15 Biggest False Narratives In Wrestling History

13. Goldberg Should Have Been So Much More

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WWE

Yes, WCW hastened the demise of the Goldberg character through its staggering incompetence - but da narratives surrounding Da Man are very much myopic. 

An idea persists that, between them, in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, WCW and WWE totally botched Goldberg. And it’s not remotely untrue - but what’s lost is that Goldberg wasn’t blameless. Goldberg, done dirty, would have been done regardless. 

Goldberg worked precisely two great extended back-and-forth matches that crept up to the 10 minute mark (Vs. Diamond Dallas Page, Halloween Havoc ‘98, Vs. Scott Steiner, Fall Brawl 2000).

Goldberg’s appeal was as explosive and sudden as his spear. 

Not every wrestler is Hiroshi Tanahashi. Not every wrestler has an enduring appeal and the ability to craft an intricate, lengthy in-ring masterpiece. Not every wrestler becomes more sympathetic the more physically thrashed they are. Not every wrestler can work on top for a very long time. 

Goldberg, ultimately, was a fad mutilated by bad creative - but even a great booker would struggle to do much with him after a couple of years in a post-territory landscape.

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!