One big thing: AEW’s Lance Archer credits Sting as his major influence, not Shawn Michaels or Bret Hart
In a recent Q&A with “One True Sport,” AEW star Lance Archer surprised fans by revealing his main wrestling influence:
• Archer named WCW’s Sting as his primary inspiration, not WWE icons Shawn Michaels or Bret Hart.
• He specifically cited Sting’s “Crow” persona and battles with the nWo as captivating.
• Archer admitted to not watching WWF (now WWE) during his formative years as a fan.
Why it matters:
Archer’s revelation highlights the lasting impact of WCW and its stars on today’s wrestlers, even as WWE often dominates wrestling history narratives.
Archer on his influences:
• “When I started watching wrestling, like watching, watching wrestling was WCW, and it was when Sting took on the whole ‘Crow’ persona,” Archer said.
• He added, “He was the guy that I was watching; his fights with the nWo, and things like that.”
• On Michaels and Hart: “They’re obviously the amazing wrestlers that are way above and beyond anything that I have ever been or ever will be. But I just, I never watched them.”
The Sting factor:
• Sting recently concluded his 35-year career in AEW alongside Darby Allin.
• He retired as one-half of the AEW World Tag Team Champions.
• Speculation remains about a potential non-wrestling role for Sting in AEW.
Archer’s current status:
• Remains active on both AEW and ROH rosters.
• Recently competed against Will Ospreay on “AEW Dynamite.”
Wrestling fans, how do you think Sting’s influence on wrestlers like Lance Archer has shaped the current generation of talent? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
