15 Times WCW Was Better Than Literally EVERYTHING
5. Sting “Vanquishes The nWo”
What if a modern day hero like Cody Rhodes vanished from screens after telling fans how disappointed he was to be considered a turncoat, then showed back up in the rafters wearing a long trench coat and with his face painted black/white? That'd get social media talking. Those apps didn't exist back in 1996, but fans were mystified by what Sting was up to when he went from 'Surfer' to 'Crow'.
His drastic change was inspired by Scott Hall mentioning Brandon Lee in The Crow behind the scenes, and it was literally perfect for the ongoing WCW vs. nWo story. Some of the Stinger's on screen buddies had alleged that he'd join the heel faction eventually, and that left him flat. He retreated into his shell, didn't say a word for around a full year, and stalked Hollywood Hogan from the shadows.
Few characters were more compelling than Sting between 1996-1997. He had a supernatural edge only matched by somebody like The Undertaker on the other channel. Yes, his eventual Starrcade '97 bout vs. Hogan was a disappointment bell to bell, but the sheer hype surrounding WCW whilst building towards it was palpable.
The Stinger's story and dramatic reinvention was awesome to witness.
His expressionless visage sucked viewers in, and his 'dark avenger watching from the rafters' presentation was like Lee's Crow mixed with the best bits about Batman. The repackage job was so strong that Sting never returned to his old look. This monochrome respraying has become the definitive Sting model, and that'll never change.
So cool.