10 Times Wrestlers Went Into Business For Themselves In The Ring

9. William Regal Shoot Wrestles Goldberg

Act Yakusawa Yoshiko Stardom
WWE.com

Bill Goldberg was well into his legendary undefeated streak by February 1998, when Steven (William) Regal was served up as his latest victim on an episode of Nitro. The plan demanded the Englishman lose within a minute or two, as was the norm, but Regal didn't play ball.

He worked noticeably more aggressively against Goldberg, throwing him into a number of legitimate holds and submissions, which caught the future WCW Champion off-guard. This resulted in the bout stretching way beyond Goldberg's usual runtime, and dragged it out to over six minutes, with Bill struggling to work his way through Regal's shoot-style onslaught.

Regal eventually lost the match as planned, but it was a lot more competitive than anyone had imagined, including Goldberg. The Englishman worked just one further match before he was released from the company, although it's unclear whether or not the shoot played a role in this. Regal has claimed that the company told him to have a competitive match, but that wouldn't be in-line with the way Goldberg was being booked at the time, and rumours still persist that he went into business with himself because he didn't want to be squashed.

 
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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.