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Former Kentucky TE Steven Borden helps Dad, Sting, Win Final Wrestling Match

Nick Roushby:Nick Roush•03/04/24•

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The career of a wrestling legend ended with a Kentucky football cameo. Sting made his swansong Sunday night at AEW Revolution in Greensboro, North Carolina. The Icon entered the arena one final time accompanied by his sons.

Following a lengthy montage that showed highlights from his career’s various pitstops, Sting was not the first person to take the stage. Steven Borden Jr. arrived wearing the attire his father first used in the 80s. His brother, Garrett, was next, wearing the red paint from his days with the nWo.

Once their father arrived, they made the long dramatic march to the ring for one final tag-team match. Undefeated alongside Darby Allin over the last four years, Sting was prepared for a dramatic send-off against the Young Bucks.

The University of Kentucky received a little bit of shine during the match. Some best know Steve Borden as the man behind the facepaint. Others know Steven Borden Jr. as the first commitment of the Mark Stoops era.

A 6-foot-3, 240-pound tight end, Borden attended Kilgore Junior College in Texas before making the move to the SEC for the 2013 season. A rotational player for Vince Marrow, over two seasons he caught seven passes for 96 yards and one touchdown, a 38-yard score against Alabama State, one of two Wildcat wins in Stoops’ first season in Lexington.

Kentucky football received a shout-out during the AEW broadcast as the Borden family took turns giving Stinger Splashes across the ring. Some families play football on Thanksgiving. The Bordens practice their finishing moves.

The anxious crowd was treated with plenty of grown men flying through tables, including one gnarly glass-shattering stunt. Even though it was Sting’s night, there was a chance he might end his career by putting over the Young Bucks and passing the tag-team baton.

It wasn’t meant to be for the Young Bucks. That’s what you get for kicking Ric Flair and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat. Sting ended his almost 40-year career with a Scorpion Deathlock to remain undefeated in his run with AEW.

Steven Borden Salutes Sting on Social Media

Football didn’t pay the bills for Steven Borden. Since leaving Kentucky he has made a living in the fitness industry. He took a break from exercise advice to share a message saluting his father on Instagram.

You were Sting before I was born. I’ve never known a life where the possibility of you rappelling from the rafters, diving off high objects, and Scorpion death dropping people doesn’t exist.

But now that day has nearly come, and I’ve never had more respect and admiration for you than I do today.There’s too many things I could say – I don’t know how to encapsulate it all. For now I’ll just say this. You did it, Dad.

You found a way – through nearly four decades, you laid it all on the line. You stayed electric the whole way. You did that while also teaching me what it means to be a man of character, integrity, and grit. More importantly, you showed me – and you’re showing me now.

Garrett, Gracie, and I have you to thank for more good than you’ll ever know. know you remember what my answer was that day as a kid in Central Park when I was asked who my hero was. The answer is still the same. I’m still convinced you’re the coolest dude to walk the planet. Now it’s time for one last ride.

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2024-07-26