Booker T Wants Sting To Fight Forever, Recommends Him Not To Retire

Professional wrestling is a world where athleticism, showmanship, and charisma blend to create larger-than-life spectacles. In this dynamic industry, WWE Hall of Famer Booker T recently shared his thoughts on WWE’s NIL programme and offered his take on Sting’s impending retirement.

The NIL programme, which stands for Name, Image, and Likeness, has been making waves in the wrestling community. Booker T believes it’s playing a pivotal role in the NXT women’s division by attracting top-tier athletes. His rationale? Athletes with a tumbling background are thriving in the programme.

Why tumbling? Tumblers, according to Booker T, bring exceptional balance, impeccable timing, and flawless technique to the wrestling ring. These attributes are paramount in professional wrestling, where there are no second takes or do-overs. It’s akin to acting on a live stage, where the show must go on no matter what.

Booker T further delves into his own experience as a dancer. In the world of dance, timing is everything. Every dancer must move in sync with their fellow performers, and any deviation can cost them dearly in the eyes of the judges. The similarities between dance and wrestling are clear: both demand precision and split-second timing.

So, according to Booker T, the NIL programme’s emphasis on recruiting athletes with tumbling backgrounds is proving beneficial. It’s shaping a new generation of female wrestlers who possess the qualities required to excel in the industry.

But Booker T’s insights aren’t limited to the future stars of wrestling. He also has thoughts on one of the industry’s legends, Sting, who recently announced his retirement. Sting disclosed that he would have his last match at the AEW Revolution show in February 2024.

Booker T’s reaction is a mix of gladness and nostalgia. He expresses happiness that Sting is finally hanging up his boots, allowing him to move on to what’s next in his life. At 65, Sting is reaching an age where most people might consider themselves senior citizens, eligible for AARP benefits.

The decision to retire at this stage in his life seems fitting to Booker T, who views it as somewhat overdue. Having dedicated his entire life to professional wrestling, it’s undoubtedly a momentous transition for Sting. Walking away from something that has defined your life is not easy, and Booker T acknowledges this.

However, Booker T doesn’t dismiss the possibility that Sting might have mixed feelings about retirement. He suggests that rather than officially retiring, Sting could opt to step back from the business without declaring himself retired.

The life of a retired wrestler isn’t as glamorous as it may seem from the outside. It can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, especially when you’re used to the adrenaline of performing in front of thousands of fans. The routine of training, travelling, and performing becomes deeply ingrained in a wrestler’s life.

Booker T, with a touch of humour, proposes that Sting could avoid retirement and continue to stay in the ring, taking bumps and flying off of things. In this, he echoes the sentiment of many wrestling fans who have followed Sting’s illustrious career. They’re not ready to see him hang up his boots just yet.

The idea of Sting continuing to fight is not purely wishful thinking. In professional wrestling, the passion and love for the sport often keep veterans coming back for one more match. Retirement isn’t a strict boundary; it’s more like a revolving door that some wrestlers find difficult to exit.

Sting, a true icon in the industry, has already given fans countless unforgettable moments. His unique charisma, incredible athleticism, and the enigmatic persona of “The Crow” have left a lasting mark on professional wrestling history.

His decision to retire is undoubtedly a significant one. It marks the end of an era, and fans will look forward to celebrating his remarkable career at the AEW Revolution in 2024. However, it’s understandable that many fans, including Booker T, would prefer to see Sting continue his journey in the squared circle.

As a fan, it’s hard to say goodbye to someone who has been a part of the wrestling landscape for so long. Sting has fought against some of the greatest opponents in the business, from Ric Flair to Hulk Hogan, and he’s etched his name into the annals of wrestling history.

Retirement decisions are never easy. They signify the closing of one chapter and the uncertain beginning of the next. For someone like Sting, who has been in the business for decades, the transition can be particularly challenging. Wrestling is more than a career; it’s a way of life, and leaving it behind can be a profound experience.

Sting’s announcement has undoubtedly sparked conversations among fans and fellow wrestlers. While many support his decision to retire and embrace the next phase of his life, there will always be a part of the wrestling community that hopes to see him back in the ring one more time.

Booker T’s recommendation for Sting not to retire might be playful, but it’s rooted in a deep understanding of the wrestling world. Retirement is often not a clean break for wrestlers, and the allure of the ring can be challenging to resist.

In the end, the decision is entirely Sting’s to make. Whether he chooses to retire gracefully or, as Booker T suggests, continues to take bumps and fly off things, fans will remember him as one of the all-time greats in professional wrestling. Sting’s legacy is secure, and the wrestling world will forever be grateful for his contributions.

As the wrestling community looks forward to the AEW Revolution in February 2024, where Sting’s final match will take place, emotions will run high. It will be a moment to celebrate an incredible career and bid farewell to a legend. But as Booker T playfully advises, perhaps the ring isn’t a place to retire from; it’s a place to cherish and revisit as long as the passion burns within.