When Goldberg was first signed to WCW in 1997, he was immediately pushed as a top star because of his impressive size and strength. Although Da Man was not always a pro wrestling fan, he ruled the roost in WCW with a staggering winning streak of 173-0. It appeared as if Goldberg was the only invincible wrestler in the business. After Vince McMahon acquired WCW, Goldberg appeared on Vince’s show in 2003. While his appearance on TV was limited, Bill had an impressive first run with WWE.
During his stint which lasted for only a year, Bill Goldberg won the World Heavyweight Championship after defeating Triple H at Unforgiven 2003. His domination on Monday Night Raw was abreast with Brock Lesnar’s on SmackDown.
The duo faced each other in 2004 at WrestleMania 20 and left the company following the match. While WWE pushed Goldberg as a force to be reckoned with, the company was initially reluctant to sign him up.
Jim Ross recalls Goldberg growing bitter towards pro wrestling in 2003
After he was signed with WWE, Goldberg demolished almost everybody in his path including the likes of Triple H and Brock Lesnar. However, Vince McMahon’s company was not always keen on signing Goldberg to his part-time contract.
Speaking on the Grilling JR podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Good Ol’ JR spoke volumes about Goldberg’s first run with the company. According to Jim Ross, Goldberg may have made a lot of money during his stint but he did not “enjoy his stay”.
Ross stated that the company wanted Goldberg to spend more time with them so that they could invest more in him but Goldberg did not budge and was adamant about working part-time.
“I think he didn’t enjoy his stay there by and large”.
“We were close to making his dreams come true, so to speak, on the money. But, we got to have you around enough to get you over so we can maximize our investment in you and you can make more money.” Said JR.
JR admitted that Goldberg grew bitter towards the business in 2003. However, Da Man returned in 2016 and reignited his feud with The Beast Incarnate, Brock Lesnar. His second run with the company proved to be more fruitful. At present, Goldberg has reportedly signed a new deal with WWE and is expected to return soon.
Vince McMahon was not impressed by Goldberg due to his lack of product knowledge
Further during the podcast, JR explained how Vince McMahon was not very keen on signing Goldberg due to his lack of product knowledge. Although Goldberg had the archetypical build of a wrestler that is admired by Vince McMahon, he was a wrestling novice and his asking price was too high.
McMahon was not willing to shell out the money on a wrestling “neophyte”. It is important to note that even Bill’s impressive WCW profile was not enough to impress the then-boss, Vince McMahon. Despite McMahon’s hesitation, Goldberg was given the opportunity to make a name for himself in the business.
Vince was probably underwhelmed of Bill’s lack of product knowledge. But he [McMahon] sure as he*l liked the way he looked and he was intelligent and articulate. I remember that meeting, it was just, we didn’t have a… Our system wasn’t good and Goldberg was expecting big money. We weren’t ready to give out big money to neophytes, so to speak.”
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