How Goldberg Hurt Fellow WWE HOFer Booker T’s First Reign As World Champion

Through record-breaking traffic, the fans voted for Sting, who came out with a ski mask over his face in his first appearance since being set on fire by Vampiro in a Human Torch match at The Great American Bash in 2000, which some regard as a questionable moment in Sting’s career. However, Sting would not make it to the ring as he was attacked on the entrance ramp by an angry Goldberg. 

In the ring, Goldberg said, “They always said ‘To be the man, you got to beat the man.’ Even though you’ve got that belt, boy, I’m still the man. So come out here so I can beat your a**!” Booker T hit the ring and Goldberg quickly took control with a devastating lariat and overhead press powerslam. On the outside, Goldberg threw Booker into the ring steps, which busted the champion open. Back in the ring, Goldberg applied a modified cross armbar to Booker, who got to the ropes to break the hold. 

Concerned for Booker’s well-being, the referee checked on Booker, whose forehead was crimson red. As Booker refused to quit, Stevie Ray came ringside and threw in the towel, but Goldberg caught the towel, wiped his body, and threw it back before the referee could turn around. Suddenly, Ernest Miller came to the ring to inform Goldberg the match was over. “You get the win, Goldberg. It’s over but I cannot give you the title because he didn’t quit and it wasn’t a 1-2-3. But it’s over Goldberg.” Miller’s explanation received loud boos from the crowd.