Tony Schiavone’s voice is inseparable from some of the most memorable moments of Sting’s wrestling career. For generations of fans, the sudden excitement in Schiavone’s delivery of “It’s Sting!” signaled that the tide of a match or storyline was about to change. It was a call built over years in WCW, one that became part of the presentation of Sting as one of pro wrestling’s most enduring stars.
Now, Schiavone has found himself making a variation of that famous call for a new member of the Borden family. As Steven Borden begins to establish himself in AEW, Schiavone recently welcomed him with “It’s Steven,” a clear nod to the phrase associated with his father. The commentator has explained that the decision was not planned in advance and came with some hesitation because of the significance of the original call and his longstanding association with Sting.
Speaking on Battleground Podcast, Schiavone said he considered whether adapting the line for Steven Borden might cross a line or lessen what it represented during Sting’s own rise and legendary career.
“I was thinking, ‘Should I really do this?’ It’s one of those snap decisions that you make, and I didn’t want to disparage his dad, and I don’t think I ever could because I’ve been tied to his career. But I thought it was the right thing to do because the kid is, you know, trying to make his way in the business, looks good. Hell, when he talks, he sounds exactly like his dad if you heard that interview that he did or that promo he did with Darby, and he’s such a great athlete.”
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For Schiavone, the call was ultimately an instinctive on-air choice. Rather than trying to declare Steven Borden a replacement for Sting or force a connection that had not been earned, the moment served as an acknowledgment of the unusual circumstances surrounding Borden’s entrance into a major promotion. His family name naturally draws attention, but Schiavone’s comments indicate that he sees athletic ability and potential in the younger Borden beyond the obvious resemblance.
“So, when he comes out, it’s kind of one of those snap decisions,” Schiavone continued. “Should I do it or shouldn’t I? Thought, what the hell? And I did it. So, I don’t know. Maybe Tony [Khan] will make me do it now.”
A Signature Call With Decades of History
Sting and Schiavone share a professional history that stretches back to WCW, where both became central figures during a defining era for the company. Sting’s evolution from colorful franchise hero to the mysterious Crow-inspired icon made him one of the most recognizable wrestlers in the world, while Schiavone’s calls supplied many of the moments with their emotional punctuation.
The phrase “It’s Sting!” remains especially identifiable because it often accompanied surprise appearances, dramatic saves, and major confrontations. The simplicity of the call was part of its effectiveness. Fans understood immediately that Sting’s arrival meant something, and Schiavone’s excitement made the moment feel larger.
That history is why Schiavone did not treat the “It’s Steven” line casually. There is a delicate balance when a second-generation wrestler enters the industry. A familiar surname can open the door to immediate recognition, but it also creates expectations that would be impossible for most newcomers to escape. Invoking a famous piece of a parent’s legacy can be celebratory, but it can also create pressure if handled without care.
Schiavone’s explanation makes clear that he was aware of that balance. He did not want to disrespect Sting, someone whose career has been intertwined with his own for decades. At the same time, he believed the call fit the moment because Steven Borden is actively pursuing his own place in wrestling rather than merely appearing as a nostalgic reminder of his father.
Steven Borden’s Rapid AEW Rise
Steven Borden’s path into AEW programming has moved quickly. He appeared on television less than a year after competing in his first professional wrestling match, placing him in a prominent spotlight very early in his development. That accelerated exposure has put his progress under close scrutiny, particularly because he is carrying one of the most famous names connected to WCW and AEW history.
His connection to Darby Allin has also helped place his early AEW presentation in a meaningful context. Darby was Sting’s final in-ring partner and one of the wrestlers most closely linked to Sting during the icon’s AEW run. Steven Borden’s promo work with Darby has given viewers an opportunity to hear him speak and develop a presence of his own, with Schiavone noting the striking similarity in voice between father and son.
Physical similarities and vocal resemblance may be unavoidable points of conversation for a wrestler in Borden’s position, but they are only part of the challenge. The next stage will be showing that he can build a distinct identity, improve in the ring, and respond to the intensity of performing in front of a national audience. Schiavone’s praise for Borden as a “great athlete” reflects optimism about that foundation.
AEW has frequently placed emerging talent alongside established figures, allowing newer performers to learn in high-pressure environments while receiving immediate visibility. Borden’s situation is different because his link to Sting gives every appearance an added layer of attention. Still, his fast move from a first match to AEW television suggests the company sees enough upside to continue involving him in significant situations.
All Out Match Ended After Borden Was Knocked Out
Borden’s recent pay-per-view debut at All Out also showed the risks that come with such a rapid introduction to major-event competition. He wrestled his first pay-per-view match as part of a tag team bout, but the contest was stopped after he was knocked out. A match being called off under those circumstances was understandably concerning, both for Borden and for those watching his early career unfold.
Fortunately, subsequent information offered encouraging news. Tony Khan confirmed that Borden was conscious and that his CT scans were clear, indicating that he appeared to have avoided a serious injury. While any incident involving a wrestler being knocked out must be treated with appropriate caution, the update was a positive one following a frightening scene.
The halted All Out match does not erase the importance of the moment. Borden reached a pay-per-view stage remarkably early in his professional career, an opportunity that illustrated the level of attention around him. It also provided a reminder that development in wrestling is not only about learning moves, delivering promos, or working in front of cameras. Safety, health, and proper recovery remain paramount, particularly for a performer still gaining experience.
There is no need for Steven Borden to become another Sting, and Schiavone’s call does not necessarily ask him to be. Instead, “It’s Steven” can be viewed as a concise acknowledgment of lineage while leaving room for Borden to define what that name means in a new generation. The reference works because it recognizes the past, but the responsibility for what follows rests with Steven’s own performances and growth.
What the Call Means Going Forward
Schiavone joked that Khan may now expect him to make the call whenever Steven Borden appears. Whether it becomes a regular part of AEW’s presentation remains to be seen, but the initial reaction behind it was genuine: an experienced announcer reacting in real time to a young athlete with a historic connection to one of wrestling’s great careers.
For fans who remember Sting’s WCW heyday, the phrase immediately carries decades of emotion. For newer viewers, it may simply become part of Steven Borden’s introduction to the AEW audience. The key will be ensuring that the callback remains a tribute rather than the entire story.
Schiavone’s words suggest he understands exactly why that distinction matters. He has been connected to Sting’s legacy too long to use one of its most recognizable elements without thought. His decision in the moment was based on his belief that Borden has the tools to pursue wrestling seriously, from his athleticism to the early signs of comfort on the microphone.
Steven Borden’s AEW journey is still in its earliest stages, and the All Out incident underscores that the immediate focus must remain on his wellbeing. Once he is able to continue, he will have the opportunity to keep learning under a very bright spotlight. If Schiavone’s spontaneous call remains part of that journey, it will stand as a bridge between a celebrated family legacy and a wrestler attempting to create a legacy of his own.
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Darryl Polo
Darryl Polo is a passionate wrestling fan covering WWE, AEW, TNA and beyond. He loves great rivalries, breakout stars and the moments that keep fans talking long after the bell. How we work.