Overview

Steve Borden, born on March 20, 1959, better known by his ring name Sting, is an American retired professional wrestler. Sting gained prominence as a 14-time world heavyweight champion. He is widely recognized as one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling history. Before rising to fame, Borden was part of Team USA in the Continental Wrestling Association. He later changed his name to Sting. Sting made a name for himself after fighting Ric Flair at the Clash of Champions in the late eighties. In the nineties, Sting became the ‘face of WCW’. Sting has claimed the NWA World Heavyweight Championship twice, the WCW World Heavyweight Championships six times, the WCW International World Heavyweight Championship twice, the TNA World Heavyweight Championship four times and WWA World Heavyweight Championship once – making him the only person to hold all titles during his career. He also held several other titles, including the NWA World Television Championship, the WCW International World Heavyweight Championship twice, the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship twice, the WCW World Tag Team Championships three times.

All Elite Wrestling (AEW)

Wrestler

What Is Sting’s Net Worth?

While often cited as $4 million, determining Sting’s exact net worth is challenging due to the lack of publicly available detailed financial records. Net worth estimations are often based on a combination of factors including career earnings, endorsements, real estate holdings, and other assets. The $4 million figure is a generalized estimation based on his long and successful wrestling career.

Sting’s Wrestling Career & Earnings

Sting, born Steve Borden on March 20, 1959, initially made waves in the Continental Wrestling Association (CWA) under the moniker “Flash,” before evolving into the iconic “Sting.” While specific early career earnings from the CWA and subsequent stints in the Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF) are not publicly documented, these early experiences laid the foundation for his future success.

His ascension to stardom truly began in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Sting’s face turn and subsequent pursuit of Ric Flair at the Clash of Champions propelled him to the forefront of the wrestling world. In the 1990s, Sting solidified his status as “The Franchise” and “The Icon” of WCW. Though specific contract details are not public, being the top star of WCW during its peak undoubtedly translated into substantial earnings through guaranteed contracts, pay-per-view bonuses (based on event buy rates), and merchandise royalties. During this era, top WCW stars could earn well into the seven figures annually.

Sting’s championship wins include two NWA World Heavyweight Championships (the second while in TNA), six WCW World Heavyweight Championships, two WCW International World Heavyweight Championships, four TNA World Heavyweight Championships, and one WWA World Heavyweight Championship. In addition to world titles, he has won the NWA World Television Championship, two WCW United States Heavyweight Championships, three WCW World Tag Team Championships (with Lex Luger, The Giant, and Kevin Nash), and the TNA World Tag Team Championship with Kurt Angle. While each championship win didn’t necessarily come with a direct monetary bonus, the prestige and increased visibility would have significantly boosted his earning potential through increased merchandise sales and higher booking fees.

Despite WCW’s collapse in 2001, Sting remained a highly sought-after performer. His eventual move to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA, later Impact Wrestling) further added to his career earnings. Though specific contract details for his time in TNA are not publicly available, his status as a main event performer likely commanded a high salary, potentially reaching the high six figures or low seven figures per year. His multiple TNA World Heavyweight Championship reigns also would have boosted merchandise sales.

After years of resisting offers, Sting finally joined World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in 2014. While his WWE run was brief due to injury, it was a significant moment in his career. His contract details with WWE are not public, but it’s reasonable to assume he received a substantial signing bonus and a lucrative contract given his legendary status. Although his match against Seth Rollins at Night of Champions 2015 was his only WWE pay-per-view appearance, the associated merchandise and appearances likely provided considerable income. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016, further cementing his legacy and potentially leading to future licensing and appearance opportunities.

Currently signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Sting continues to perform in a limited capacity. While specific contract details with AEW are confidential, it’s likely a combination of guaranteed salary and appearance fees. Given his continued popularity and ability to draw crowds, it’s reasonable to assume that his AEW contract contributes meaningfully to his overall net worth, even in the later stages of his career. While his wrestling income is definitely contributing to his net worth, the precise amount is impossible to pinpoint without access to private contracts.

Real Estate & Personal Assets

In January 2013, Steve Borden (Sting) purchased a home in Santa Clarita, California, for $375,000. The property, situated on 2 acres, is estimated to be worth around $1 million today. The increase in value reflects market appreciation and potential improvements made to the property. Public records do not provide further details on the specifics of the home or any potential mortgage details. The property’s value is a contributing factor to his overall asset portfolio.

Beyond real estate, it’s reasonable to assume Sting possesses other assets, such as investments in stocks, bonds, or other financial instruments. Without access to his financial records, it’s impossible to determine the exact value or composition of these investments. However, these types of investments are a common way for high-net-worth individuals to preserve and grow their wealth.

Information regarding other real estate holdings, vehicles (such as cars or boats), or other significant personal property owned by Sting is not publicly available. These types of assets could further contribute to his overall net worth, but without verifiable information, they cannot be included in any concrete calculation.

Accolades & Legacy

Sting’s accolades extend beyond championship titles. WWE named him the greatest superstar in WCW history, and “Pro Wrestling Illustrated” recognized him as the “Most Popular Wrestler of the Year” four times (a record he shares with John Cena). He is a member of the TNA Hall of Fame, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, and the WWE Hall of Fame. While these accolades don’t directly translate into monetary value, they significantly enhance his marketability and legacy, potentially leading to increased opportunities for endorsements, appearances, and licensing deals. His legacy also solidifies his place as one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling history.

Sting’s wrestling career has spanned multiple decades and wrestling promotions, resulting in various income streams through salaries, bonuses, royalties, and endorsements. While specific figures for each category are not publicly available, it is clear that his success in the ring has contributed significantly to his overall net worth. His longevity in the wrestling business allowed him to accumulate wealth over time and strategically invest in assets like real estate. Although the $4 million net worth estimation is a generalized figure, it reflects his long-standing success and influence in the world of professional wrestling.

© 2025 Net Worth Ranker / All Rights Reserved