Revisiting Legendary History:

This storied conflict began in 1989 as NWA/WCW started importing new international stars into considerable television schemes. Japan enjoyed Worldwide appeal regarding their presentation of combat. Famed territorial originator/ manager Gary Hart would introduce The Great Muta to Western audiences & rapidly, this young sensation caught on with the American fans. Management per National Wrestling Alliance, including World Championship Wrestling, discovered an innovative breakthrough by featuring their new prospect as he campaigned against the company’s fast-rising American hero Sting. These vibrant competitors became destined to encounter each other. Creatively, wrestling utilized the U.S. opposite foreign adversaries based on reality-based campaigns that personalized tensions between two wrestlers. Examples are Magnum T.A. vs. Nikita Koloff previously for Jim Crockett Promotions. Instead of the Soviet Union invading America circa pro-wrestling, it enhanced a Japanese mercenary targeting the American-made protector.

Sting’s superstar rise:

Sting’s ascension maintained success after Jerry Jarrett identified WCW’s franchise player during his humble origins circa CWA. Two bodybuilders, Sting & Jim Hellwig ( pre-The Ultimate Warrior ), formed a tag team called “ The Blade Runners!!! “ Shortly, Cowboy Bill Watts acquired the inexperienced talent while advancing a maturation period in the Mid-South/UWF. The Stinger’s star glowed brighter after Crockett purchased Watts’ territory. He immediately finds beneficial momentum. Ric Flair notices immeasurable potential upon witnessing this charismatic persona. Flair believed that Sting personified the industry’s future to such an extent at the inaugural Clash of Champions (1988). The Nature Boy allowed Sting to prove himself. Respectfully, newer stories get written. Sting needed a fresh opponent by 1989. Muta provided this answer.

The Great Muta becomes a star in America.

The Great Muta had toured the United States before escalating his skirmish with Sting. It is what’s deemed his first American excursion. Hiro Matsuda mentored & trained him in the respected New Japan Pro Wrestling Dojo. Muta soon debuted for Championship Wrestling from Florida as “ The White Ninja!!! & there, the legend captured Championships.

He aligned with Kazuo Sakurada & Oliver Humperdink. Gary Hart introduced him as being the Great Kabui’s son. Muta established himself by continuing tremendous accolades throughout his time with NJPW. Muta faced Kevin Von Erich in World Class Championship Wrestling & possessed this unexpectant energy to American crowds. It all occurred pre-NWA/WCW. Hart’s partnership (J-Tex Cooperation) with Muta ushered in wrestling’s new oriental from the Orient in World Championship Wrestling’s early inceptions under Ted Turner. Both Sting & Muta shared celebrated rivals in Ric Flair, Lex Luger, & Arn Anderson.

Let’s briefly discuss their unprecedented matches. Sting defended the NWA TV Championship with “ Hot Stuff “ Eddie Gilbert fearlessly by preventing The Muta w/ Gary Hart per Great American Bash 89’ in Baltimore, Maryland. The mysterious newcomer overcame wrestling’s golden boy after defeating him for the TV Title on an episode of NWA Power Hour on September 3rd, 1989. Sting joined forces with long-time arch-rival Ric Flair to conquer The Great Muta & Terry Funk at Halloween Havoc that same year in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in a Thunderdome Match where one of the profession’s premier wrestlers Bruno Sammartino refereed the bizarre-styled match. Ole Andeson supported Naitch & Stinger in contrast to Gary Hart’s unlikely tandem. Muta & Sting’s in-ring chemistry became apparent as the two wrestled at Starrcade-Future Shock PPV in 1989 at the Omni in Atlanta, Georgia. Sting triumphed over Muta.

Muta’s return to Japan:

The Great Muta reclaimed victories against his American nemesis, Sting. World Championship Wrestling & New Japan Pro Wrestling co-promoted Starrcade in the Tokyo Dome on March 21, 1991.

WCW/NJPW SuperShow November 22nd, 1992 (IWGP Heavyweight Champion The Great Muta vs. Sting)

Here’s a match. I want to discuss. Sting challenges The Great Muta for the NJPW Heavyweight Championship. Japanese Wrestling forced Sting to adapt to opposing Muta. I saw additional technical movements by the contender. The Great Muta also would learn by altering into a more American style following American excursions yet keeping with his unorthodox presentation. My analysis is. Each wrestler started with a more mat-oriented technique based on those first glimpses. Sting gravitated toward applying an effective armbar submission that kept Muta on the mat. One beginning sequence showed both wrestlers striving to create separation.

Muta’s rapid striking capabilities & up-tempo speed by hitting the ring ropes produced explosive motion. Muta became overzealous. Sting reapplied the armbar. Muta used his surroundings as weapons. I’m impressed seeing Sting wrestle more of a scientific type match. Muta finally breaks free from the contender’s grip & attacks. Nobody could move like The Great Muta from the top-rope directions. His agility surpassed most in that day. There’s plenty of enthralling action to go around. Sting is an athletic wrestler himself. Look at that dropkick with elevation marvels observant, spectators & viewers. Sting had this contest won. The referee gets taken out inadvertently. Sting continues punishing Muta. The man who created excitement for WCW displays incredible strength by press-slamming the Champion over the top rope & onto the arena floor. Muta took advantage of Sting’s over-aggressive behavior. Sting recovers and locks in a Figure Four leg lock.

I enjoyed how these two icons conveyed a terrific wrestling saga. Sting proved successful while using high-risk methods at times. The Great Muta wins & retains via his signature moonsault finisher. It’s often referred to as the best.

Coming Full-Circle in AEW & Pro Wrestling Noah/ From Enemies to Allies: Both Retire!!!

Their careers would progressively intertwine as WWE Hall of Famers The Great Muta & Sting went from enemies to allies in AEW & Pro Wrestling Noah. Muta saved Sting from a Buddy Matthews attack on an episode of Via an episode of Rampage (2022) at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Fans learned about Sting taking part in Muta’s retirement tour. They teamed together & successfully overcame the opposition in Japan. The Great Muta, Sting, & Darby Allin defeated AKIRA, Hakushi, & Naomichi Marufuji on January 22, 2023, at the Yokohama Arena to celebrate Muta’s vast career with a final Bye-Bye.

Sting also retired at AEW Revolution on March 3rd, 2024, in Greensboro, North Carolina, where he & Darby Allin remained undefeated & won AEW’s Tag Team belts from Matt & Nick Jackson (The Young Bucks). His sons Steven & Garrett joined him.

Both got inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. (Sting- 2016) & (The Great Muta- in 2023).

Each Icon has possessed Championship gold numerous times by competing for various promotions.

Thank you, Sting & The Great Muta, as we at Wrestlebuddy honor your careers.