Pro Wrestling Chronicle

Match # 97: Goldberg vs. Raven (Nitro 4/20/98)

I remember this match. And I remember this match ruling. This was Goldberg taking it to another level with his first title shot – vs Raven for the U.S. Title, and I believe win number 50 or 100. I’ll know for sure when we get to the match.

Okay, he’s at 74-0 to start this match, so this would make 75 wins. I knew it was a nice multiple of 25. Like I’ve said before, Raven was a great heel at this point and the perfect second tier gatekeeper for Goldberg to come up against as he progressed to the main eventers.

The crowd gets crazy for Goldberg as he makes his way out. It adds a really live feel even all these years later on DVD. Raven does the awesome passive-aggressive heel move he did to Doc Death in ECW when he steps up to Goldberg and drapes the U.S. title across the ring like a line, daring him to cross it and take it. This match rules. Raven takes all the big bumps. Goldberg is never off his feet for more than two seconds. Goldberg is focused and showing some new moves. Raven sells like a champ and has “Raven’s Rules” to get in some fun hardcore spots like wicked drop toe hold to the chair. The most over chin lock spot ever to milk a crowd is in this match. A spear during the match kills Raven. Kidman gets dumped over for interfering in a great legit muscleman spot. Goldberg even no sells a stop sign then jackhammers the 7 footer Reese. He rolls through Raven and the flock, and when Raven tries to leave the “fans” throw him back. This is all in the span of like 4 minutes.

Spear and jackhammer for a Goldberg win and a huge crowd reaction. “Give that man the belt” yells Schiavone. Damn right. Damn fun. 3 and 6/10.