In an exclusive interview, Goldberg recently sat down to discuss his early days in the professional wrestling world. The WWE Hall of Famer took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the time he spent working alongside the legendary Haku.
For those who may not be familiar, Goldberg began his wrestling career in 1996, initially competing in the World Championship Wrestling (WCW) promotion. It was during this time that he had the opportunity to work with Haku, who was a well-established wrestler in the industry at the time.
Born Ma’aafu Finau, Haku is a veteran wrestler with a storied career that spans over three decades. With a background in sumo wrestling, Haku began his professional wrestling career in the late 1980s, competing in various promotions including the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).
In WCW, Haku’s character was known as Meng, a Samoan warrior who was part of the legendary tag team, The Natural Disasters. As Meng, Haku formed a formidable partnership with The Giant (later known as Big Show) and together they held the WCW World Tag Team Championship on multiple occasions.
Goldberg, who was still a relatively new face on the WCW roster, had the opportunity to learn from Haku’s experience and expertise. According to Goldberg, Haku was a mentor who took him under his wing and taught him the ins and outs of the professional wrestling business.
“I was lucky to have had the opportunity to work with Haku,” Goldberg said in the interview. “He was a great guy and a fantastic wrestler. He taught me a lot about the business and how to be a true professional.”
Goldberg’s early days in WCW were marked by a series of intense matches against some of the promotion’s top talent, including Meng. In fact, Goldberg’s first major push in WCW came when he defeated Meng on an episode of WCW Monday Nitro in 1997.
The victory marked a significant milestone in Goldberg’s career, and it was a match that he would later look back on as a defining moment in his career.
“Meng was a tough opponent, and beating him was a big deal for me,” Goldberg said. “It was a match that really helped establish me as a top contender in WCW.”
Goldberg’s success in WCW eventually led him to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), where he would go on to become one of the most dominant forces in the company. With a string of high-profile matches against top talent, including Brock Lesnar and The Rock, Goldberg’s legacy as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time was cemented.
Despite his success, Goldberg has always spoken highly of his time in WCW and the people who helped shape his career. Haku, in particular, has been mentioned as one of the key individuals who played a significant role in his development as a wrestler.
“Haku was a great mentor, and I’m grateful for the opportunities I had to work with him,” Goldberg said. “He taught me a lot about the business and helped me become the wrestler I am today.”
Fan Reaction:
The news of Goldberg’s mentorship by Haku has sparked a lot of interest among wrestling fans. Many have taken to social media to express their admiration for both Goldberg and Haku, praising their contributions to the sport.
“I’m so glad to see Goldberg talking about Haku,” wrote one fan on Twitter. “Haku was an incredible wrestler, and he deserves so much more recognition for his contributions to the business.”
Another fan commented, “I was a huge fan of Meng in WCW, and I love seeing Goldberg give him credit for his help. Haku was a true legend of the sport.”
Future WWE Implications:
The news of Goldberg’s mentorship by Haku may not have a direct impact on the current WWE landscape, but it does serve as a reminder of the rich history and heritage of the professional wrestling business.
As the WWE continues to push its current stars and establish new talent, it’s worth remembering the individuals who paved the way for them. Haku, in particular, is a name that is often overlooked in the WWE’s current storytelling, but his contributions to the sport are undeniable.
Conclusion:
Goldberg’s conversation with Haku serves as a reminder of the importance of paying homage to the past and the individuals who helped shape the professional wrestling industry into what it is today. While Goldberg’s legacy as a wrestler is cemented, his appreciation for the people who helped him get there is a testament to his humility and respect for the business.
FAQ Section
Q: What was Haku’s background in wrestling?
A: Haku is a veteran wrestler with a background in sumo wrestling. He began his professional wrestling career in the late 1980s, competing in various promotions including the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).
Q: What was Haku’s character known as in WCW?
A: In WCW, Haku’s character was known as Meng, a Samoan warrior who was part of the legendary tag team, The Natural Disasters.
Q: What was the significance of Goldberg’s match against Meng in WCW?
A: Goldberg’s victory over Meng on an episode of WCW Monday Nitro in 1997 marked a significant milestone in his career, establishing him as a top contender in WCW.
Q: What impact did Haku have on Goldberg’s career?
A: Haku served as a mentor to Goldberg, teaching him the ins and outs of the professional wrestling business and helping him become the wrestler he is today.