Goldberg, much like The Ultimate Warrior before him, rose to wrestling stardom not through extensive ring skills but through his look, intensity, and the backing of wrestling executives. His journey to the top was marked by a steep learning curve, especially in understanding the business side of professional wrestling. During an appearance on “Busted Open Radio,” Goldberg reflected on his early career and credited several wrestling veterans who helped him navigate the industry.
Goldberg’s Early Mentors
“I know who helped me on the way up, and I know who didn’t,” Goldberg stated. Among those who guided him were The Steiner Brothers, Rick Rude, Curt Hennig, Meng, The Barbarian, and Bobby Eaton. “I was fortunate enough to have an unbelievable group around me. Guys that really did care,” Goldberg said, emphasizing the support he received from these seasoned wrestlers. He acknowledged that facing adversity was crucial for his growth, saying, “You need adversity to learn and to grow.”
The Challenges of Naiveté
Goldberg admitted that his initial trust in everyone within the business led to some hard lessons. “I was too giving a person in the beginning of my wrestling career because I believed everything that anybody told me that was in the business,” he explained. His naiveté left him vulnerable to the cutthroat nature of the wrestling world. “I didn’t think that people were as vindictive and it was that type of business. Because again, it’s a frickin’ team and it’s fiction. I mean, come on, man.”
Learning the Business
Despite these early challenges, Goldberg recognized the simple but crucial equation of wrestling success: “The more money I make as a top guy, the more money everybody makes. And I can’t be that top guy if it wasn’t for the guys that helped me climb up that ladder.” He acknowledged the role of ego, emotions, and testosterone in creating the business’s competitive environment but remained grateful for the guidance he received from his mentors.
The Role in “Who Killed WCW?”
Goldberg is a key figure in the ongoing “Who Killed WCW?” docuseries, which examines the rise and fall of World Championship Wrestling (WCW). The series, airing its final episode on Tuesday, June 25, on VICE TV, delves into the behind-the-scenes dynamics that shaped WCW’s history, with Goldberg’s story being a significant part of that narrative.
Final Reflections
Looking back, Goldberg’s journey through the wrestling business was marked by both mentorship and the harsh realities of the industry. The guidance he received from veteran wrestlers was instrumental in his rise to fame, but the lessons learned from his early naiveté were equally important. His reflections offer a candid glimpse into the complexities of professional wrestling and the essential role of mentorship and learning from adversity in achieving success.
Stephen’s Insight
Goldberg’s insights highlight the importance of mentorship in professional wrestling. His story serves as a reminder that behind the glitz and glamour of the wrestling world lies a tough, competitive environment where learning from experienced veterans can make all the difference.
