Stinger: The Killer Bee

Stinger: The Killer Bee
Participation Information
Reboot Seasons	World Championship I World Championship II
Unaired Events	Pro Championship 2009 World Championship I (vs. Splatter and Bull Dog)
Other Names	Stinger Stinger: TKB
Team Information
Team	Team PlumbCrazy
Team Members	Matt Maxham (Captain) Wendy Maxham Tony Osladil (WC II) Jeff Gomez (WC II)
From	Sacramento, CA
Other Entries	Sewer Snake, Devil's Plunger, Wipe Out #2
Associated Robots	Cobalt, Gigabyte (Matt Maxham, Wendy Maxham)
Robot Statistics
Weight	237-250lbs
Weapons	Interchangeable lifters Flamethrower
Statistics correct as of its most recent appearance on the show, or if not applicable, qualification attempt.

Not to be confused with the Comedy Central BattleBots lightweight, Stinger.

Stinger: The Killer Bee, often shortened in televised seasons to Stinger, was a heavyweight robot built by Team PlumbCrazy which competed in BattleBots World Championships I and II.

An earlier incarnation also competed in the unaired 2009 Pro Championship held in Vallejo, California. Despite losing its opening battle in the main double-elimination tournament, Stinger: The Killer Bee recovered with two victories in the losers bracket before being defeated again by eventual runner-up Root Canal. It also won an exhibition battle against Jim Smentowski's Breaker Box, with both machines also being scheduled to team up in a proposed 2v1 battle against Counter Revolution. However, the latter battle does not appear in official BattleBots match records, likely suggesting that it never took place.

For both ABC seasons, Team PlumbCrazy entered a brand-new version similar in design to their heavyweight Evil Plunger, itself originally built as a successor to their highly-successful Sewer Snake. This incarnation featured a new four or six-wheel drive design with a black and yellow paint scheme and a variety of interchangeable lifter and flamethrower attachments. Lifter configurations included anti-spinner wedges and set of two or three-pronged forks inspired by Evil Plunger. This build of Stinger enjoyed a strong debut in World Championship I, reaching the quarter-finals before losing to Bronco in entertaining fashion.

In World Championship II, Stinger also performed well, defeating the veteran vertical spinner Nightmare to reach the Round of 32. However, it lost to Mega Tento on a split Judges' decision. During the latter match, the main robot was accompanied by a red, four-wheel drive ant-shaped minibot named Flicker (alternatively Flicker the Fire Ant), itself weighing 7lbs and armed with a flamethrower. Though Matt Maxham suggested that Team PlumbCrazy would consider improving Stinger's reliability for a third reboot season, it would never return to BattleBots.

For World Championship V, Team PlumbCrazy's Matt and Wendy Maxham joined Robotic Death Company and Gigabyte, where Matt became weapons operator. The Maxhams continued their involvement with Robotic Death Company in the 2021 season, where they oversaw Cobalt's entry following its transfer from original builders Team Carbide. Matt Maxham was appointed as Cobalt's driver for the competition, as well as the 2022 re:MARS all:STARS event, but with the return of original Cobalt builders Dave Moulds and Sam Smith, they operated the robot for World Championship VII.

Stinger: The Killer Bee during official photoshoots.

Stinger: The Killer Bee with the three-prong lifter and flamethrower attachment.

Team Plumbcrazy with Stinger: The Killer Bee and its anti-spinner wedge.

Stinger preparing to fight Captain Shrederator during World Championship I.

Stinger: The Killer Bee's flamethrower being tested in 2015.

Stinger: The Killer Bee with Matt and Wendy Maxham in 2009.

Outside BattleBots

Alongside Lock-Jaw, Stinger was present at a July 2015 panel, shortly after the premiere of World Championship I.

