10 REAL Backstage Wrestling Fights You Didn't Know About

4. Goldberg Vs. Evan Karagias

Eddie Guerrero Hawk
WWE.com

Karagias by nu-metal spelling name, Karagias by nature.

One account of the story is that, ahead of an episode of WCW Nitro in 2000, cruiserweight Evan Karagias walked up to Goldberg, who was sitting with Kevin Nash, and as is custom extended his hand for the light handshake. Goldberg was apparently slow to react, which infuriated the far smaller Karagias. Karagias blew up, scolded Goldberg, and Goldberg responded by grabbing Karagias by the throat and throwing him over a nearby barricade. Goldberg allegedly apologised, which Evan refused to accept, but he was spared a second mauling.

According to the testimony of the Insane Clown Posse, the story goes that Goldberg was lounging around backstage, casually fondling his own testicles, when the handshake was attempted. Karagias, under the impression that Goldberg was going for the Randy Orton special, was repulsed and withdrew. Goldberg perceived this as an act of disrespect - he was the far bigger star every which way - before launching Karagias into hyperspace.

Goldberg was not punished for the incident, which was purportedly observed by WCW security chief Doug Dillinger. Perhaps not wanting to be next, if you believe the ICP, he did nothing.

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!