Goldberg in the Hall of Fame?

[OYDK]

A lot of people have been talking about how WWE can finally induct Sting into the HOF, now that he has signed a contract with the WWE (assuming he actually did) and this has got me thinking about some of the WCW guys who have previously been in the WWE such as Scott Steiner. As you can see by the post however I am solely focusing on Goldberg here.

Let's look back at Goldberg's career:

-5 years
-173 match undefeated streak (ended by who else... bookerman Kevin Nash)
-2 time United States Champion
-WCW Tag Team Champion
-WCW World Heavyweight Champion
-Undefeated for first 6 months in the WWE
-WWE World Heavyweight Champion
- Defeated the likes of The Rock, HHH, Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart, Sting, Lex Luger, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Scott Steiner, Brock Lesnar and so on.

So although these numbers may not be undenaible HOF numbers, I think everybody would agree that Goldberg was one of the most popular, groundbreaking wrestlers of our generation. But does he belong in the HOF? More importantly does he belong in the WWE HOF?

 

[Rip]

A lot of people will come in here and say he "couldn't wrestle" and his "streak was a joke" and all kinds of over-played crap. But fact of the matter is, while is career was short, he made a huge, and lasting, impression and will forever be amongst the greats.
Goldberg was the biggest draw in all of pro wrestling at the hottest time in the sport's history. It was short lived, sure, but he out-drew names like HHH, Undertaker, Hulk Hogan, Sting, Ric Flair, Bret Hart, HBK, The Rock and Stone Cold for a while there.
I question how many are old enough to remember when he was hot... because I remember vividly he was RED HOT. He was THE MAN. The only reason I personally wouldn't put him above many names listed above is because of longevity, or lack thereof.
All that said, there are guys like Koko B. Ware in the HOF, so it's not like it's an insanely exclusive club. Despite peoples' personal feelings towards him, I can't imagine a reason why he wouldn't deserve to be in the Hall Of Fame. Just don't feed me crap about him being a "flash in the pan" and "talentless"... you couldn't just give any guy an undefeated streak and have him be successful as Goldberg. Bill Goldberg was special.

 

[jrush1978]

Absolutely. As the above poster mentioned he had a huge impact on the industry. And also as the above said (and yes i remember, i was in college when he was hot) that truly for a short amount of time, he was the #1 over wrestler on the planet, Steve Austin included. No not for long, but for a short period of time and I truly believe that. Plus let's not sit here and pretend that truly only the best of the best of the best are in the hall of fame. There are some glorified jobbers on the hall at this point so absolutely no reason Goldberg shouldnt go in.

 

[SinCityBlitz]

I would say no because he wasn't around long enough and because the guy is a turd. Once his "streak" ended he became just another wrestler.

He shits on pro wrestling all the time.

It was short lived, sure, but he out-drew names like HHH, Undertaker, Hulk Hogan, Sting, Ric Flair, Bret Hart, HBK, The Rock and Stone Cold for a while there.

Goldberg NEVER out drew Austin, Rock or even the nWo. Even at his most popular he never came close. Hell you could throw in Sting and UT too.

He was hot and had a pretty good career but it didn't last very long.

 

[Catacomb]

goldberg being in the hof just because he won titles and had a streak is like saying an actor should be on the walk of fame because they played a king in a movie. wrestling is fake, goldberg didnt win anything. there are many many more who should and will be inducted before goldberg

 

[SinCityBlitz]

It was short lived, sure, but he out-drew names like HHH, Undertaker, Hulk Hogan, Sting, Ric Flair, Bret Hart, HBK, The Rock and Stone Cold for a while there.

Goldberg NEVER out drew Austin, Rock or even the nWo. Even at his most popular he never came close. Hell you could throw in Sting and UT too.

He was hot and had a pretty good career but it didn't last very long.

 

[Punk_Aries_Daniels_Bryan]

I would personally love to see Goldberg inducted into the HOF. I doubt there is a reason NOT to induct him, because lately we have been seeing WWE forget many past issues and inducting stars that you would've thought would never be in the HOF, like Bruno (who initially claimed he didn't want to be in it) and Ultimate Warrior (RIP). He was an unbelievable draw, and for a short amount of time he did make a huge impact. Also, I wish Nash didn't break the streak. It was a stupid move. I wonder who would induct Goldberg? I think Sting would be a great choice.

 

[Rip]

Goldberg NEVER out drew Austin, Rock or even the nWo. Even at his most popular he never came close. Hell you could throw in Sting and UT too.

He was hot and had a pretty good career but it didn't last very long.

Well let's be honest, neither of us know for a fact who out-drew whom. We don't have those numbers. But I do know that for a period spanning almost 2 years, WCW out drew WWE. During that period, or at least for most of it, Goldberg was on top. When you consider who his competition was, that's impressive.