Robot History

Pro Championship 2009
Stinger: The Killer Bee vs. SubZero Matt Maxham and Stinger ahead of fighting SubZero. Stinger: The Killer Bee's BattleBots debut came at the 2009 Pro Championship. In the first round of the main winner's bracket, it faced the heavyweight version of SubZero. Very limited information is available for this and Stinger: The Killer Bee's other 2009 matches, though BattleBots records suggest that both robots survived the full three minutes. SubZero took the judges' decision and match win, relegating Stinger: The Killer Bee to the Losers bracket at this early stage.
Stinger: The Killer Bee vs. Counter Revolution Next to face Stinger: The Killer Bee was the twin vertical spinner Counter Revolution, an opponent Team PlumbCrazy would also fight against at RoboGames 2009 with Sewer Snake. Similarly to its counterpart, Stinger: The Killer Bee won by knockout after 33 seconds, enabling it to maintain its place in the competition.
Stinger: The Killer Bee vs. Bender Stinger: The Killer Bee would proceed to fight the overhead bar spinner of Bender, which had previously suffered serious bodywork damage following its earlier loss to Megabyte. BattleBots records indicate that it achieved the joint-fastest knockout win of the entire competition, emerging victorious after only eight seconds.
Stinger: The Killer Bee vs. Root Canal Stinger: The Killer Bee gets underneath Root Canal. Fresh from its newly-earnt victories, Stinger: The Killer Bee next fought former Giant Nut winners Mutant Robots and their newest heavyweight robot, Root Canal. Both machines were documented to have lasted the full three minutes according to BattleBots records, with Root Canal winning the Judges' decision. As a result, Stinger: The Killer Bee was eliminated from the main competition with a 2-2 match record.
Stinger: The Killer Bee vs. Breaker Box (Exhibition) Towards the end of the 2009 Championships, Stinger: The Killer Bee also took part in an exhibition match against rival lifter Breaker Box. Again, BattleBots records confirm that both heavyweights survived the full three minutes, with Stinger: The Killer Bee emerging victorious on a judges' decision.
World Championship I
Stinger vs. Captain Shrederator Stinger's configuration for taking on Captain Shrederator. Stinger's first battle of World Championship I came against Captain Shrederator. For this match, Matt and Wendy Maxham's robot was equipped with an anti-spinner wedges with two flexible arm extensions. Captain Shrederator tears a chunk out of Stinger's front tire. The fight commenced with Captain Shrederator getting its shell up to speed as Stinger approached. Captain Shrederator met it head-on, bouncing upward and landing on top of the six-wheeled robot, tearing a chunk out of one of its tires. Captain Shrederator loses some teeth. Stinger again drove plow-first into its opponent, which sent Brian Nave's robot careening across the BattleBox, first into the screws, then the rails and finally the paddle. Stinger attempted to get underneath Captain Shrederator and charge it into the wall, but Team LOGICOM's robot slipped free and Stinger drove head-first into the trails instead. However, Captain Shrederator deflected into the corner and lost several teeth in the process. Stinger capitalizes on a motionless Captain Shrederator. Captain Shrederator then appeared to slow as it bounced off the plow of Stinger, which allowed Matt Maxham to take full advantage. Stinger slid its plow underneath the inactive shell spinner, driving forward and hoisting Captain Shrederator over. "Well Brian [Nave] said, you know, the biggest threat to him is the arena itself... OH, look at this! Stinger may have taken Captain Shrederator out!" — Kenny Florian as Captain Shrederator is thrown over Stinger attempts to keep the fight going, but Captain Shrederator is counted out. Without a self-righting mechanism, a count began on Captain Shrederator, despite Stinger's best attempts to get its opponent back onto its wheels again. Stinger took the win by knockout and moved on in the competition. Although this fight was only highlighted during Episode 2 of World Championship I, it was uploaded in full to the BattleBots YouTube channel.
Stinger vs. Warhead Stinger's configuration for fighting Warhead. Stinger advanced to the Round of 16, where it faced the No.12 seed, Warhead. For this match against the Team Razer machine, Stinger swapped to its alternative anti-spinner configuration with a solid top panel. Stinger flips Warhead against the screws. Stinger allowed Warhead to approach it in the opening seconds, lifting on impact and unbalancing the British robot. Warhead was now upside-down. Matt Maxham drove the inverted Warhead into the spiked wall, pushing it into a position where it could self-right. Warhead was quickly flipped over again, this time against the screws, which tore away an armor panel. Stinger drives Warhead into the corner. Warhead continued to spin its dome-shaped weapon, but Stinger showed no fear in ramming its opponent as Warhead struggled to remain competitive. One of the referees initiated a count, but Warhead suddenly freed itself using its articulating disk and used it to maneuver in the corner of the arena. Stinger tried to attack, but flipped itself over and suffered damage to its right-rear tire. Warhead deflects off the wall and back onto its wheels. Again, Stinger charged at Warhead, who could only use its wings and tail to try and recover. This forced Warhead disk-first into the wall and flung it back onto its wheels, much to the delight of Warhead captain and driver Ian Lewis. With little over a minute remaining, Warhead fled Stinger with its wings raised and began to chip away at Stinger's flipping panel. However, Warhead became destabilized again and allowed Stinger to shove it into the arena wall again. "Stinger showing no mercy whatsoever here!" — Kenny Florian Warhead was then hit by the pulverizer as Chris Rose praised Matt Maxham's driving ability. Ian Lewis drove it away from danger, but Warhead was struck by the now-active killsaws in the final seconds as there appeared to be no life left in its primary weapon. Stinger won on a unanimous 3-0 judges' decision and advanced to the quarter-finals.
Stinger vs. Bronco In the quarter-finals, Stinger faced Inertia Labs and the No.4 seed, Bronco. For this fight, Stinger featured a three-pronged lifter to try and hook underneath the sides of its opponent. Bronco throws itself onto the screws. However, Bronco quickly got underneath Stinger, flinging it back with its first flip of the fight. With its second, Bronco inadvertently threw itself onto the screws. It quickly drove across two pairs of augers before throwing itself upside-down and eventually self-righting. Bronco flips Stinger. Stinger began to activate its flamethrower and got its forks underneath the side of Bronco, but could not take advantage as the killsaws cut into its underside. Stinger then got its central fork stuck in one of the slots, allowing Bronco to attack and land a flip on Matt Maxham's robot. Stinger is thrown out of the arena. Stinger is beaten. After positioning itself, Bronco drive Stinger back and tossed it into the air. With its next flip, it managed to throw Stinger over the barrier and out of the arena. An instant knockout was called and its elimination was confirmed.
