10 Sting Matches You Must See Before His WWE Debut

5. Sting vs. Great Muta (Great American Bash 1989)

Everyone loves a good international battle between the good ol' United States of America and a foreign enemy, as was evidenced by the match between Jack Swagger and Rusev at this year's Battleground and SummerSlam events. Back in 1989, the villainous Great Muta, managed by the late, great Gary Hart, arrived in the NWA and became a major thorn in the side of the company's budding young babyface, Sting. Their rivalry over the Television Championship proved the star potential of both men and elevated them in the eyes of fans and bookers alike. The match is just over eight minutes but every second of that time is chock fulled of action. Late in the match, Muta unleashed the red mist of doom, accidentally blinding the official rather than Sting. A moonsault to his opponent followed and second referee Tommy Young hit the ring and slapped the mat twice before Sting shot his shoulder off the mat. It was a beautiful nearfal that enhanced the drama of the contest. Sting ultimately put Muta away with suplex but was severely tested in the process. It was a major step in Sting's development as a worker as he proved to the world that he could work a great match with someone other than Ric Flair.