After entering the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2016, Sting announced his retirement. Photo by WWE.com
On a night filled with nostalgia and emotion, Sting gave his fans one last toast.
“This isn’t goodbye, it’s just see you later,” he said, as he pulled his signature baseball bat and put on his shades to end his Hall of Fame speech.
Legend Ric Flair inducted “The Icon” to the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Hall of Fame Class of 2016 at American Airlines Center in Dallas on Saturday (Sunday Manila time).
Sting thanked a lot of his former rivals throughout his career and gave a nod to his brethren, the late Ultimate Warrior.
“I was jacked, but I felt like a kid next to him.”
He also talked about wrestling Seth Rollins in his last match back in September at Night of Champions, where he hurt his neck that dashed his hopes for a WrestleMania appearance this year.
In an earlier interview with Fox 4, Sting said he’s still hopeful for a match against The Undertaker before he hangs his boots for good.
“I have a dream match that I’ve always wanted to do against The Undertaker. If I have my way it’s gonna happen,” he said.
Joining Sting in the Hall of Fame were the Big Boss Man, The Godfather, Jacqueline, Stan “The Lariat” Hansen, and the Fabulous Freebirds.
Michael “P.S.” Hayes, one of the members of the Freebirds, stole the show when he staged an impromptu concert, performing the group’s theme, “Badstreet USA” to the delight of the crowd.
John Cena enshrined rapper Snoop Dogg to the celebrity wing of the Hall, while TV host and cancer survivor Joan Lunden was given this year’s Warrior Award.
“I decided to change my focus from my cancer to the fight against cancer,” she said.
The Hall of Fame also gave a nod to wrestling pioneers who paved the way for today’s business through the Legacy Award.
Pat O’Connor, George Hackenschmidt, Frank Gotch, Mildred Burke, “Sailor” Art Thomas, Ed “Strangler” Lewis, and Lou Thesz were all recognized alongside this year’s inductees.