This day in Pro Wrestling history - 24th March: Goldberg signs with the WWE

Modified Mar 23, 2017 21:30 GMT

Bill Goldberg signed his first WWE contract 13 years back

Bill Goldberg might be a WCW icon, but he has built up quite a legacy in the WWE as well. The man is still unbeaten in WWE Singles matches and is already a two-time WWE Champion. It was on this day 13 years ago that Goldberg first signed a contract with the WWE.

Goldberg would spend a year in the company from 2003-04, beating superstar after superstar before leaving the company the night of Wrestlemania XX.

Another one of wrestling’s icons, The Undertaker also considers this day pretty special as the Phenom turns 52 today.

RIP AEW Rampage

Happy Birthday, Deadman!!!

1. Goldberg signs with the WWE – March 24, 2003

Bill Goldberg was one of the greatest stars in WCW history and like many others, he chose not to sign with the WWE once WCW folded. Goldberg's contract was guaranteed by WCW's parent company Times Warner and he could afford to stay at home and pick up his paycheck. So it was over two years since WCW's demise that Goldberg started negotiations with the WWE.

He would agree to terms on March 24, 2003 and his imminent arrival would be announced at Wrestlemania XIX. It was the Rock who played part in convincing Goldberg to come to the WWE and the two would have a feud immediately on Goldberg’s arrival. Goldberg would beat the Rock on his first PPV and then proceed to feud with the likes of Christian, Chris Jericho and then Triple H over the World Heavyweight Championship, He would win and lose the title within the year and would have a Wrestlemania match with Brock Lesnar.

He would opt not to extend his WWE contract after the original one-year deal.

2. The Undertaker turns 52

Mark ‘The Undertaker’ Callaway celebrates his 52nd birthday today.

The WWE legend who has been in the WWE for over 25 years has held the WWE title on seven different occasions. But it is his incredible performances at Wrestlemania that is the most important aspect to his legacy. Having been in 24 Wrestlemania matches, the Deadman has won all but one of them, building up a 21-0 streak in the process.

His victims include the likes of Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Batista, Psycho Sid, Jimmy Snuka and CM Punk.

Callaway’s persona of the Deadman might be the most over gimmicks in WWE history next to Hulkamania. He would also switch to a bike rider persona during the middle of his WWE run – dubbed the ‘American Badass’, which would also prove to be quite popular.

Taker is married to former WWE Diva Michelle McCool.

3. Chief Morley declares himself the Tagteam Champion – March 24, 2003

Lance Storm and William Regal were the World Tag team Champions heading into Wrestlemania XIX, but Regal got sidelined because of what was apparently a stomach virus. It was later diagnosed to be a serious heart condition and Regal gave up his title.

Val Venis – who was the Chief of Staff under RAW GM Eric Bischoff – declared himself to be one-half of the tag team champions. Venis was going under the ring name Chief Morly and the former Intercontinental Champion would partner Storm in a successful title defence against Kane and Rob Van Dam on the Wrestlemania XIX preshow.

The duo would soon lose the title and Morely would return to his Val Venis gimmick.

Send us news tips at [email protected]

Edited by Staff Editor