WWE: 10 Wrestlers Loved As Upcomers But Hated Once Popular
3. Goldberg
There have been many undefeated streaks in wrestling. Most of those streaks eventually became meaningless, but other than The Undertaker's streak at WrestleMania, the only streak that has attained anywhere near the same status is Goldberg's 173-match undefeated streak to start his career in WCW. Starting in September 1997 against Hugh Morrus, Goldberg emphatically and decisively tore through WCW's entire roster. Laying waste to wrestlers like Perry Saturn, Raven, The Giant, Chris Jericho and a majority of the nWo before claiming the WCW World Heavyweight Championship from Hulk Hogan in July 1998. Goldberg was a worthy foil for the New World Order and helped keep WCW ahead in the ratings war for the remainder of 1998. Whether or not Goldberg deserved such a streak, or such status so quickly and early into his career has always been highly debated and drew ire for Goldberg. Sports entertainment had long had the reputation of being an industry that rewarded those that paid dues before having the spotlight, something that many feel Goldberg did not do, even earning him the mocking moniker of "Greenberg" from Chris Jericho, a name and stigma that would stick with Goldberg through the rest of his wrestling career. One of the results of Goldberg's lack of experience in the ring lead to a reputation for not being the best in-ring technician and potentially unsafe at times, as a mule kick from Goldberg is blamed for ending Bret Hart's career (though Bret would wrestle a few matches after that) which earned him more scorn from the fans. There is also his exit from WWE which came to a boil at WrestleMania 20 in 2004. While his achievements in wrestling in two relatively short stints are near legendary and there are still fans out there that long for at least one more match, Goldberg is viewed by many as one of the most undeserving stars of all time.
JV Vernola has been a wrestling fan since he was three (around the same time Hogan was bodyslamming Andre) and has been able to write almost as long. He lives in the scorched earth that is the Arizona desert while trying to maintain awesomeness.