Stephen A. Smith Sparks Controversy by Naming Bill Goldberg as Greatest Wrestler of All Time

In a ranking that has already ignited heated debates across the wrestling world, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith declared Bill Goldberg as the greatest professional wrestler of all time, placing him above legendary figures such as Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, The Rock, and the Road Warriors. The ranking, made during a live on-air segment ahead of WWE’s highly publicized Wrestlepalooza event, was met with both sharp criticism and surprise applause from fans and wrestling insiders alike.

The Bold Claim

Stephen A. Smith, known for his outspoken and often controversial opinions on sports and culture, delivered the bold ranking with his trademark certainty. He credited Goldberg’s impact during the late 1990s wrestling boom, particularly his undefeated streak in WCW, as a defining factor in his decision.

“Goldberg was a phenomenon like none other,” Smith stated during the broadcast. “His entrances, his intensity, and his dominance electrified fans in a way very few ever have.”

The declaration immediately reverberated across social media platforms, sparking waves of debate among wrestling enthusiasts, many of whom considered the omission of Ric Flair or The Rock as the top choice to be a glaring oversight.

WWE’s Response and Triple H’s Take

WWE executive and Hall of Famer Paul “Triple H” Levesque weighed in shortly after the broadcast. Levesque, who now oversees much of WWE’s creative direction, acknowledged Goldberg’s place in the industry but suggested Smith’s ranking was intentionally provocative.

“I think Stephen A. knew exactly what he was doing,” Triple H said in a follow-up media call promoting Wrestlepalooza. “Goldberg is an icon, no question. He was a big attraction and gave the business some unforgettable moments. But to rank him above Flair, Hogan, or The Rock? That’s designed to get a reaction.”

Despite his skepticism about the ranking, Triple H also praised Goldberg’s ability to capture mainstream attention and generate excitement in an era when professional wrestling was in direct competition with major sports leagues.

Goldberg’s Own Reaction

Never one to shy away from the spotlight, Bill Goldberg himself embraced the unexpected endorsement. Taking to social media just hours after the ranking aired, the former WCW and WWE champion thanked Smith for the recognition and playfully acknowledged the backlash.

“Much respect to Stephen A. for the love,” Goldberg posted. “I know some folks won’t agree, but it’s always good to be part of the conversation.”

Goldberg’s response was met with a divided reaction among fans. Supporters celebrated the validation of their hero, while critics dismissed Smith’s ranking as out of touch with wrestling history.

Historical Context: Goldberg’s Meteoric Rise

Goldberg’s career trajectory is among the most unique in wrestling history. Debuting in 1997 with World Championship Wrestling (WCW), he quickly gained momentum through his undefeated streak, which was promoted as lasting 173 matches before his first televised loss. The streak became one of the central storylines of WCW’s battle against WWE during the famed “Monday Night Wars.”

Unlike more technical wrestlers such as Ric Flair or Bret Hart, Goldberg was characterized by explosive power moves, short, intense matches, and an aura of invincibility. His combination of intimidation and spectacle made him one of the most popular stars of the late 1990s.

When WCW folded and was purchased by WWE in 2001, Goldberg’s career shifted but maintained strong drawing power. His eventual stints with WWE brought mainstream visibility, notably his WrestleMania appearances and recent returns that helped boost ratings and ticket sales.

The Case for Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, and The Rock

Detractors of Smith’s ranking have been quick to point out the enduring influence of other legends. Ric Flair, with a career spanning five decades, is often hailed as the embodiment of in-ring storytelling and wrestling psychology. His influence is seen in nearly every generation that followed, from wrestlers adopting his flamboyant promos to the technical pacing of championship matches.

Hulk Hogan, despite the controversies that overshadowed parts of his career, was the face of wrestling’s greatest boom period in the 1980s. His larger-than-life persona brought professional wrestling into American pop culture, transforming it into a mainstream entertainment juggernaut.

The Rock, meanwhile, is not only regarded as one of the most charismatic superstars in wrestling history but also one of the most successful crossover figures. His transition into Hollywood superstardom elevated WWE’s global recognition and secured wrestling’s legitimacy as a launchpad for mainstream careers.

The Road Warriors, equally significant, redefined the tag team division with their brutal style and menacing presence, inspiring generations of teams in promotions across the world.

Economic Impact of Goldberg’s Career

Supporters of Smith’s claim point to Goldberg’s undeniable box office appeal as a legitimate reason to rank him so highly. During WCW’s peak, Goldberg was one of the few wrestlers capable of rivaling WWE’s top draws in terms of television ratings and merchandise sales. His entrance, accompanied by pyrotechnics and chants of “Goldberg! Goldberg!,” routinely packed arenas to capacity.

Later, during his WWE runs, Goldberg’s limited appearances still carried substantial economic weight. Matches against Brock Lesnar and high-profile bouts at events such as Survivor Series and WrestleMania generated significant pay-per-view purchases and ticket revenue. For WWE, Goldberg’s name consistently provided a surge of interest during periods when the company sought to capture lapsed fans.

Regional Comparisons and Fan Divide

The debate over Goldberg’s place in history also reflects regional allegiances within professional wrestling fandom. WCW, based primarily in the Southern United States, cultivated a loyal fanbase that often clashed with WWE’s Northern stronghold. For fans raised on WCW’s product, Goldberg remains the ultimate symbol of their resistance against Vince McMahon’s WWE empire.

In contrast, fans who grew up on WWE programming often place stars like The Rock, Undertaker, or Shawn Michaels higher in their pantheon. This regional divide continues to color debates about wrestling’s all-time greats, and Smith’s endorsement of Goldberg reignited long-simmering rivalries within the fanbase.

Social Media Eruption and Public Reaction

The announcement spread quickly across Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, with fans creating polls, reaction videos, and lengthy threads dissecting Smith’s reasoning. Hashtags including Goldberg’s name trended worldwide within hours, as wrestling personalities and analysts weighed in.

Several retired wrestlers expressed their disagreements. One Hall of Famer remarked on podcast airwaves that while Goldberg had a legendary run, longevity and versatility should weigh more heavily in determining the “greatest of all time.” Others argued that stardom cannot be measured solely by win streaks or short-term popularity.

Yet within the backlash, Goldberg loyalists came out strongly in favor of the declaration. Many argued that his aura, dominance, and ability to captivate live audiences justified his placement at the very top.

Long-Term Legacy

Whether Stephen A. Smith’s ranking will influence broader consensus is uncertain, but the uproar underscores Goldberg’s undeniable impact on professional wrestling. For a man whose career skyrocketed in just a few short years, his name remains etched in wrestling lore.

Goldberg’s specific appeal lies in his simplicity: short, explosive performances that transformed matches into unforgettable spectacles. While he may not have accumulated the technical accolades or decades-long careers of his peers, his intensity created moments fans still recall vividly decades later.

As WWE builds momentum toward Wrestlepalooza, Smith’s comments have inadvertently ensured Goldberg’s legacy is once again at the center of fan conversation. Whether viewed as the undisputed greatest or a controversial choice, Goldberg’s name continues to fuel passion, debate, and enduring memories across the wrestling world.