The Rock and Goldberg: Rivals Turned Friends, Reconnect Over Football and Wrestling
In a shocking revelation, wrestling legend Goldberg has shared that he remains in contact with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, regardless of their on-screen contention from many years in the past. Their connection extends past the squared circle, rooted in a shared records with expert football and a mutual appreciate cast over years of competition.
In the 1990s, each Johnson and Goldberg had desires of football stardom. Johnson, regarded nowadays as one of the global’s highest-grossing actors, to start with aimed to join the NFL. However, after a quick stint in the Canadian Football League (CFL), Johnson’s football desires came to a halt. This setback steered him into the arena of wrestling, a career move that might ultimately cement his legacy.
For Goldberg, the route to wrestling stardom also began with soccer. Drafted by using the Los Angeles Rams in 1990, Goldberg’s profession as a defensive address noticed him match up for the Atlanta Falcons and later, the Carolina Panthers. However, his adventure in the NFL became reduce brief because of a first-rate abdominal damage, derailing his football desires. The injury, however, have become a catalyst, redirecting Goldberg to the World Championship Wrestling (WCW), in which he quickly became a fan preferred together with his dominant personality and thrilling performances.
A Legendary Clash
In 2003, their paths famously crossed within the wrestling world while Goldberg joined WWE after a stellar career in WCW. Goldberg’s arrival sparked immediately exhilaration, and he made his presence felt by confronting Johnson with a Spear, laying the basis for an electrifying competition. The two met within the ring at WWE’s Backlash occasion, in which Goldberg defeated Johnson in a suit that enthusiasts still communicate approximately to at the moment.
Despite their quick however extreme feud, Goldberg and Johnson shared a unique bond that transcended the wrestling ring. Both guys understood the grind, the field, and the bodily needs of pursuing success first in soccer and then in wrestling. That shared experience created a admire that has endured beyond their days inside the spotlight.
Football and Wrestling Memories on a Podcast
Goldberg recently opened up about his friendship with Johnson during an appearance on the News4Jax’s Going Ringside podcast, offering fans an inside look at his journey from the football field to the wrestling ring. Reflecting on the bond he shares with Johnson and other wrestling legends with football backgrounds, Goldberg noted, “It was fun. I mean, McMichael, it was awesome to be able to share the ring with him. Kevin Greene, people forget about Kevin being a part of it. Obviously, The Rock, everybody knows who that is.”
Goldberg acknowledged the connection he feels with Johnson and other former football players who turned to wrestling. “They knew what I went through,” he explained, highlighting how shared experiences fostered camaraderie and mutual understanding.
The friendship among Johnson and Goldberg is going beyond mere memories; the 2 still keep in contact, often chatting about soccer. Goldberg discovered, “We still talk football,” a declaration that amazed many fans who remember their fierce competition.
A Role in Wrestling History
While the friendship may additionally seem surprising, Goldberg credit Johnson with gambling a pivotal position in his WWE profession. Goldberg, who left WCW in 2001, made his WWE debut years later, with Johnson reportedly being instrumental in convincing WWE to carry him on board. Their clash at Backlash have become one of the maximum talked-approximately suits of the era, showcasing two of wrestling’s largest stars at the peak of their repute.
As Goldberg procedures his retirement from wrestling, slated for 2025, fans eagerly look forward to the announcement of his very last opponent. His return guarantees to be a nostalgic moment, not handiest for lovers however for Goldberg himself, as he prepares to close a chapter in a profession that has spanned both football and wrestling.
H/t to Fightful
