Mike Rotundo vs Sting 4/1/89

Loss 1st brought this to my attention. This is for the TV belt, and a 10,000 dollar challenge. This has a big time feel to it. Having the Varsity Club and Steamboat and Luger out there raised the stakes. Sting using the headlock and working spots around was really smart. Throughout the years these guys had a weird chemistry and would say Sting is a top 5 opponent for Rotundo. This is a solid nomination.

Best of NWA TV 1989 disc 1

NWA World TV Title: "Captain" Mike Rotundo © vs. Sting (3/30/89)

This is the first match to ever air from Center Stage in Atlanta and this is a big match. Nick Patrick even makes his debut as the referee for this. The Varsity Club surrounds ringside as Sting is taking it to Rotundo early and often. Rotundo tried to use his smarts to keep Sting from really getting him in trouble. Sting hit his big plancha to the floor then a big cross body block for a big nearfall as the fans were going nuts. Luger & Steamboat showed up to rally Sting on to counter the VC but Rotundo would soon go on offense as there was a standoff at ringside between Luger/Steamer and the VC with Steamer & Doc facing off which that would've been an awesome match. Sting fights back with vigor and the building is coming unglued as he puts the Scorpion Deathlock on Rotundo. Sullivan runs in the ring as the others brawl on the floor and attacks Sting. Rotundo covers Sting but Sting gets his foot on the rope and Rotundo keeps trying to put Sting away and he can't do it. Sting then catches Rotundo in an O'Connor Roll to win his first ever singles title and everyone goes apeshit. Luger & Steamer were so great trying to carry him around the ring making this a big deal. This was a really solid effective match and a easy nomination.