Former WWE Superstar Maven has shared his perspective on the infamous backstage fight between Chris Jericho and Goldberg, claiming it marked the end of the “Goldberg myth” as a dominant tough guy in wrestling.
Speaking on Wrestling Shoot Interviews on YouTube, Maven reflected on the backstage brawl that occurred in 2003, a clash that has been retold through various accounts, including in Jericho’s autobiography. The tension between Goldberg and Jericho dates back to their WCW days when Goldberg reportedly refused to work with Jericho, who had mocked him in comedic segments. This animosity carried into WWE, culminating in the heated backstage altercation.
Goldberg-Jericho. That was the night the Goldberg myth died, and the Jericho myth was born. I was like, ‘God damn, yo, Chris is not to be toyed with.’ Chris Jericho is light-hearted… he’s fun. But he’s also a guy you don’t cross. He’s legit, and he’s not scared at all.
Maven detailed the scene he witnessed, recounting how Jericho had the upper hand in the scuffle not once but twice.
I just remember seeing them pulling it apart. I saw guys running up, and Chris… Chris was in the dominant position. Then they separated them, and it started again, and Chris got in the dominant position again. It wasn’t like it was an accident the first time.
The fight, according to Maven, reshaped perceptions of both men backstage.
Chris Jericho is a good time… but he’s also a guy you don’t mess with.
This storied confrontation remains a defining moment for Jericho’s reputation as someone not to be underestimated while casting doubt on Goldberg’s once-feared aura as a real-life tough guy in the wrestling world.
Why Did Goldberg Say It Was Awkward To Join WWE After WCW Died?
Goldberg spoke about how he felt awkward joining WWE in 2003 because he felt like most of the roster saw him as the competition as he was once WCW’s hottest act whilst the promotion dominated the Monday Night Wars with its 83-week unbeaten run at the top of the TV ratings charts. Goldberg said he felt like some of the segments he was made to do when he joined WWE were in order to put him in his place for being the former competition’s top performer.
H/t to WrestleZone.com