One of the most memorable matches in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) history, for both good and bad reasons, took place during the 1998 Halloween Havoc Pay-per-View. In true WCW fashion, the evening’s main event featuring Goldberg against Diamond Dallas Page was so lengthy that the pay-per-view feed cut off just before it started, resulting in numerous disappointed fans requesting refunds. Ironically, those viewers missed out on what would become one of WCW’s finest main events.
Goldberg, as a performer, thrives on one key element: structure. When envisioning his undefeated streak in WCW, scenes of an electrifying entrance, fans chanting his name, followed by his signature spear, jackhammer, and subsequent victory come to mind. However, faced with an opponent like DDP who wasn’t keen on being quickly subdued, Goldberg’s match needed to extend longer and build more tension. Unfortunately, the lack of structure hindered him as DDP, known for his precise timing and mic skills, entered the ring.
The combination of Goldberg’s need for a scripted match and DDP’s meticulous nature resulted in a compelling ten-minute contest that avoided excess theatrics. With Goldberg’s undefeated status on the line, DDP played a strategic game, keeping his distance and provoking the champion until an opening arose. At this point in his career, Goldberg was still somewhat inexperienced, making DDP’s strategy even more impressive to the audience at home.
Despite only lasting ten minutes, the match left fans on the edge of their seats. A pivotal moment came when Goldberg accidentally struck the ring post while attempting a spear. He managed to recover but found himself unable to execute the jackhammer, allowing Page to seize the opportunity for a dramatic diamond cutter. Although Goldberg kicked out, DDP eventually capitalized on the confusion to secure a win against the champion.
This thrilling encounter was later broadcast on “WCW Monday Nitro” to make up for the previous technical issues, leading to it being viewed by more fans than any other match in WCW’s history. What they experienced was one of the few main events that truly delivered, and it remains one of Goldberg’s standout matches. While it may not be a textbook example of wrestling finesse, it definitely offered an exhilarating experience.
Written by Sam Palmer
Fan Take:
This match matters to wrestling fans because it exemplifies the highs and lows of live sports entertainment, showcasing the unpredictability that can make or break a wrestling event. For the sport, it highlights the importance of storytelling and audience engagement—elements that are crucial for creating memorable moments and drawing fans into the drama of professional wrestling.
