Becoming WCW World Champion was a big moment for Bill Goldberg, but holding the gold in 1998 wasn’t the best moment for the man himself.
The undefeated Goldberg defeated Hollywood Hogan for the title in July of that year in a historic moment in Atlanta’s Georgia Dome.
In a recent appearance on 93.7 The Ticket, Goldberg reflected on the win and how it tied his past with the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons into his wrestling career. He said,
“At the end of the night, when we went off the air, the [NFL’s Atlanta] Falcons came and saved me [from the nWo]. Hands down, that was the best night of my wrestling career. And it had nothing to do with the belt.”
In the interview, Goldberg recalled his days of struggling to avoid getting cut from the Falcons which made the save by the NFL team after the match extra special.
Goldberg held the title until December when he lost the gold and his streak to Kevin Nash, thanks in part to Scott Hall using a taser.
Bill Goldberg Reflects on Winning WCW World Championship and NFL Connection
In 1998, Bill Goldberg achieved a significant milestone in his wrestling career by becoming the WCW World Champion. However, the man himself admits that holding the gold wasn’t the most memorable aspect of that momentous occasion.
Goldberg’s undefeated streak led him to a historic victory over Hollywood Hogan for the WCW World Championship in July 1998 at Atlanta’s Georgia Dome. This triumph solidified his status as one of the most dominant forces in professional wrestling at the time.
During a recent appearance on 93.7 The Ticket, Goldberg took a trip down memory lane and shared his reflections on that unforgettable win. He revealed that the best part of that night had nothing to do with the championship belt. Instead, it was the involvement of his former NFL team, the Atlanta Falcons, that made it truly special.
“At the end of the night, when we went off the air, the Falcons came and saved me [from the nWo]. Hands down, that was the best night of my wrestling career. And it had nothing to do with the belt,” Goldberg expressed during the interview.
Goldberg’s connection with the Atlanta Falcons dates back to his days as a professional football player. Before transitioning to wrestling, he faced numerous challenges while trying to secure a spot on the Falcons’ roster. The team’s involvement in his championship win symbolized a full-circle moment for Goldberg, merging his past in football with his flourishing wrestling career.
The WCW World Championship reign lasted until December of that year when Goldberg lost both the title and his undefeated streak to Kevin Nash. The defeat came as a result of Scott Hall utilizing a taser, which played a significant role in ending Goldberg’s dominant run.
Despite losing the championship, Goldberg’s impact on professional wrestling remains undeniable. His undefeated streak and subsequent title win solidified his status as one of WCW’s biggest stars during the late 1990s.
To relive this historic moment, fans can watch the footage of Goldberg’s championship victory over Hollywood Hogan on WCW Nitro, July 6, 1998.
Goldberg’s journey from struggling football player to wrestling icon serves as an inspiration to many. His connection with the Atlanta Falcons, both in his past and present, adds an extra layer of significance to his championship win. As Goldberg continues to make sporadic appearances in the wrestling world, his legacy as a dominant force in sports entertainment remains intact.