort of money, but he will expect the same kind of deal which identifies him as a special wrestler. On WWE's part, they have overspent significantly in the last few years, costs are up and particularly in relation to part time talent. Maybe the standard offer to Sting is a reflection of this, a drawing of the line to say they'll no longer pay over the odds for using part time stars. That's a sensible business decision, particularly with so much scrutiny on their stock price and operating performance just now. There might even be a bit of the old McMahon mentality seeing Sting as a WCW guy. What message does it say to the loyal WWF legends if Vince goes splashing the cash over a WCW guy who did nothing for the WWE? You can read more about the Sting to WWE deal and why it might be a potential mistake here.
