In a revealing moment during Vice TV’s “Who Killed WCW?” documentary series, wrestling legend Goldberg opened up about his early struggles and pivotal moments during his career in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). The second episode of the documentary, which delves deep into the demise of WCW, unearthed candid reflections from Goldberg and other key figures from the era.
Goldberg’s Rise and Unforgettable Streak
Back in 1997 and throughout 1998, WCW experienced a meteoric rise fueled in part by the unstoppable force known as Goldberg. As a rookie wrestler, Goldberg quickly ascended to the pinnacle of WCW’s roster, captivating audiences with an unprecedented undefeated streak. His matches were marked by lightning-fast victories courtesy of his trademark Spear and Jackhammer combination.
The apex of Goldberg’s ascent came on July 6, 1998, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, where he dethroned wrestling icon Hulk Hogan to claim the WCW World Championship. However, his reign was short-lived, as he later dropped the title to Kevin Nash, marking the end of his 173-match undefeated streak—a number later revealed to be embellished for dramatic effect.
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The Candid Confession
During the documentary, Goldberg recounted a pivotal moment in a match against the late Scott Hall, where he admitted to making a critical error. “I screw a spot up,” Goldberg recalled, “and [Hall] looks up at me and goes, ‘Yo, man, what are you doing?’ And my reaction was, ‘I don’t f*cking know what I’m doing.'”
The admission shed light on the immense pressure Goldberg faced as a rising star in WCW. Live on television and in front of thousands of fans, Goldberg’s uncertainty during that match highlighted the challenges of performing at the highest level in professional wrestling.
Learning from Mistakes
Despite the initial setback, Goldberg emphasized that the experience was a turning point in his career. “I was scared sh*tless,” he admitted, “because I didn’t know what was next. I didn’t know what to do.” This moment prompted Goldberg to delve deeper into the nuances of the wrestling business, a realization that would shape his approach to future matches and his overall career trajectory.
Reactions and Fallout
Kevin Nash, reflecting on Goldberg’s revelation, remarked that such situations underscored the importance of being able to think on the fly—a crucial skill for any wrestler, especially one in a top-tier position tasked with carrying the company.
Legacy and Lingering Controversy
The documentary also touched on lingering controversies surrounding Goldberg’s career, notably his inadvertent kick to Bret Hart’s head, which ultimately ended Hart’s in-ring career. Despite Goldberg’s repeated apologies over the years, the incident remains a point of contention, as highlighted by Bret Hart’s persistent grievances.
Stephen’s Insight
Goldberg’s candid admission offers fans a rare glimpse into the raw, unscripted world of professional wrestling. It underscores the intense pressures faced by performers and the critical junctures that can define careers.
