When Bill Goldberg appeared on the WCW scene in the late 1990s, he quickly rose to fame thanks to his impressive strength, explosive moves, and an undefeated streak of 173-0. Despite his rapid success, it’s easy to forget that Goldberg was initially booed by fans during his WCW debut in 1997. Before making his first live TV appearance, Goldberg had performed at several house shows and taped matches for “WCW Saturday Night.” His debut on “WCW Nitro” took place on September 22, 1997, in a brief three-minute match against Hugh Moras. Though Goldberg dominated the match, his win surprised many, especially since commentators Tony Schiavone and Mike Tenay—known for their deep wrestling knowledge—were unfamiliar with him at the time.
Despite the negative reaction from the crowd following his first solo victory, WCW still pushed Goldberg to the forefront, crowning him as their next top star. Less than a year after his debut, Goldberg defeated Hulk Hogan to win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship at the George Dome in Atlanta. He held the title for 174 days before losing to Kevin Nash at 1998 Starcade.
Fan Take: Goldberg’s journey from booed newcomer to world champion highlights how wrestling fans’ perceptions can change quickly with strong performances and storytelling. For WWE fans, it’s a reminder that star power can emerge unexpectedly, shaking up the industry and keeping the sport exciting.
