The 5 most controversial backstage moments in the WWE
A lot happens backstage in the WWEWe all know that pro-wrestling is scripted – the moves that we see inside the ring are real, but everything goes according to the script. However, there have been times when the inflated egos of WWE superstars have led to some controversial backstage moments in the WWE.Retired wrestling great Paul Orndorff beat up monster heel Vader in WCW when the mastodon tested him before one of the shows. Vince McMahon was almost choked to death by Nailz over a pay dispute. WWE’s resident bully JBL was smacked over the head straight with a number of chair shots by Steven Richards as retaliation for JBL beating up Blue Meanie during the ECW invasion angle.The controversies are essentially endless. This list takes a look at the top five most infamous backstage moments that have occurred in the WWE.
#5 Chris Jericho beats up Goldberg
This incident has karma written all over it.
Back in the WCW, Goldberg was built as this monster face whereas Chris Jericho was desperately trying to market himself as more than just a Cruiserweight. Jericho’s heel promos had started to strike a chord with the WCW fans and Y2J repeatedly called out Goldberg to have a PPV match.
However, Goldberg felt that him battling the 220-pounder would not make sense from a business perspective. WCW head Eric Bischoff followed Goldberg’s suggestion and booked him to squash Jericho in 30 seconds – with no legitimate match taking place.
Disgusted that WCW would never book him in the main event, Jericho jumped ship to the WWE and became one of the mainstays of the promotion.
Meanwhile, WCW went bankrupt and Goldberg would come to the WWE in 2003. While he was still pushed strongly, Goldberg could not digest the fact that one of his first major feuds in the company was with Jericho himself.
Goldberg went on to badmouth Jericho in the locker room and an incensed Y2J confronted Goldberg about it. Goldberg lost his head in the ensuing shout-fest and put his hands on Jericho.
However, Jericho was too agile for Goldberg and proceeded to beat the hell out of the big man, almost choking him with a face lock.
Goldberg’s reputation as a legitimate badass took a considerable hit after the incident, and he chose not to renew his one-year WWE contract.