10 Times WWE Tried To Force Historic Moments

7. Goldberg's Universal Title Win

Paul Heyman, left, celebrates with Brock Lesnar after his win over the Undertaker during Wrestlemania XXX at the Mercedes-Benz Super Dome in New Orleans on Sunday, April 6, 2014. (Jonathan Bachman/AP Images for WWE)
WWE.com

Though his last WWE run spawned plenty of criticism, Goldberg’s comeback was a net positive for the company.

His appearances regularly spiked Raw’s ratings, and his squash Survivor Series win over Brock Lesnar provided one of 2016’s most shocking moments. For the bulk of this spell, Goldberg was WWE’s top babyface, but his reactions noticeably dwindled when he entered the Universal Title hunt, and flattened Kevin Owens at Fastlane.

While this brought KO’s horrific reign to a merciful end, it made little sense to throw the title into the Lesnar/Goldberg feud, as neither could possibly be elevated by holding a seven month old belt. Furthermore, Bill’s win over Owens felt like nothing more than an excuse to fulfil the superhero narrative Goldberg had spun since returning, and give him one last fairytale run with the belt.

By becoming Universal Champion, Goldberg secured the longest gap between holding one of WWE’s world titles, with 13 years, 2 months, and 19 days passing since his World Heavyweight Title reign ended in 2003. This makes it feel like another cynical way to write Goldberg’s name into the record books, and had he not won the belt, his goodwill may have endured until WrestleMania.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.