Pro Wrestler Turns from Fortune to Faith
by Randall Murphree
October 4, 2004
(AgapePress) - As a kid growing up in southern California, Steve Borden dreamed of being a professional athlete, but he never dreamed that wrestling would be his ticket to fame and fortune. A natural athlete, he was good at football, basketball and baseball. But nothing opened up in those sports, so he entered the field of competitive bodybuilding, was recruited to try professional wrestling, and eventually took the sport by storm.
His story is told in a new DVD/video movie Sting: Moment of Truth (Dove Canyon Films). The 96-minute film will be available in October 12. It chronicles Borden's early wrestling years in near-poverty, his rise from obscurity to stardom, his encounter with Jesus Christ and his decision to leave the sport that made him a superstar.
Read Randall Murphree's interview with Steve Borden
(to be posted on October 5, 2004)
Is it strictly biographical? In an exclusive interview about the movie, Borden said, "Originally that was the intent, but as we were filming it, it sure felt like a movie. I think aside from the very end where I give my testimony, it's a movie. Maybe it's a little bit of docudrama."
From the reviewer's perspective, and judging from Borden's remarks, the film seems to reflect the details of his life pretty faithfully. In fact, in the more recent years of the movie, Borden plays himself.
The film has a lot going for it -- mainly, it's a captivating narrative and Borden has a charismatic personality, it's got a lot of action, a lot of flash. The context of professional wrestling may cause some to turn up their snobbish noses, but this movie is worth watching. Yes, there are many scenes that flash back to Sting's career in the ring. But that context -- violent showmanship, roaring crowds and raucous competition -- serves as stark contrast to Borden's spiritual transformation.
During his young adult years, Borden entered a partnership to open a gym. It was there that men in professional wrestling found and recruited him. The movie follows his early years when he moved to the South, often slept in his car, ate tuna three meals a day, and pined for Sue, the love of his life who was back home in California.
The love-struck couple soon married even though they couldn't furnish their first apartment. Still, somehow they made it through the tough years still. A turning point in their marriage and family life came after Borden had reached major financial success and a less than desirable lifestyle. Sue confronted him regarding several things -- how little time he was spending with her and their two young sons, his addiction to pain killers and alcohol, and more. That confrontation was a major step in Borden's turning to Christ.
He said, "I realized at that point that I had lost control over every part of my life. The thought of possibly losing my marriage and not seeing my kids -- it was killing me." The fear he felt in his heart at that time is poignantly portrayed on film.
As for the movie's production quality -- no, it's not a high-dollar Hollywood project. But it's certainly more than adequate. In fact, there are a number of strong visual elements. Alternating the frenzied wrestling scenes with Borden's quiet voice-over narrative is an excellent device to advance the narrative.
A few scenes progress by effective use of the best elements of music videos. For example, a love song plays background for idyllic scenes depicting the Bordens' wedding. For one southern road-trip scene, country/gospel music provides the perfect complement -- plus a foreshadow of things to come. In the movie's darkest moment, an almost overwhelming nightmarish scene takes viewers to the front lines of spiritual warfare going on in Borden's mind.
The strongest thing the film has going for it is Steve Borden himself. He has a strong screen presence, no doubt cultivated during his years in the ring. But he also conveys a conviction, a focus and a sincerity that say his Christian faith is real.
Randall Murphree, a regular contributor to AgapePress, is editor of AFA Journal, a monthly publication of the American Family Association. For more info visit the movie's website or Willowcreek Marketing.
