10 Awesome Times Wrestlers Learned From Their Mistakes

2. Bret Hart Wears A Chest Protector

Bret Hart stunner
WWE Network

Along similar lines, Bret Hart - who was very intelligent - managed to do something intelligent as WCW itself descended into legendarily dumb farce.

Goldberg had two moves, so he wasn't exactly a puzzle to solve, but Bret solved him where a legion of squashed opponents didn't by wearing a metal sheet under a hockey jersey and knocking him cold when he attempted his Spear.

This was that rare, babyface-looks-a-bit-stupid angle that actually worked, because it was fiendishly clever and Goldberg didn't fall for anything twice. It presented the otherwise invincible Goldberg as vulnerable without him absorbing a loss or receiving some damaging "You can't wrestle" barb or other. It was one of the last genius things WCW ever did: a means of actually getting elusive heat at his expense.

Regrettably, Goldberg gave him quite the receipt.

Hart should have worn a helmet in the main event of Starrcade 1999, at which Goldberg kicked his legendary career into oblivion with his recklessness and lack of skill. It was an accident towards which Goldberg has subsequently shown remorse, it should be acknowledged.

It just continues to hurt because Bret is so beloved.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!