 

[OYDK]

Im not 100% sure, and definitely not trying to argue (see above i said he should definitely go in the hall) but i think by the time Goldberg hit top in spring/summer 98 WWE was already back on top ratings wise. Someone please correct me if im wrong on that one.

You are partially right. Goldberg became WCW World Champion in July 1998 and WWE took over ratings at the end of December 1998 (consequently when Goldberg lost his title to Nash). So it's hard to say. Goldberg as champion kept WCW on top (more or less) and as soon as he lost it, WCW never won again. Then again WCW was PAINFUL to watch in 1999 and forward so it's hard to blame Goldberg for not drawing a ridiculous amount.

 

[justinept]

No one is denying that Goldberg has Hall of Fame credentials - especially when someone like Koko B. Ware has already been inducted. That's not the point. That's not the issue. The issue is Bill Goldberg.

Koko B. Ware proves the point that not all Hall of Famers are equal. If the WWE had a physical building, there would likely be different sections to the Hall of Fame. There are the spots for guys like Austin, Hogan, Rock (eventually), and Andre The Giant who transcended the business... There are spots for guys like Warrior, Savage (eventually), Hart, Michaels, Triple H (eventually), Cena (eventually) and The Undertaker (eventually) who carried the WWE/F at various points... and the lists go on. A guy like Bill Goldberg would probably fit into the 4th or 5th tier - among a group that includes names like Booker T, Jake Roberts, Ted DiBiase, etc, guys who had really good careers but never ascended to the top of Vince McMahon's company.

Given that Goldberg achieved almost all his success in another company - that his run in the WWE was mediocre - and that the end of his run was disastrous, there's no guarantee that his induction would even be the evening's headliner. Would he be OK with that? Just remember, the WWE isn't going to put Goldberg into the Hall of Fame unless he agrees to it so this whole thing really depends on the size of his ego and if he's OK with playing second - or possibly even third - fiddle to other superstars. My guess is that Goldberg would demand to be the headliner of the HOF class should he enter - and that might be what keeps him out for a long time.

 

[chicagokmc]

Given that Goldberg achieved almost all his success in another company - that his run in the WWE was mediocre - and that the end of his run was disastrous, there's no guarantee that his induction would even be the evening's headliner. Would he be OK with that? Just remember, the WWE isn't going to put Goldberg into the Hall of Fame unless he agrees to it so this whole thing really depends on the size of his ego and if he's OK with playing second - or possibly even third - fiddle to other superstars. My guess is that Goldberg would demand to be the headliner of the HOF class should he enter - and that might be what keeps him out for a long time.

The thing is the WWE is running out of headliners. They had a bunch in this class that they should have spread out over a couple of years. The only other headliner type I can think of in the coming years is the Undertaker. I'm sure Kevin Nash will get in but he isn't a headliner.

To think Goldberg is not a hall of famer isn't being objective, given the significance of some already in.

 

[justinept]

The thing is the WWE is running out of headliners. They had a bunch in this class that they should have spread out over a couple of years. The only other headliner type I can think of in the coming years is the Undertaker. I'm sure Kevin Nash will get in but he isn't a headliner.

To think Goldberg is not a hall of famer isn't being objective, given the significance of some already in.

I'm not denying Goldberg's place in the HOF. In fact, that's pretty much the opening line of my post verbatim.

The idea that the WWE is running out of headliners isn't exactly true, though. They could easily headline the next several years with: The Rock, The Undertaker, Savage, Kurt Angle, and Triple H. That's not even to mention guys like Sting, a WCW guy with a much better claim to headline than Goldberg - and Kevin Nash, a WWE guy who not only transformed WCW but who is best friends with the decision maker.

So that's 7 years worth of guys who I believe should headline over Goldberg. Who knows where we are after those 7 years are up. Perhaps John Cena is nearing retirement. Perhaps Kane has hung up the boots and headlines a HOF class. Maybe Vince McMahon finally caves in and gives himself an honor that EVERYBODY agrees he deserves.

Again, I'm not saying that Goldberg doesn't deserve a spot in the Hall of Fame. I just don't think he's a headliner over guys who either cut their teeth making the WWE the biggest wrestling promotion in the world - or other non-WWE guys that put together longer, more prestigious careers.

 

[MC_Live]

goldberg being in the hof just because he won titles and had a streak is like saying an actor should be on the walk of fame because they played a king in a movie. wrestling is fake, goldberg didnt win anything. there are many many more who should and will be inducted before goldberg

By that logic, doesn't that mean no wrestler ever deserves to be in the HOF. Flair never actually won 16 World Titles. Wrestling's fake. Hulk Hogan and Steve Austin never actually won anything. Wrestling is fake. Hell, the only guy who's ever actually WON something in fake wrestling is Bart Gunn when he won Brawl for All. Does that mean Bart Gunn is the only deserving Hall of Famer?

