10 Worst WWE Moments Of 2004

It's amazing how fan reactions change depending on what's going on behind the scenes. For example, this very same match was greeted warmly by WWE audiences in both 2016 and 2017 despite flopping back in 2004. Heading into WrestleMania XX, the fanbase caught wind that Goldberg and Brock Lesnar would be leaving imminently, and they decided to give both men a piece of their collective minds.

Brock and Bill were cooked once news leaked out that they'd be goners post-'Mania. Madison Square Garden, long known as a loyal hotbed for the WWF/WWE product, booed both guys out of the building and refused to acknowledge their match as anything more than a contractual obligation. The only person who received any kind of positive response was guest ref Steve Austin.

'Stone Cold' seemed to find that rather funny. He struggled to hide a smile as Lesnar and Goldberg exchanged awkward glances and phoned in physicality. One of the biggest matches WWE could've placed on the midcard turned into a farce as soon as the bell sounded, and everyone inside the ring was powerless to stop the tidal wave of hate winging their way.

Privately, Brock had grown weary of the relentless WWE schedule and wanted out. Meanwhile, former WCW phenomenon Goldberg hadn't enjoyed his first year in the promotion and fancied going home too. MSG gave these soon-to-be-former WWE stars both barrels from the off.

It makes for a unique watch nowadays, but the first Brock vs. Bill bout from 2004 was roundly (and rightly) considered a total disaster at the time. The only thing that could've possibly made it even worse? A match-halting injury to either guy. New York probably would've cheered for that, come to think of it.