Stinger vs. Bull Dog vs. Splatter (Exhibition) Stinger also participated in a three robot rumble with Bull Dog and Splatter. Stinger used its two pronged lifter for this battle. Stinger pushes Bull Dog against Splatter. After Stinger and Splatter worked together to take out Bull Dog, it was pushed into the killsaws and just Stinger and Splatter remained. In the end, Stinger beat Splatter and was declared the winner of the rumble. Stinger: The Killer Bee was scheduled to compete in a nine robot rumble at the end of the tournament, but due to time restraints in filming, this did not take place.
World Championship II
Stinger vs. Nightmare Stinger's first match in 2016 was against Nightmare. For this match, it switched to its four-wheel drive configuration with the anti-spinner plow. Stinger charged down Nightmare immediately, looking to unbalance Jim Smentowski's machine. This proved unsuccessful as Nightmare rode over the top of Stinger and tore away its back-right wheel. Stinger expertly overturns Nightmare. Keen to retaliate, Stinger ignited its flamethrowers and hoisted its opponent, driving it to the middle of the arena and overturning Nightmare. As one of the sensors for the self-righting arms had broken loose, the pin was unable to loosen in order to assist Nightmare in righting itself. Nightmare is immobilzed. Despite Matt Maxham's best efforts to continue the fight, Nightmare was counted out and Stinger won by knockout in under a minute. After the match ended, an autographed piece of Stinger was given to Jim Smentowski as a souvenir.
Stinger vs. Mega Tento This win put Stinger into the Round of 32 as a No.5 seed, where it faced the No.28 seed Mega Tento. For this match, Stinger added a minibot called Flicker and reverted to its six-wheeled setup paired with twin forks. Stinger tries to flip Mega Tento. Mega Tento drove towards Stinger before turning to lead with its repositioned drum. However, Stinger's twin prongs were able to evade the weapon and managed to shove Lisa Winter's machine into the spiked wall. Though Mega Tento was able to land a blow to the left flank of Stinger, Matt Maxham lined up its weapon and charged again, raising its lifter but only succeeding in tipping itself over. Stinger pins Mega Tento as it is hit by the pulverizer. Stinger quickly recovered and drove Mega Tento into the corner and the ladybug-themed machine was hit several times by the pulverizer. Stinger again tried to lift, but could not get sufficient leverage and fell forwards for a second time. Matt Maxham backed away before getting snagged by the killsaw slot, but was quickly on the offensive again as it drove Mega Tento into the wall, deforming the sandpit shell right in front of the Winters. Mega Tento baits Stinger before capturing it. As Stinger released, Mega Tento reversed away from danger and raised its shell in a change of tactic. Mega Tento took advantage of the onrushing Stinger and lowered the shell, looking to encapsulate its opponent. "Could this be the turning point, Kenny? Mega Tento has come to life!" — Chris Rose reacts to the momentum swinging in Mega Tento's favor Mega Tento catches Stinger's side and turns it over. Stinger ignited its flamethrower in retaliation but this proved largely ineffective as its front-right wheel came loose soon after. The flames continued as Stinger rammed Mega Tento, but the ladybug fought back and drove Stinger into the middle of the arena. With its drum spinner active, Mega Tento struck the sides of Stinger again and used its weapon to overturn the Team PlumbCrazy machine. Stinger tries to leave a lasting impression on the judges. With under a minute remaining, Stinger again tried take control but struggled to handle its considerably larger opponent. Stinger pinned Mega Tento against the drivers' booths late on, and as both robots were free, flailed its forks in a last second attempt to overturn Mega Tento. Stinger only succeeded in toppling itself, however, landing on its five remaining wheels as the clock hit zero. After a hard-fought three minute fight, the judges ruled a split decision in favor of Mega Tento, eliminating Stinger from the tournament.
Stinger vs. Lock-Jaw vs. Ghost Raptor (Exhibition) Stinger returned for a three-way exhibition battle dubbed the 'Legends Rumble' alongside experienced opponents Lock-Jaw and Ghost Raptor. It was armed with its four-wheel drive configuration and lifter set-up previously seen in its 2015 season qualifier against Captain Shrederator. Stinger was again joined by its minibot, Flicker. Lock-Jaw flips Stinger early on. Matt Maxham first opted to attack Lock-Jaw, but could not get its plow underneath its side. Lock-Jaw, armed with its spring flipper mechanism, slid its jaws underneath and fired, popping Stinger into the air and shedding part of its tires. Stinger then drove into Ghost Raptor, which allowed Lock-Jaw time to get another flip in from the back of the Team PlumbCrazy machine. Lock-Jaw forces Stinger into the screws. This was followed by Lock-Jaw clamping down on Stinger's right side and driving it into the screws. As it closed its jaws, Donald Hutson's robot mistimed a flip and Stinger was free, capitalizing on an opportunity to shove the off-balance Ghost Raptor around as one of its drive chains had snapped. Stinger is tossed by Lock-Jaw again, but self-rights. The three robots tussled in the middle of the arena before Stinger, with its flamethrowers active, rammed Ghost Raptor into the housing for the screws as it struggled for mobility but with its bar still spinning. Lock-Jaw the forced Stinger into the path of its blade, shredding its right-front tire. The subsequent flip removed this tire completely as parts of Stinger littered that part of the arena floor. Stinger tries to deter Lock-Jaw with its flamethrower. Now past the halfway mark, Stinger recovered and tried to fight back, but could only ride up the jaws of the Mutant Robots machine as it looked to chalk up Control points. Lock-Jaw dealt another flip and Stinger self-righted, then opting to position its plow like a shield as its missing tire prevented it from being low to the floor. Lock-Jaw's own front wheel was now looking wobbly, but this did not deter the former superheavyweight champion from being aggressive and racking up the flips on Stinger. As it was inverted, Lock-Jaw clamped down on its back end before throwing Matt Maxham's machine back into the screws. Lock-Jaw grabs Stinger late on. With under a minute remaining, Lock-Jaw landed a flip on the immobile Ghost Raptor before turning its attention back to Stinger; the Team PlumbCrazy robot was overturned one final time and grabbed by Lock-Jaw as the buzzer sounded to signal the end of the rumble. The judges awarded a unanimous decision to Lock-Jaw. This proved to be Stinger's last appearance in BattleBots, as the team would not return for the 2018 or 2019 seasons and teamed up with Robotic Death Company from World Championship V until the 2022 re:MARS event.

