Is Bill Goldberg the Biggest Box Office Draw in Wrestling History?

No, not even close. While Goldberg was undoubtedly a phenom and managed to get butts in seats during his prime, the shine wore off as his career progressed. He is often put in programs alongside high-profile opponents, yet his matches are frequently subpar. For instance, his matchups with Triple H, Lesnar, and even Roman Reigns have been lackluster, with Goldberg often struggling to keep up with his competitors.

Real Champions of the Ring

Peering back into the annals of wrestling, one can see a stark contrast. Guys like Ric Flair, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and John Cena consistently drew crowds in sold-out arenas across America. They were undeniably box office draws, drawing fans not just for their wrestling skills but for the larger-than-life personas they portrayed. These wrestlers redefined what it meant to be a professional wrestler, making it about more than just what you did in the ring: it was about being mainstream, being a rockstar in the eyes of the public.

The Golden Era of Professional Wrestling

The 1980s and 1990s were the prime decades for wrestling. During this period, the likes of Hulk Hogan were not just wrestlers; they were rockstars. Stone Cold Steve Austin, on the other hand, was more than a wrestler—he was a cultural icon. His antics in the ring and his larger-than-life personality made Raw more popular than Nitro, his uninhibited nature was in stark contrast to the traditional, more conservative approach of Hogan. Stone Cold told you to drink as much beer as you can and flip off your boss, while Hogan advocated for training, praying, and taking vitamins.

The Heart and Soul of the Business

What sets these true champions apart from Bill Goldberg is sincerity. These legends had a genuine love for the business, and their passion for it was palpable. They invested their hearts and souls into their roles, truly living them. In contrast, many modern wrestlers like Goldberg and Brock Lesnar are seen more as professionals taking a backup career. They see wrestling as an opportunity to earn a paycheck, rather than a lifelong passion.

Goldberg himself was an NFL player who got injured and needed a backup career. He never fully learned the business, often hurting himself and others. His popularity as a wrestler was largely driven by nostalgia and temporary fan enthusiasm. While the fans may cheer for him during his return, when stacked against the real legends of wrestling, his achievements are merely a footnote in history.