The wrestling world is about to see a legendary legacy expand into international waters. Steven Borden Jr., the son of the iconic “Icon” Sting, is officially set to make his debut for New Japan Pro-Wrestling. The announcement, made via the company’s social media channels on Wednesday, confirms that Borden will compete as part of the NJPW Academy’s third anniversary showcase event. The showcase is scheduled for Saturday, March 21, at the famed LA Dojo in Los Angeles.
A Growing Priority for the Future of the Industry
While his opponent for the showcase remains a mystery, Borden enters the NJPW system with a small but notable body of work. After making his professional debut last October in a high-profile tag team match alongside Darby Allin, Killer Kross, and JD Drake, Borden has spent the last few months honing his craft. He has appeared twice for DEFY Wrestling and competed in four dark matches for AEW, as well as a single dark match for Ring of Honor. His most recent in-ring outing took place in early February, marking a steady increase in his activity.
The development of the younger Borden has become a collaborative effort across the wrestling landscape. NJPW roster mainstay Fred Rosser recently revealed that he has been personally training Borden at the LA Dojo. Meanwhile, AEW CEO Tony Khan has publicly stated that developing Borden for the future is a “huge priority” for everyone in the Jacksonville-based promotion. Although his contract status with AEW has not been officially clarified, his inclusion in the NJPW Academy showcase highlights a strategic push to prepare the second-generation star for the global stage.