On the February 9, 1998, episode of WCW Monday Nitro, we got a match that was often described as “controversial” and “awful” in Goldberg vs. Steven Regal.
Having watched that match at the time, I didn’t think much of it. I didn’t think it was awful or good, it was just a longer than usual Goldberg match.
In the end, he still won but I’d stopped caring about the streak much earlier than others. It did pique my interest as it was lengthy for Goldberg but short for Regal.
Years later and I dig this ugly match-up. It’s not flashy or classy, it’s trashy.
Goldberg vs. Regal
There have been two sides to this story. William Regal said they were both backstage when they were told to have a competitive match by an agent.
“Competitive match” means just as it says on the tin. I’m sure why WCW would decide on this day in 1998 to give Goldberg an attempt at a competitive bout.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXBwVj_i0uk&t=330s
In 1998, WCW wasn’t really doing anything with Regal, and Goldberg had been running through everyone since his debut.
According to Goldberg, Regal took advantage of a green wrestler and being very stiff with him throughout the match. At some points in the match, he did catch some clean kicks to the head from his lordship.
My Take on the Match
I view this match as being just unwieldy but I like that kind of stuff in the match. It comes off as more of a legit match. Regal was just pawing at Goldberg while trying to maneuver him into position or attempt holds.
Meanwhile, Goldberg was attempting to follow through and keep up but this stuff was Martian calculus, basically. As far as taking advantage, I can see that but not in the sense of intentionally trying to hurt Goldberg.
You can say—and many have—that Regal took advantage by outwrestling a rookie who was getting a big push in an attempt to expose his lack of ability…which WCW didn’t hire him for and definitely didn’t put him in place to do.
Ultimately, I just think this is an awkward match and maybe someone backstage who had a gripe with Goldberg found the perfect hammer in Regal. “Competitive match” hit Regal’s ears and he was off to the races.
Although, Goldberg had competitive matches with Meng and Mongo—which were also not high praise-worthy—and didn’t seem to have a problem with either.
They’re definitely not William Regal in the ring but he managed to get through the matches without being exposed.
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