Highlights
- Goldberg's rise to superstardom in WCW and WWE was marred by controversy and fan frustration due to his limited wrestling abilities.
- The infamous kick that ended Bret Hart's career at Starrcade 1999 cast a dark shadow over Goldberg's reputation as an unsafe worker who couldn't protect his opponents.
- While Goldberg deserves some blame for his controversial career, external factors like WWE's booking decisions also played a significant role in the incidents that tarnished his legacy.
Goldberg's meteoric rise in WCW and WWE, marked by an unprecedented undefeated streak catapulted him to superstardom. Yet beneath the aura of invincibility lay the seeds of controversy. Fans marveled at his incredible strength but craved more technical finesse. Then there were the incidents that etched his name in the annals of wrestling infamy. The brutal kick that ended Bret Hart's career at Starrcade 1999, the botched encounter with The Undertaker at Super Showdown 2019, and the divisive victory over "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt at Super Showdown 2020. But, as with many complex stories in wrestling, the truth behind Goldberg's controversial legacy is a tapestry of choices and circumstances, where culpability is not always clear-cut. The question that looms now is whether Goldberg deserves his controversial reputation.
Goldberg Ended Bret Hart's Wrestling Career
Bill Goldberg's arrival on the wrestling scene in the late 1990s was nothing short of a phenomenon. However, Goldberg's wrestling abilities were quite limited compared to many of his peers. Unlike other wrestlers who had honed their craft over years of training and competition, Goldberg's move set was relatively small, primarily consisting of a few signature moves like the spear and the jackhammer. For fans who appreciated the technical aspects of wrestling, this was a source of frustration.
The most infamous and controversial moment in Goldberg's career came during his match against the legendary Bret "The Hitman" Hart at Starrcade 1999. In this high-profile encounter, Goldberg delivered a stiff and reckless kick to Hart's head, causing a legitimate injury. The kick was part of a match-ending sequence that went awry, leading to a concussion for Hart and the subsequent end of his wrestling career. This incident cast a dark shadow over Goldberg's career, as it raised questions about his in-ring safety and his ability to protect his opponents from harm. The repercussions of this incident continue to resonate, as throughout the years to this day, Bret Hart has publicly blamed Goldberg for the loss of his career and millions of dollars, and labeled him an unsafe worker.
RELATED: 13 Worst Botches Of Goldberg's Career
Matches With The Undertaker And Bray Wyatt Hurt Goldberg's Legacy
Goldberg's return to WWE, while eagerly anticipated by many fans, quickly became marred by a series of incidents that further tarnished his reputation as an unsafe worker. One of the most memorable and criticized moments occurred during his match with The Undertaker at Super Showdown 2019. The match quickly spiraled into a series of botches and dangerous moments. Goldberg reportedly concussed himself early in the match, leading to severe coordination problems. His botched jackhammer attempt on The Undertaker led to a dangerous impact, and he dropped The Undertaker on his head, putting both wrestlers at significant risk of injury.
Adding to the controversy, Goldberg's return to WWE wasn't limited to just this incident. At Super Showdown 2020, he was booked in a match against "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt, who was at the time one of WWE's hottest properties and a fan favorite as the Universal Champion. The outcome of the match was unexpected and deeply unpopular with fans as Goldberg defeated Wyatt, thus ending The Fiend's mystique. Many fans felt that a part-time legend defeating a rising and popular star like The Fiend was a questionable booking decision that hurt WWE's long-term storytelling and frustrated their loyal audience.
RELATED: Goldberg Is Still Resented By Some In WWE For Being A WCW Guy
In Defense Of Goldberg's Controversial Career
Goldberg's wrestling career has been marred by several controversies, and while he bears some responsibility for these incidents, a deeper examination reveals that the issues are multifaceted. In the case of the infamous Bret Hart incident at Starrcade 1999, it is undeniable that Goldberg's actions led to an injury that ended Hart's career prematurely especially since Hart has claimed that he asked Goldberg before the match not to do anything that could hurt him. However, Goldberg himself has acknowledged his error and expressed that the injury was never his intention. He has publicly apologized to Bret Hart numerous times. Turning to the match with The Undertaker at Super Showdown 2019, it's essential to note that Goldberg, at this stage in his career, was not in his prime physical condition. The match itself was chaotic and riddled with dangerous moments, including Goldberg concussing himself during the contest. While Goldberg's performance was far from flawless, the question of why WWE would book two legends, both past their wrestling prime, in such a high-stakes match comes into play. The blame shifts somewhat to WWE's decision-makers, who chose to capitalize on nostalgia rather than prioritize the safety and quality of the match.
The controversy surrounding Goldberg's victory over "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt at Super Showdown 2020 adds another layer of complexity. In an interview with SHAK Wrestling, Goldberg revealed he was originally booked to lose to the Fiend, and he was fine with it. He said, "I've never said anything that wasn't true in the wrestling business. I'm a talent and I do what the boss tells me to do. I flew to Saudi Arabia knowing that I was gonna lose. Then somehow it changed, and the finish was different. And it surely wasn't me. Because it's an extremely selfish move, number one, to do. Number two, then truly it wouldn't be about the business, it would be about myself. And number three, who the hell am I as a part-time guy to come in and demand anything?"
Goldberg's controversial reputation in wrestling is a complex issue with various factors at play. While he has made mistakes that have led to injuries and fan backlash, there are also instances where external factors, such as WWE's booking decisions, played a significant role, but if his intentions and words are true, the hate he receives from many fans and wrestlers might be unwarranted.
