What if certain moments in the history of sports-entertainment had gone another way? If one fork in the road was taken instead of the other, how would the professional wrestling industry as a whole been affected? Ive read a few blogs on this very topicnot manybut, those I have come across just dont have too much meat on the bone to be honest. Maybe thats due to the fact that being a part of the wrestling business for the past 23 years, I know of certain instances that took place behind the curtain that could have had a dramatic affect on the entire history had they gone another way. Today, we are going to examine those instances, and dive deeply into what would have, could have and maybe even SHOULD HAVE happened when it came to certain crucial points in our beloved world of sports-entertainment/professional wrestling.
10. What If Bill Goldberg Would Have Become A Full-Fledged Heel In His Late WCW Run?
When Ed Ferrara and myself arrived at the scene at WCW in October 1999, it was at a point where Bill Goldberg had accomplished perhaps everything he ever could as a babyface for the company. Prior to us arriving on the scene, Goldberg had a monumental run with the company, even iconic, when it came to an unbeaten streak that is still talked about to this very day. As WCWs lead babyface, Goldberg was over huge, as the combination of his talent and his push really didnt leave too much on the table. As a matter of fact at the time, I think its far to say that Goldberg was just as over---if not even more---then WWEs Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock. However, by the time we arrived with our pencil and paper, Goldbergs streak was long gone, and his popularity as a babyface was dwindling. To his defense, none of that was his fault, with the monumental climb of his success for all those years---there wasnt any room to advance any higher. Again, in getting back to Austin and The Rock, you have to take into consideration that Goldberg was never presented as a multi-dimensional talent. He didnt have the acting chops of the mentioned WWE Superstars, when push came to shoveGOLDBERG WAS A KILLING MACHINE. Therefore in an attempt to prolong his popularity, once I was teamed with Eric Bischoff on a creative levelwe both made the decision to turn Bill Goldberg heel. Only problem was that Goldberg disagreed with our decision and never embraced the change. So the question remains, what would have happened if Goldberg married the idea of becoming a full-fledged heel Even though we will never know the answer to that question, I am convinced that he COULD have been just as over as when he was a babyface, and given his character new meaning and life. However, just for the record, to this day I know that Bill thinks differently.
Former head of creative for the WWF and WCW during the most crucial period in wrestling industry history. Currently working on pyroandballyhoo.com, writing weekly slideshows exclusively for WhatCulture.com.
