Bill Goldberg’s legendary WCW winning streak remains one of the most iconic runs in pro wrestling history, but how it ended still leaves a bitter taste for the Hall of Famer. At Starrcade 1998, Goldberg’s undefeated streak was shattered after 173 wins (a number hotly debated by fans) when Kevin Nash pinned him—thanks to an electrifying assist from Scott Hall’s cattle prod.
Goldberg recently opened up to Inside the Ropes about the infamous moment, revealing he had envisioned something far more dramatic than the now-infamous cattle prod. “If you beat me, you have to put 50,000 volts through me,” Goldberg said, expressing his disappointment in how things ultimately played out. “But for some reason, they didn’t want to do that. Hence the goofy-looking cattle prod.”
Instead of being “lit up like a freaking Christmas tree,” Goldberg sold the prod, collapsed to the mat, and took the pin from Nash. Decades later, he still isn’t over how the streak ended. “I wanted them to shoot the barbs in me and light me up… I’m still pi*sed off.”
The finish remains one of the most criticized moments in WCW history, with many fans blaming it for contributing to the company’s eventual downfall. For Goldberg, it’s not just a career moment—it’s a missed opportunity for a more spectacular ending to his iconic run.
With his retirement match planned for next year, Goldberg hopes for a send-off that’s more befitting of his legendary status. While his streak-ending moment may be behind him, his passion for doing things right still burns bright.
What do you think about Goldberg’s take on his streak’s ending? Could WCW have done it differently? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.