Should Goldberg be in the Hall of Fame? Yes. Because the most memorable wrestlers are the most successful ones. If there is a wrestler who makes you want to see what they do, and then you remember them afterwards, they're a successful wrestler. Goldberg has left one of the most memorable careers in wrestling history. It may not have been a long career, but it was impact full. And people loved him! And by the way, there's no criteria for the WWE HOF. You can get in if Vince McMahon thinks you'll draw money by going in. And if Koko B. Ware and Drew Carey can be in the WWE Hall of Fame, then Goldberg is most certainly deserving of such an honor.

 

[whoopin' ass]

Honestly I don't think he should be as his career wasn't that great but he falls into that Warrior catagorie - he burnt hot at the time when no one else was. Honestly look at him and his career and there is no reason for him to go in - his skills were average at best and his biggest accomplishment was beating Hogan for the title. The undefeated streak is a joke so you can't really use that as a reason. But he got over with the crowd and was big so that will probably be enough to get him in. The way they run the HOF is a bit of a joke anyways as a lot of people are in there who rely shouldn't be so why not Goldberg.

 

[relentless1]

Goldberg most certainly deserves to be in the HOF, anyone who thinks otherwise is a 12 year old WWE mark because OP was right, in summer/fall of 1998 Bill was the hottest thing in wrestling ahead of everybody except maybe Austin in terms of popularity. That being said I don't think he's a HOF headliner, he will be in a class that will have somebody more deserving of the headline spot than he is, if he goes in the next decade of course... Rock ( next year supposedly), nWo (the year after rumour has it), Undertaker, HHH, Vince, Angle, Macho Man, Sting..these are headliners and thats a lot of them, enough for almost the next decade for sure.

 

[Sabutage]

He was only around for 5 years? Wow, that speaks volumes for his impact. I thought it was much longer. I dont see why he wont turn up in the hall of fame, honestly wwe inducts so many people each year the criteria will get lower and lower. They should stick to 3 big names each year.

Even then, I believe goldberg would warrant an inclusion, despite his lack of longevity.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

The Rock wasn't the 2nd biggest wrestler of the late 90's. Goldberg was. Only a fool would think he doesn't deserve a place in the Hall Of Fame.

Not only should he be in the HOF, he's a headline Hall Of Fame name.

 

[Y2JBL]

Anyone who says no is just being ridiculous. Doesn't matter how you feel about him personally. If you look at a guy like Goldberg and say he doesn't belong in the hall of fame, any wrestling hall of fame, you are kidding yourself, and you're the type who can't see past your own personal biases. Of course he belongs in the HoF.

Hopefully nobody who thinks Goldberg had no skill is also a fan of Ultimate Warrior. There have always been guys who can do relatively little in the ring but make a name for themselves anyway.

 

[MCMG]

Absolutely. I think he could even headline a year. He is one of the biggest names in WCW history. He is one of 3 or 4 guys that WCW created and made into a star.

Headlining a class is a huge honour. Goldberg was a big name but there have been better wrestlers who haven't and guys who have contributed more to the WWE.

Yes to the Hall of Fame. A very tentative yes to say he should headline a class in the near future.

 

[hatehabsforever]

I can never understand that whenever there is a discussion on here regarding whether or not wrestler "X" deserves to be in the WWE Hall of Fame, invariably multiple guys will insist that he does because after all, Koko B. Ware is in there, so obviously their guy deserves to be in there too. That's preposterous. By that line of thinking, virtually anyone who has ever set foot inside a WWE ring should be considered as being worthy of being inducted into the Hall. It's an illogical thought process to suggest that because WWE screwed up in the past and inducted a guy who (arguably) doesn't deserve to be in there, by default it is OK to replicate their error and do it again, by inducting another undeserving guy, simply because the precedent has been set.

Having said all of this, I do believe that Goldberg is worthy of induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. Personally I don't like the guy and I never did. I think he is arrogant and self absorbed and grossly over exaggerates his significance in terms or professional wrestling's recent history. His ego rivals that of Kurt Angle, and that's a pretty bold statement.

My personal feelings aside, though, and he still deserves to be inducted. There is no denying the impact he had in WCW when he burst onto the scene. And he was pretty significant in his brief tenure in WWE as well. He held major hardware in both companies and was a pretty dominant and imposing figure in both places. Personally, I don't think he deserves to be the headliner in the year he eventually gets recognized by the WWE Hall of Fame, for a variety of reasons. But I do think he deserves to be a solid second or third name on the list of inductees for a particular year.

After all, they inducted Koko B. Ware, didn't they?

