Did Vince McMahon make a false promise to five-time World Champion? Exploring his comments
Vince McMahon, despite all the criticism he has received over the years, has done a stellar job building this promotion known as WWE. Although he is not with the company anymore, some of his practices are still prevalent. This includes the respect he gave his veterans and legends, more often than not, treating them like royalty.
However, some legends may have had a tough go of things with Mr. McMahon, including a five-time World Champion who was given a false promise. The five-time World Champion in question is none other than The Iconic, Goldberg. The 57-year-old had his best years inside the squared circle, performing for WCW and WWE.
In both promotions, he found success as a world champion. He won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship twice, the WWE World Heavyweight Championship once, and the WWE Universal Championship twice. However, his departure from WWE was nothing if not sour. Why? Well, he didn't get the perfect ending that Vince McMahon had promised him.
Speaking on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Goldberg was asked about his desire to ride off into the sunset with one final match. Answering the question, he explained that while he did still dream of having a retirement bout, he had no intention of crying over spilled milk. After all, he acknowledged that while Vince McMahon did not keep his word, there is nothing that can be done, especially now that he isn't with the company.
"Well No! Not from Vince...no! If that match was still on the table it would've been done I think...I would've thought. But, hey man! I was thinking about it this morning in the shower. I had one of the best wrestling careers ever, and don't think for one second I don't understand that or don't appreciate it. And so, to sit here and cry over a person not keeping his word in a business that's as cut-throat as humanly possible, and he gets cast out. Well, what do I think's gonna happen? So, come on man...I'm a big boy, it is what it is." said Goldberg.
Goldberg's final run with WWE was indeed disappointing. Now, at the age of 57, it seems unlikely that he will return to the ring. Nevertheless, it would be great to see him wrestle one last time.
Vince McMahon's departure from WWE led to the return of a top star
Vince McMahon is undoubtedly one of the pioneers of the pro wrestling business as we know it today. It was his vision that made WWE what it is, and for that, he must be applauded. However, his departure has led to a new era in pro wrestling, and without it, we may have never seen the return of one of WWE's top stars, CM Punk.
In an interview with Denise Salcedo, Punk explained that while he was never desperate to return to the Stamford-based promotion, McMahon's departure helped. He claimed that while the fault was with neither of them, the history between them was just too much. So, when one of them was "removed from the equation," it made things easier.
It's unlikely that we will ever see Vince McMahon return to WWE. Now, we are firmly in the Triple H era, and it's safe to say the fans are here for it. That said, the past and the memories that come with it will never be forgotten.