Hulk Hogan and Sting

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With over a year of buildup, the stage was perfectly set. Hollywood Hulk Hogan and Sting were to finally face off in the main event of WCW Starrcade 1997.

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It only made sense for it to happen at this show, one with such history and prestige. Unfortunately, the finish was botched terribly.

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The New World Order had welcomed in an imposter version of Sting — a tactic used to stoke division and distrust within the ranks of WCW.

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Sting was WCW’s strongest soldier, and the nWo took him off the board with pure mind games. It was a brilliant start.

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The change in Sting’s demeanor was modeled after the main character in “The Crow” — a creative decision suggested by Scott Hall himself. It was a change that took a big star and made him even bigger.

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Descending from the rafter with a baseball bat in hand, Sting made his intentions known. After disposing of the nWo, Sting pointed his weapon at the WCW World Heavyweight Champion, Hulk Hogan.

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The ones who really suffered here were the fans. Sting should have put Hollywood Hulk Hogan down for a clean three count. Instead, we got some shenanigans.

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Hulk Hogan and Sting

The Mess at WCW Starrcade 1997

With over a year of buildup, the stage was perfectly set. Hollywood Hulk Hogan and Sting were to finally face off in the main event of WCW Starrcade 1997.

It only made sense for it to happen at this show, one with such history and prestige. Unfortunately, the finish was botched terribly.

The New World Order had welcomed in an imposter version of Sting — a tactic used to stoke division and distrust within the ranks of WCW.