 

[Mustang Sally]

As the OP points out, Sting will be in the WWE HOF; a guy who never (yet) wrestled a day in his life for WWE. Plus, we know that anyone in WCW and ECW is eligible for induction, too. So, given his accomplishments in WCW, how in the world can Goldberg be kept out?

Yes, in many ways, I'd like to shun him in the manner he's shunned WWE. During the year he "graced" us with his presence ten years ago, it seemed apparent he didn't want to be there; complaining about how he was booked even though they installed him as their world champion and sent him to the top of the pecking order immediately upon his arrival. As soon as he was contractually able to leave, he did.

Sure, I resent him for all that, but there's no question that the stuff he did in WCW qualifies him for induction to the Hall of Fame......and yes, to WWE's HOF since that's all there is now.

'Course, I wouldn't mind if they simply ignored him and forgot the whole thing, but in all fairness, if Sting is going to be inducted for his deeds in WCW even though he never performed in WWE, how can the same argument be used to keep out Goldberg, who had the year in Stamford.....checkered though that time may have been?

Induct the bastard and be done with it.

 

[Rocky84]

It's ridiculous to say he shouldn't be. You'd have to be a serious hater to think otherwise. Goldberg was THE MAN in WCW and was close to that in his time in WWE. The dude has beaten more top superstars than any other wrestler in history...Hogan, Rock, Bret, Sting, HHH, Brock, Nash, DDP, Luger, Jericho, Steiner, Orton and the list goes on. How could anyone BUT a HOF'er get that kind of resume?

Goldberg was the baddest man on the planet. I loved watching him wrestle...he wasn't a Bret in terms of technicality, but not everybody is. He's in the mold of the Warrior...a powerful, intense character who was entertaining.

His run in WWE was short, but dominant. I resent him a little myself for calling it quits, but because he didn't like the product and the way WWE had put out risqué content I can understand I guess. I never heard him say anything about his booking...but his words were criticizing their content and it's affect on children. WCW was more family programming and more his speed. I can appreciate that, as he's a father himself.

Bottom line...dude deserves it and that's crystal clear to anyone who isn't a hater for whatever reason.

 

[bonesaw]

Was Goldberg a great 'worker'? No. Did Goldberg "pay his dues"? No. Did Goldberg have a long storied career? No. However, Goldberg had more fans and drew more money within a 2 year span than most Pro Wrestlers do in a lifetime. He is a definite WWE Hall of Famer. I would never argue that he was one of the greatest of all time. I would never put him in a category with Hogan, Austin, Rock, or even Sting. But, He was a HUGE star for a few years. He rose to stardom faster than anyone ever has. He went through the power plant straight to WCW, then World Champ just a year or so later with a huge following. It is so hard for workers to get over now that I don't see anyone rising that fast anytime soon.

 

[blueskyy]

If WWE has run out of people to induct into the Hall of Fame, well I guess... anybody could be entered into the Hall of Fame...

Hall of Fame is meant for people who have contributed to the Pro Wrestling industry, if you feel Goldberg had accomplished that, then by all means, support him. I do not think he had (yes, I'm the only one here who's not fond of this idea). If I had booked Ryback just like Goldberg, should Ryback then be inducted into the Hall of Fame? Even if he was given everything? Should the success be attributed to him, or the company?

On a side note (for the sake of giving an illustration), Punk deserved more to go into Hall of Fame than Goldberg, just for that shoot promo alone he did a couple of years back. Why? Because nobody could've done it more convincingly than him (and I say that not even being a CM Punk fan). That, is having an impact and making a dent, in the Pro Wrestling industry....

 

[Rocky84]

If WWE has run out of people to induct into the Hall of Fame, well I guess... anybody could be entered into the Hall of Fame...

Hall of Fame is meant for people who have contributed to the Pro Wrestling industry, if you feel Goldberg had accomplished that, then by all means, support him. I do not think he had (yes, I'm the only one here who's not fond of this idea). If I had booked Ryback just like Goldberg, should Ryback then be inducted into the Hall of Fame? Even if he was given everything? Should the success be attributed to him, or the company?

On a side note (for the sake of giving an illustration), Punk deserved more to go into Hall of Fame than Goldberg, just for that shoot promo alone he did a couple of years back. Why? Because nobody could've done it more convincingly than him (and I say that not even being a CM Punk fan). That, is having an impact and making a dent, in the Pro Wrestling industry....

So you think just because someone is booked a certain way they have it made? You don't think there are any other factors that come into play? Do you realize the incredibly long list of wrestlers that got huge pushes that couldn't get over with the fans? Goldberg's career wasn't successful only because WCW booked him to go over a lot of wrestlers. That's a pretty naive statement. To think Ryback would replicate his career if booked the same is insane. You have a narrow minded way of looking at things if you believe this. There's a reason why Ryback has failed despite being pushed so much. The closest person in terms of overall similarity to Goldberg is The Ultimate Warrior.