[1998-10-25-WCW-Halloween Havoc] Goldberg vs DDP

[Loss]

Talk about it here.

[Loss]

I thought this was a very good match. I was remembering it as great and it wasn't at that level, but it was Goldberg's best match for sure. While Goldberg remained inexperienced in competitive matches, I thought he showed a lot of great aptitude here. His selling was very good and he got to show off a few new moves. Give credit to DDP for his micromanaging approach to laying out matches - it works here and we get a satisfying main event.

[soup23]

The perfect big man 11 minute match. DDP looks amped up coming out which is great and inspiring. I loved the way this was worked in that Goldberg had to bring out some tricks and DDP wouldn't give up and also was resourceful. Him hitting the diamond cutter definitely felt like the most trouble Goldberg has been in. I also thought Goldberg being unable to use the Jackhammer initially was a nice touch. Big time main event done well. ***1/2

[Zenjo]

An electric world title atmosphere. Both guys came to the ring so jakked and full of intensity. Against the odds DDP had turned himself into a credible main eventer and felt like a threat to the streak. Went a little north of 10m and I just love Goldberg's moveset for a match of this length. Everything is so purposeful. Well constructed with Goldie hurting his shoulder and showing vulnerability. DDP hit the Diamond Cutter but couldn't make the cover in time. It ended a bit quickly after that. They could've taken it on although that would've been a risk. I thought this was really good and the best match of Goldberg's career.

[Superstar Sleeze]

Was way higher than Charles & Chad on this bad boy, I got this hands down as the WCW main event match of the year and in a weak year for America a Match of the Year Contender.

WCW World Heavyweight Champion Goldberg vs Diamond Dallas Page - WCW Halloween Havoc 1998

 

I saw this originally when WCW was compelled to repeat the entire main event on Nitro because they went over on the PPV, which is part of the reason the match is so famous. I honestly had forgotten everything about the match so besides knowing who won this was totally fresh. The other reason this match is famous because it is really good in time period where WCW main event were usually dogshit. Guess what this match is not just really good, it is excellent. I actually think this match is underrated given the ratings I have seen around the net. It is a testament to both Goldberg's aura and DDP's ring generalship at this time. With a doubt, DDP is the WCW MVP of 1998 and his entire 1998 is proof at his amazing grasp on pro wrestling psychology.

The World Heavyweight Champion versus the People's Champion, the Unstoppable Force versus the Blue Collar Hero, the Rookie Phenomenon versus the Hard Working Late Bloomer, just the characters naturally make for a great story going into the match. DDP is wrestling manifestation of John McClane and he is taking on the fucking Terminator in Goldberg. Who does not want to see that? This is the type of match that shows why pro wrestling is the greatest form of entertainment to ever exist in human history.

 

Page is JAAAAACCCCKKKKKED TO THE MOON for this one and he comes at Goldberg repeatedly who shrugs him off with powerful shoves. DDP will not be detered and they spill out in a heated moment. Goldberg is treated like a super athlete here: unstoppable power, impervious to pain and cat-like quickness. When DDP tries a single leg pick up, Goldberg does a backflip and DDP does it again to get a one count. That is the story of DDP the dude just does not know when to quit. He is going to try and try and try. I love it! Goldberg's stunned selling, but always moving to get up and moving forward is so perfect for his character. I love the urgency of every DDP movement knowing he is in there with a monster. He has his one big weapon, the Diamond Cutter, he tries it early and gets send flying to the outside. DDP tries to contain Goldberg with a front facelock, but Goldberg explodes out of it. Goldberg with a huge thrust kick sends DDP into the corner. Goldberg goes for the spear and eats the ringpost. OH SHIT! It only makes sense the person who can do the most damage to Goldberg is Goldberg. DDP signals for the Diamond Cutter and BOOM! SPEAR! THE PLACE COMES UNGLUED! I LOST MY SHIT! Goldberg's shoulder is fucked. Can he get him up for the Jackhammer? DIAMOND CUTTER! PIN HIM, DALLAS! PIN THAT MAN! GET UP! GET UP! PIN HIM! 1-2-NOOOOOO!!!!!! DDP tries to stay on him, but Goldberg reverses a suplex attempt into a Jackhammer. Holy shit, that was electric.

 

I have become the biggest retroactive DDP fan. His Die Hard, blue collar attitude is just so badass. You can't help but cheer for the dude. Honestly, lost myself in that Diamond Cutter. I really thought to myself can DDP pull this out before I came back to reality. Pitch perfect layout that accentuated both men's characters. Pro wrestling matches should be driven by wins and losses, but how it gets done should be unique to the participants involved. These two men are the only people who could have this match because it uniquely fit them. That is the hallmark of excellent pro wrestling psychology. ****1/4

[Zoo Enthusiast]

This was an easy **** for me. Clear, great story being told. Goldberg even sells a bit, acceptably. It had been a while since I had watched a prime Goldy match (watching this following along with the wwe.com Top 100 list) and I had forgotten how explosive of an athlete he was. There's just no wonder how he got over so enormously. How could he not? Page was a favorite of mine at the time and definitely remains one. Still stands out as a highlight of the Nitro era.

[PeteF3]

Right after I piss and moan about both of the Big Two not treating matches like matches, we get this--a satisfying World title match with a good layout, hard work, and a clean finish. DDP does some work over Goldberg's head, which nicely sets up both spots where Goldberg hurts himself attempting the spear and then not being able to execute the Jackhammer at first. Yes, this is probably Goldberg's best match--the Sting match was on its way to getting there before the dumb finish, while this was satisfying all the way through.

[Jetlag]

Wouldn't be shocked if his was the best heavyweight match from a US main promotion in the late 90s. Just a perfectly worked clash of the titans style match which rightfully had the fans flipping out. Opening wrestling exchanges were really entertaining as it was basically DDP trying anything and everything to chop Goldberg down and Goldberg just destroying him. Goldberg tackling him through the ropes and backflipping out of a leg trip is why he's special. He also made an indy-ish twisting suplex move look brutal. Last few minutes were just great as Goldberg sold his vulnerability (including knocking himself out) just right while still retaining his dangerous aura and finishing DDP off quickly.