Results

Competitive Wins/Losses

• Wins: 5
• Losses: 4

Exhibition Wins/Losses

• Wins: 2
• Losses: 1

Total Wins/Losses

• Wins: 7
• Losses: 5

Competition	Wins	Losses
Pro Championship 2009	Bender Counter Revolution Breaker Box (Exhibition)	SubZero Root Canal
World Championship I	Captain Shrederator Warhead Bull Dog, Splatter (Exhibition Rumble)	Bronco
World Championship II	Nightmare	Mega Tento Lock-Jaw (Exhibition Rumble)

Faruq Tauheed Introductions

"It's more lethal than a killer bee. So when you see it coming, you'd better watch your aim. Here to take the world by swarm, it's STINGER!"

"Don't be surprised if you break out into hives. It's yellow, it's black and it's about to attack. Give it up for the killer bee of bots, STINGER!"

"It flies like a butterfly, stings like a bee. Is it the greatest of all time? We'll see. Say hello to STINGER!"

"Every breath you take, every move you make, he'll be wrecking you. It's STINGER!"

"Black and yellow, black and yellow! You know what it is. Wasp out! You're about to bee stung! It's STINGER!"

"If this bot were a rock band, it would be called Bruce Sting-steen and the Bee Street Band. Who's the boss? It's STINGER!"

See Also

• Stinger: The Killer Bee on Facebook
• Stinger: The Killer Bee on Twitter

Trivia

• Matt Maxham attended filming for BattleBots in 2001, and was inspired there to build his own robots.