A brief history of Sting in Greensboro - 5 key moments 

Sting returns to Greensboro for the first time since 1994 as AEW brings a holiday special -- AEW Dynamite: Holiday Bash.

The Icon is billed to team with his ward, Darby Allin, and CM Punk against the Pinnacle trio of MJF and FTR. As can be expected, the upcoming Dynamite has been largely promoted as Sting's Greensboro homecoming, with the Icon previously having faced the likes of Cactus Jack, Abdullah the Butcher, Stan Hansen and Mean Mark -- who would go on to become the Undertaker -- in the rich wrestling venue.

So rich is the history of Sting in Greensboro that his back catalog of matches in the city reads like a Hall of Fame class, and it's resonant that even at sixty-two years old the Icon can continue his legacy and add yet another marquee match to the record. So, too, does it serve as a testament to their talent that Darby, Punk, MJF & FTR get to share the spotlight with the legend.

What truly made Greensboro such a sticking point in his career? Let's take a look at five legendary Greensboro moments from Sting's career.

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#5. Sting made his Greensboro debut against the Fabulous Freebirds

Sting and Greensboro have an established history, littered with dream matches and career defining moments, but where did it all start?

His first match in Greensboro came opposite Michael Hayes and Terry Gordy of the legendary Fabulous Freebirds on June 6th 1987, partnered up with yet another tag team legend in Rick Steiner. The Fabulous Freebirds had dominated tag team wrestling throughout many territories during the '80s, and continued this pattern of victory against Steiner & Sting.

Sting would later that same year team with Hayes and Jimmy Garvin of the Freebirds against Steiner, Larry Zbyszko and Eddie Gilbert at Starrcade 1987.

#4. Sting and Lex Luger won the Crockett Cup in Greensboro

Sting and Lex Luger saw their marriage of convenience result in their capture of the Crockett Cup in 1988, with their triumph coming in Greensboro. Luger had been betrayed by Barry Windham, losing their NWA World Tag Team titles to Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard as Windham joined the new champs in the Four Horsemen. Sting was also without a partner for the tournament after his scheduled partner Ronnie Garvin suffered an injury in an attempt to save his brother Jimmy from a two-on-one from Kevin Sullivan and Rick Steiner.

Their Crockett Cup win in Greensboro saw the makeshift team defeat Anderson and Blanchard in the final, with their on and off alliance lasting up until 2002 and bringing each man a reign with the WCW World Tag Team Championship.

Sting returns to Greensboro to compete once again in tag team action, and will once again oppose Tully Blanchard as he, Darby and Punk take on MJF and FTR.

#3. Sting competed inside War Games in Greensboro

Whether using the name War Games or Blood and Guts, the two rings surrounded by an enormous steel cage represent one of the most popular stipulation matches used to solve an ongoing feud.

Upcoming opponents MJF and FTR entered the sadistic structure only earlier this year, but that will be of little consequence to Sting, a man who has left the structure with his hand raised on multiple occasions. One of those occasions happened to come in Greensboro, as Sting partnered with Ron Simmons, Tom Zenk, and Robert Gibson to take on Nikita Koloff, One Man Gang, The Diamond Studd (Scott Hall) and Richard Morton.

While now spared for the Blood and Guts special and NXT War Games respectively, the War Games match at the time was used during the WCW Great American Bash Tour of 1991. Therefore, Greensboro saw Sting enjoy victory in not one, but two War Games matches on 10/08/1991 & 11/08/2021.

#2. Sting faced Ric Flair in his last match in Greensboro

As mentioned before, Sting last wrestled in Greensboro in 1994, during a WCW house show where he would be the victor against longtime rival Ric Flair.

When it comes to wrestling, there are few greater a rivalry than the one shared by Flair and Sting. Their battles have stood the test of time as a testament to the quality of the work they're capable of producing. In fact, Flair and Sting have collided in each of the past four decades, with all three of NWA, WCW and TNA playing host over the years.

His most recent match in Greensboro was a win against his greatest rival, seemingly closing the chapter. In typical entertainment style, however, Sting will return to Greensboro alongside his apprentice for a worthwhile epilogue.

#1. Sting wrestled Ric Flair to a time limit draw in Greensboro

What makes Greensboro such an important venue for Sting? Why is his return so touted?

Because in the words of the Icon himself, Greensboro played host to the match that put him on the map in professional wrestling. Much like they did in his last outing, Sting and Ric Flair stood opposite one another on the debut of Clash of the Champions in 1988. Competing for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship held by Flair, neither man could prove better as they filled their allotted time of forty-five minutes.

A definitive decision could not be made on the night and Flair would retain due to champion's advantage in the event of a stalemate, but Sting would become a made man in the world of wrestling. The Clash of the Champions event was run on TBS at the time, directly competing with WrestleMania IV, and Flair was the biggest draw outside of WWE. Sting had revealed his greatness for all to see, having taken the world champion to his limits, and would go on to carve one of the most iconic careers in all of professional wrestling history.