This Day in History: One Match Summed Up WCW's Greatness and Stupidity

Justin LaBarJun 7, 2018

On this day 14 years ago, one of the biggest matches as well as one of the biggest financial mistakes in professional wrestling was made.

WCW Monday Night Nitro coming from the Georgia Dome, with the main event of the undefeated Goldberg against world champion Hollywood Hulk Hogan. Streak versus the New World Order having control of the world title—something was going to give. It was a classic big-fight feel, build and storyline effect—and it was all done on free television.

This match summed up the life of WCW in the '90s under the reign of television executives, not wrestling guys. Lightning in a bottle, millions of fans captivated, and WCW shoots themselves in the foot.

WCW, owned by Turner Broadcasting, was of a ratings mindset. They wanted huge television numbers and overlooked the value of building a wrestling product around pay-per-view buys.

It's crazy to think the pay-per-view numbers or potential records WCW missed out on and could have set had they made people pay $30 to see this match. They could have had eight other irrelevant matches on the card and this still would have been worth paying for and still would've sold out the Georgia Dome.

As I look back at the entire segment, beginning with Goldberg's entrance, I still get goose bumps. The long walk with security to the ring gives it the big-fight feel. I thought during this time the commentators did a great job setting the scene. They talked about how unstoppable Goldberg has been, how he used to play NFL football in the Georgia Dome and commented on Goldberg's demeanor.

Sometimes they say the best thing to say is nothing at all. In my opinion, this holds true for when Goldberg is making his entrance.

Stay quiet and let us soak it in. Tony Schiavone is talking about this being his moment and standing by himself as the pyro goes off. They did a great job speaking as he walked to the ring because it needed narration; once he walked out in front of the crowd, they should have remained quiet until he got to ringside.

The roar of the crowd chanting Goldberg, sounds of the pyro explosions, the sounds Goldberg was making—all mixed together, they said more than any words in the English language that could have done the situation justice. Have silence until he makes it to ringside and then have Heenan start talking about “Do it for the fans, do it for me, get rid of Hogan.”

The match was well done. It didn't drag on but wasn't short. The moment Goldberg lifts up Hogan for the Jackhammer, the sound of the crowd, the trash and toilet paper streaming into the ring from the masses, followed by the slam to the mat—it was a historical moment in wrestling.

It was the most basic elements of storytelling. A tyrant gang leader had control of the establishment. A machine of a man rose up and went through everybody to get to the leader. He beat the leader in his hometown to get a win and bring momentum back to the establishment. It was beautiful, and it was all free to watch.

But hey, that was the go-home episode of Nitro before the Bash at the Beach pay-per-view six days later. Surely, this huge night for WCW made you believe something bigger featuring Dennis Rodman was on tap for the pay-per-view that you needed to spend money on.

Six days after this monumental win, Goldberg, as the new champion, didn't even defend his title in the main event. Two NBA players went at with each other to finish the night.