Ranking What Was Really The Best Wrestling Debut Every Year 1990-2021

2. 2020 - Sting

Sting AEW
AEW

"IT'S STIIIIIIIING!"

Everything about Sting's debut - and subsequent run - is impossible. It is utter magic. The ambition is incredible - "Let's make adults feel like kids cheering on the 1988 Stinger!" - and the realisation of it is even better.

It started at Winter Is Coming, when he came to the aid of the babyface squad and took a particular interest in Darby Allin. The presentation of the character was awesome. It was loving. He had been restored as a mythical, ageless Icon on commentary, with the snowfall that greeted his arrival, and through the orchestral majesty of Mikey Rukus' unreal theme.

Telling a better story with his presence than a thousand wrestlers do with a microphone, the socially distanced crowd somehow sounded like a packed-in MSG.

How?

Magic.

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Contributor
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Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!