Looking Back At Goldberg’s WCW Debut On Monday Nitro
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Goldberg is one of the most prominent and popular figures in World Championship Wrestling history, and saw him carrying that legacy onwards to WWE, to which he has ended up in the WWE Hall of Fame with several World Titles to his name over the years. Goldberg’s legendary career began in WCW all the way back in 1997, with his debut sparking what would become one of the most iconic undefeated streaks in professional wrestling history. It is certainly intriguing to go back and look how he started in the industry, and how WCW handled his first ever appearance on a televised wrestling show.
Goldberg Was Given A Jobber's Entrance For His WCW Debut
In 1997, WCW was riding a big wave of momentum, with the September 22 episode opening up with the legendary voice of Tony Schiavone stating that Monday Nitro was the number one professional wrestling program in all of America. Things would continue in that way for a little while longer, with Goldberg being someone who became a homegrown star and massive draw for WCW, being pushed to the moon and gaining an unbelievably large fan base over time.
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It all started in 1997 on this episode of Monday Nitro, in which loveable and comedic character, Hugh Morrus, made his way to the ring. For all intents and purposes, it appeared as though Morrus was the focus of things initially. Standing in the ring, receiving a “jobber's entrance” with no introduction or music, was Bill Goldberg. And then, WCW pulled what appeared to be a swerve with the structuring of the contest, as it seemingly felt at first as though Goldberg would be someone who Morris defeated for just an easy victory.
Goldberg Shocked Fans With A Dominant Debut Victory
Goldberg would begin the match with a few hard shots, before the pair locked up and exchanged some holds, in a very basic manner. Out of nowhere, Goldberg swept Morrus’ leg and cranked upon it on the mat, although Morrus would reach the ropes. Morrus would regain control with a jumping clothesline from the ropes, followed up by a huge moonsault from the top, which was called “No Laughing Matter." It was expected that this would end the match, but instead, Goldberg kicked out, much to the shock of the commentators and fans in attendance.
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During that match, those on commentary had pointed out that none of them had any background information on Goldberg, making it even more shocking when he jumped right up, did an aided backflip which transitioned into a big slam on Morrus. This popped the crowd, who were clearly drawn to Goldberg immediately due to his strength and power. After another slam, Goldberg hit a powerful Jackhammer for a quick and unexpected victory, and the crowd responded by jumping to their feet in appreciation.
Goldberg would then look at the camera, and say “that’s number one," implying that he had plenty more opponents to go through. After the match, he was approached by “Mean” Gene Okerlund for a comment on what had just happened, but Goldberg simply brushed past him, carrying a huge air of mystique. Okerlund commented on how impressive of a victory it was, and whilst Goldberg seemed to hold himself more as a bad guy, he had caught the attention of everyone.
Goldberg Became A Star In WCW With His Legendary Undefeated Streak
From there, the rest is history, as Goldberg would win, win, and win again, defeating any and everyone in his path, winning the United States and WCW World Heavyweight Championships during his incredible streak which would reach a sensational 173 matches, lasting for well over a year. His presentation was progressively heightened every week, with entrance music and then pyro, until he was eventually standing on his own two feet as a megastar who was incredibly over with the WCW audience.
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Things started off in the best possible way for Goldberg, as his debut was very understated and not hyped up. Had video packages aired or had there been a lot of expectation, then it may not have worked out. However, with WCW bringing him in without any fanfare or even a welcome, it continually surprised fans when he kept winning and doing so in dominating fashion. His first appearance on Nitro took everyone off guard and by surprise, and keeping things secretive and subtle added to his ever-growing aura.
In many ways, it was the perfect debut, with him being handled perfectly from there (perhaps up until he was victim of a cattle prod which would see his winning streak come to an unceremonious end). Despite that, Goldberg’s streak is legendary, and it all began in his debut match against Hugh Morris on an unsuspecting episode of Monday Nitro.
