2. WCW Championship Match: Goldberg vs. Kevin Nash - Starrcade 1998
Starrcade 1998 was yet another instance of WCW putting its top babyface Goldberg in a main event against another wildly popular star, that being the leader of the nWo Wolfpac faction, Kevin Nash. In one of the biggest main events of the year, Goldberg would put his WCW Championship and his 173-0 winning streak on the line against one of the most decorated stars of the decade. It was a huge match and one that should have served to strengthen the phenomenon's title reign. Instead, it served as the moment the Titanic that was WCW hit the ice berg and began its long and painful descent into the icy waters of the Atlantic. In one of the most shocking conclusions to a main event ever produced by Ted Turner's promotion, Nash capitalized on Scott Hall's interference (complete with the use of a stun gun), delivering a jackknife powerbomb and pinning the previously unconquerable beast to win the WCW title. Fans understandably reacted with furious anger, blaming Nash's backstage political maneuvering, and the fact that he was the head booker at that point in time, for the decision. And they were probably right, despite Big Sexy's assertions that he was doing what he felt was best for the business. In one fell swoop, the mystique that had been built up around Goldberg was gone. There was no putting the genie back in the lamp. The magic was gone and Goldberg's effectiveness as the draw he was prior to that match was dead. Too many questionable booking decisions afterward would kill Goldberg, taking the luster off of him and leaving him just another overpaid star dragging down the quality of main events by the time the company reached its final days.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
