10 Times Jim Cornette Got It Absolutely Right
3. The Sting Debacle
When WWE, after years of courtship, eventually persuaded Sting to see out his career in Stamford, many were optimistic - despite his status as near-octogenarian.
Even when it became apparent that he was to tussle with Triple H - and not supposed WrestleMania dream opponent The Undertaker - fans were largely happy just to see him in a WWE ring. The storyline, too, seemed to promise an end to the interminable Authority angle. Besides, the prospect of a loss in his debut match was inconceivable, and Triple H had recovered from his years-long allergic reaction to jobbing.
Somewhere along the way, though, WWE decided to re-contextualise their dispute into some unfathomable WWE Vs. WCW retread. This should have set alarm bells ringing, in retrospect. The Authority didn't look like it was going anywhere soon.
That Sting was happy enough to do the job is irrelevant. WWE, as Cornette stated after the fact, shouldn't have paired him with Triple H in the first place. "The first impression shouldn't have been a loss. If you didn't want him to beat Triple H, don't book the f*ckin' match!"
Cornette, sagely sensing the wider picture, also criticised WWE for compromising the real reason they brought Sting in altogether. "Besides that, it devalues the property you own in terms of the video rights!"