“He Did Not Want to Pro Wrestle” – Erik Watts Reveals How He Convinced Goldberg to Join WCW Instead of UFC

Fans of WWE fondly remember Goldberg as one of their favorite childhood heroes. Since his debut in WCW on September 22, 1997, The Iconic quickly became notorious for his style and skill inside the ring. However, fans must thank Erik Watts for convincing his friend and fellow Oklahoman to choose wrestling as a career path. As, Goldberg had other ideas altogether, and wanted to try his luck in the UFC.

Goldberg did not see himself as a Pro Wrestler

In a recent interview with Wrestling Shoot Interviews, Watts shared the tale of how he convinced Goldberg to pursue professional wrestling, instead of UFC. Wats described Goldberg’s attitude at that time and said “You know, Goldberg. He’s a very competitive dude. He didn’t want to Pro wrestle…”

‘The myth’ and he were friends from the same hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. One day, Erik Watts walked into the gym to see Goldberg. However, the two weren’t on the same page regarding pro wrestling yet.

Watts narrated, “I said, ‘What do you think about pro wrestling?’ He said, ‘Erik, I love you and I love your dad, he’s a legend. There’s no way I’m gonna do that fake bulls**t.’” .‘

‘Troy’ was taken aback by this rude statement from ‘Da Man’. However, Goldberg then clarified his intentions behind that statement.

He continued “‘Oh, no, no, no, what I’m saying is, with all due respect, Erik.’ I go, ‘What?’ He goes, ”I think I wanna train for the UFC.'”

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Goldberg saw himself as an MMA fighter inside the Octagon, before he even entertained the idea of being a wrestler. However, the son of the late wrestler, Bill Watts saw the potential in his friend.

Erik Watts knew ‘The Iconic’ fit perfectly into the WCW

Goldberg is a fearless opponent, who once ended Hulk Hogan’s reign in the WWE. However, he was unsure about his career as a wrestler with WCW or WWE. But, it was Erik Watts who convinced him to take up pro wrestling, instead of UFC.

In the same interview, Watts said “I said bill you’re never going to be in UFC or nothing like this, you got to be doing that since you’re a kid…” and convinced The myth’ to switch streams and eventually join WCW or World Championship Wrestling.

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Do you think Goldberg could prove it in the UFC? Let us know in the comments below.