10 Times Great Wrestlers Got Lazy In Big Matches

2. Goldberg Vs. Brock Lesnar (WrestleMania XX)

Wrestlemania 20 Brock Lesnar Bill Godberg
WWE.com

It's borderline miraculous that the 2016/17 Brock Lesnar vs. Goldberg program was such a strong net positive for WWE, given the duo's previous interactions. Granted, their last big match had taken place in a bygone era, but WrestleMania XX produced a shambles of a bout that stands among the worst on either man's resume.

There's a good reason for it. Lesnar and Goldberg were on their way out of WWE at the time, which not only led to both men taking it easy from bell to bell, but the crowd booing them out of the building. The audience knew that the duo would soon depart, and their combined lack of effort sent the hatred through the roof, knocking the apathetic brutes off their game.

Lesnar and Goldberg were rattled. Instead of using the negativity to drive them to a better performance, they slowed things down even further, with the match resembling nothing more than an elongated staredown.

Goldberg downed his opponent with a Jackhammer, bringing the match to a merciful end, with special referee Steve Austin delivering Stone Cold Stunners to both afterwards, drawing the segment's only noticeable crowd pop.

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Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.