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The Icon's Last Paint: 5 Must-See Stops On Sting's '2025 Or Never' Final Convention Tour

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The final curtain call for "The Icon" Sting is now official, not just in the ring, but in the fan convention circuit as well. As of late December 2025, the legendary wrestler, who retired from in-ring competition at AEW Revolution 2024, is now wrapping up his final year of public appearances in his signature face paint and full gear, a farewell tour aptly named the "2025 or Never" Convention Tour.

This tour represents the absolute last chance for fans across the United States and Canada to meet Sting—the black-and-white Crow Sting persona—and get an autograph or photo with the man who defined multiple generations of professional wrestling. The significance of this specific tour is immense: after decades of keeping the mystique alive, 2025 marks the end of an era as he officially retires the iconic look from the convention scene.

"The Icon" Sting: A Complete Career and Personal Profile

Sting, whose real name is Steve Borden, has one of the most enduring and beloved careers in the history of professional wrestling. His journey from "Surfer Sting" to the silent, brooding "Crow Sting" is a masterclass in character evolution, making his final appearances a monumental event for fans worldwide.

  • Ring Name: Sting
  • Real Name: Steve Borden
  • Born: March 20, 1959
  • Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.
  • Billed From: Venice Beach, California
  • Professional Debut: 1985
  • In-Ring Retirement: AEW Revolution (March 3, 2024)
  • Signature Moves: Scorpion Death Drop, Scorpion Deathlock
  • Notable Championships: 6-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, 2-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, TNA World Heavyweight Champion.
  • Major Affiliations: World Championship Wrestling (WCW), Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA/Impact Wrestling), All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
  • Key Feuds/Rivals: Ric Flair, The Great Muta, The nWo (Hollywood Hogan, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall), Jeff Jarrett, Seth Rollins.
  • Final Tag Team Partner: Darby Allin (in AEW).
  • Hall of Fame: WWE Hall of Fame (2016), TNA Hall of Fame (2012).

The '2025 or Never' Convention Tour: Final Dates and Locations

The "2025 or Never" tour is not just a signing session; it is the final opportunity for fans to experience the full, in-character presence of Sting. He has confirmed that after the final date of this tour, he will no longer be appearing at conventions in his iconic black-and-white face paint. This makes every scheduled appearance a piece of wrestling history.

While the schedule is extensive, here are five of the most significant and confirmed stops on the Sting’s final convention tour, spanning major fan expos and comic cons across North America.

WrestleCon – Indianapolis & Las Vegas

WrestleCon is traditionally one of the biggest fan gatherings in professional wrestling, often coinciding with WrestleMania weekend. Sting’s appearance here is a major draw. He has a confirmed date in Indianapolis early in the year, and another major stop later in Las Vegas, giving fans on both sides of the country a chance to say farewell.

FAN EXPO CANADA – Toronto, ON

For Canadian fans, the FAN EXPO CANADA stop in Toronto is the premier event to meet "The Icon." This appearance is a crucial part of the tour, extending the farewell beyond the US borders and acknowledging his massive international fanbase.

WrestleVerse Fest – Chattanooga, TN

The WrestleVerse Fest in Chattanooga has been highlighted as one of the key locations for the tour. This event holds particular weight as it has been cited as the location for the final, official retirement of the face paint. Meeting Sting here means witnessing the literal end of an iconic look.

Horrorhound Weekend – Cincinnati, OH

Given the "Crow Sting" persona’s strong ties to horror and gothic themes, an appearance at Horrorhound Weekend is perfectly fitting. This stop appeals specifically to the segment of his fanbase that embraced his transformation during the late 90s, offering a unique setting for his final character appearances.

SC Comic Con – Greenville, SC

Comic conventions like the SC Comic Con are a testament to how Sting transcended the wrestling world to become a pop culture figure. His appearance in Greenville, South Carolina, is another major early-year stop, solidifying the tour’s commitment to covering a wide geographical area.

The Legacy of the Face Paint and the End of an Era

The retirement of the face paint at conventions is a deeply symbolic act. For nearly 40 years, the makeup—first the neon splashes of the "Surfer Sting" and later the stark black-and-white of the "Crow Sting"—has been synonymous with his identity. The face paint was not just a costume; it was a shield, a statement, and the visual marker of a wrestling era dominated by WCW’s battle with the nWo.

His final in-ring match at AEW Revolution 2024, where he and his partner Darby Allin successfully defended the AEW World Tag Team Championship, was the perfect conclusion to his active career. The convention tour is the epilogue, a final chance for fans to connect with Steve Borden in the persona that made him a legend.

Sting’s career entities are vast: from his early days in the NWA/WCW challenging the legendary Ric Flair, to his pivotal role in the Monday Night Wars, his later runs in TNA/Impact Wrestling, and his surprising, albeit brief, WWE run. His final chapter in All Elite Wrestling, mentoring Darby Allin and putting on critically acclaimed matches, cemented his status as a timeless performer.

The "2025 or Never" tour is more than a signing schedule; it's a thank you from The Icon to his loyal fanbase. It’s an emotional farewell to the physical manifestation of the character that captivated millions. If you want to meet Sting in his full, iconic glory, 2025 truly is the last call. Missing these dates means missing the final chapter of a wrestling legend’s iconic look forever.

sting final convention tour
sting final convention tour

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