Steven Borden surprised by how generous AEW crowds have been to him

[QuietObserver13]

Sting's son Steven Borden has been speaking to Good Karma Wrestling alongside TNT Champion Darby Allin, and he comes across as refreshingly humble. He admitted he has been a little bit surprised by how people have reacted to him, both in arenas and on social media. Second generation wrestlers often get a sceptical reception, with fans quick to assume they got a spot because of their surname. He said every week he walks out for his dark matches and the crowds have been generous to him

The interview came ahead of All Out, where Borden was set to team with Darby Allin against Kyle Fletcher and Kevin Knight, with a shot at the AEW World Tag Team Championship on the line. That is a big step up from dark matches, and a very public test of how ready he is. Being paired with Darby makes a lot of sense given how close Darby was to Sting during his final run

It is a smart way to introduce him. Fans loved the Sting and Darby partnership, so having Darby essentially vouch for Steven gives him instant credibility. He also does not have to carry the match on his own. Kyle Fletcher is one of the best workers in the company, so Borden gets to learn in there with top level talent

There is always a risk with pushing a famous son too soon. Plenty of second generation stars have struggled under the weight of their dad's legacy. Sting is one of the most beloved figures in wrestling history, which makes the comparisons unavoidable. Borden seems aware of that and grateful rather than entitled, which helps a lot

I like the attitude. Being surprised by a good reaction suggests he is not taking anything for granted, and that is usually a good sign for someone early in their career. Has anyone seen his dark matches, and how does he look in the ring so far?

Steven Borden Is 'A Little Bit Surprised' By How People Have Reacted To Him On Social Media & In Arenas, Thinks Crowds Have Been Generouswww.fightful.com

[Lantern76]

Rushing him into a title shot match at a pay per view feels early. Dark matches are where you learn, not where you prove you are ready for tag gold. What happens if the match falls flat? That hurts him more than it helps. I would have given him another six months at least

[Faded Ross]

Crowds are generous because everyone loves Sting. That goodwill will not last forever though

Once the novelty wears off, he will be judged on his own work like anyone else. That is when we find out how good he is

[Grace9]

Does anyone know where he trained? Would be fun to see a proper documentary on his journey

[Stuart_67]

Caught a couple of his dark matches online. He is raw, but the athleticism is there and he clearly has his dad's presence when he walks out. Give him a couple of years and he could be something. The ring work will come with reps

[Barry1]

Humility goes a long way in wrestling. Some second generation guys walk in acting like they are owed a main event spot, and fans can smell it. Steven seems the opposite. I will root for him because of that

[Sentinel54]

Online reaction can be brutal for new wrestlers. The fact that he has found it mostly positive says a lot about how much people care about the Sting name. Wrestling fans can be very protective of legends and their families

[Quiet Neutrino]

Every wrestling fan of a certain age grew up with Sting. Seeing his son come through is a lovely moment, whatever happens next. Nostalgia is powerful

There is something special about that kind of continuity. It is what makes wrestling different from other entertainment

[Archie_69]

Kyle Fletcher is a great choice of opponent for a young guy. He can make anyone look good and will bump like a madman for him. If Borden holds his own there, fans will buy in. Kevin Knight brings a lot of energy too. It is a well thought out match on paper