• Look Back In History
• Pmessages
• Quiz
• Stump The Staff
• Top Fifty
• Close

With One Match Left on His Contract, Goldberg Not Ruling Out Extending Run With WWE

Posted: Jan 6th 2022 By: Justin Barrasso

Twenty-three years have passed since Starrcade 1998, one of the most memorable moments in the career of Bill Goldberg.

The pro wrestling landscape was markedly different back then, largely dominated by World Championship Wrestling. It had the NWO and the phenom known as Bill Goldberg, who defeated “Hollywood” Hogan for the world title that July.

In ’98, for the second year in a row, Starrcade was held at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C. And for the second straight year, the main event included a highly controversial finish. The previous year, referee Nick Patrick failed to make a fast-count in the Hogan-Sting bout, ruining any sort of “screwjob” that the debuting Bret Hart was poised to prevent from happening. Then, at Starrcade ’98, Goldberg lost the WCW title to Kevin Nash after Scott Hall—in disguise as a security guard—electrocuted Goldberg with a cattle prod.

Those watching the show can still vividly recall the finish. At the height of his power, Goldberg set up the spear, only to get stunned by the cattle prod and then take one of Nash’s signature jackknife powerbombs. Nash then covered Goldberg for the pin, winning the title and ending Goldberg’s remarkable (story line) streak of 173 victories in a row.

“There is one thing I wanted to do differently,” Goldberg says. “I wanted the cattle prod to be a different one. I wanted it to be the one that shot out and stuck into you and lit you up. I was told no, we couldn’t do that. Maybe I was being unrealistic, but I thought that was going to be the coolest thing ever.”

All these years later, Goldberg has no issue with the finish booked by Nash, which had the potential to enlarge the Goldberg vs. NWO story arc.

“I’ll always respect Kevin,” Goldberg says. “The guy had a hell of a mind and he’s a hell of a talent. And I’ll always profess that I am not on the booking committee. I’m a guy that comes and does his job.”

That Starrcade match took place on Goldberg’s 32nd birthday. Last week, Goldberg celebrated another birthday, turning 55. He still wrestles a match or two a year for WWE, and he has one more match on his current deal with the company, but that is not the only place to watch his work.

Goldberg returns this week to ABC’s hit show The Goldbergs, reprising his role as Coach Nick Mellor. First cast to appear on the program five years ago, Goldberg is thrilled to continue to play a role in the success of the show.

“When you’re surrounded by that wonderful of a cast, you’re going to be funny by osmosis,” Goldberg says. “It’s a privilege to be part of it, and I’m also very proud to be the only Goldberg on set.”

Sharing a particularly strong chemistry on screen with Wendi McLendon-Covey, who does a remarkable job in her portrayal of Beverly Goldberg, he is eager for people to see this episode—which includes the chance to see Goldberg dance.

“Wendy is a huge animal lover, and she and my wife are friends on social media,” Goldberg says. “Every time I’m on set, she loves talking about my wife’s animals. I’ve been a fan of hers for years, since Reno 911!. It’s just a great team with The Goldbergs. The director, the cast, everyone welcomes me with open arms, and I am honored to be part of this family.

“And yes, it looks like this is the episode where I’ll be dancing. I like to be the antithesis of what people think that I am, and this episode will pound that point further home.”

Even when he isn’t on screen weekly for WWE, Goldberg still follows the product. He was particularly engaged during Big E’s run as WWE champion, noting that the member of The New Day is one of the most captivating performers in the industry.

“I’m a huge fan of Big E, both personally and professionally,” Goldberg says. “It was wonderful to see him as champion. I know he lost the belt [at Day 1], but it’s only going to be a bump in the road.

“I feel like I’m old enough to be his grandfather. I’m extremely proud of him. I first met Big E when he was a kid at one of my signings. For him to be a fan of mine throughout the years, it’s an honor and a privilege. Now, I am a fan of his. I love his work, I love his enthusiasm, I love his passion. To me, he’s the prototype for a wrestling superstar in 2022.”

With a career arc unlike anyone else in the history of the industry, Goldberg has built a Hall of Fame career. There are a couple of low spots that will also be attached to his portfolio, yet his highs were extraordinary. He infused energy and excitement into pro wrestling like few others, ever, during his WCW run.

“I have cemented a legacy,” Goldberg says. “It’s been tarnished a little bit. There is a huge risk every time I come back, and that’s a challenge I’ve taken on. But looking at the whole, I am honored and privileged to be Goldberg in the WCW days, and I am still honored to be doing it today.

“I’m the last one that should pass judgment on his career. I try not to look back too often. I’m not a fatalist, but I don’t like the end of anything. If looking back brings me closer to the end, I’d rather wait until it’s over.”

Remarkably, more than two decades after the end of WCW, Goldberg is still active, with one more match on his current deal. He last performed at WWE’s Crown Jewel show in October, defeating Bobby Lashley in a no-holds-barred, falls-count-anywhere match.

“That’s what I needed,” Goldberg says. “I love Bobby and wanted to work with him for years, and we clicked. I was given more time to get ready for that match, and I was really happy with it. Not to beat a broken record, but that’s what happens when I have more time.”

Despite Father Time constantly reminding him that he is no longer 25, Goldberg still looks like an action figure come to life. That is no easy task at any age, let alone at 55.

“As a power wrestler, it’s tough,” Goldberg says. “It’s not easy to do this at my age. But I knew that, and I said the hell with it. For me, the prize is worth it, and that’s to open up opportunities for my son. If I can continue to do what I’m doing and continue to provide opportunities for him, then I’ll consider this a success.”

Moving forward, Goldberg has plenty of options. He will fulfill his WWE contract and deliver one more match, possibly as soon as WrestleMania 38. And while he is open to the possibility of extending his run with the company, his current focus is the present.

“I’m focused on what’s next,” Goldberg says. “If they want to come back to me with something, we’ll talk. You never know what the future holds.”