Goldberg Admits Fan Backlash Hurt Him But Says He Turned the Hate Into Fuel

Goldberg’s legacy is undeniable, but that doesn’t mean he walked through his career without facing criticism. From his controversial match with Bret Hart to the WrestleMania dud with Brock Lesnar and the backlash over his match against The Fiend, Goldberg has heard it all—and he’s finally opening up about how those low points affected him.

Speaking to SHAK Wrestling, the WWE Hall of Famer revealed that despite his tough-guy image, the harsh fan reactions over the years did leave a mark.

“As a human being, you can’t turn your eye to the fact that we all have feelings. I don’t care who you are. And one disapproval matters to me because I care about my fans.”

That doesn’t mean the criticism defined him. Goldberg made it clear that while he listens to fans, he doesn’t let negativity steer his ship.

“But in the same token, and in the same breath — don’t take offense to this, anybody — that don’t mean jack to me. I take it into consideration, but it’s not going to alter the way that I feel about myself and my career.”

He acknowledged that doubt is human, especially when waves of criticism come his way.

“Now yes, there are highs and lows and everybody goes through it. I’m not immune to the realities of being a human being. And stuff like that hurts — because I want everyone to appreciate what I do and I want everyone to be entertained and excited about me coming out.”

“And when one person isn’t, or a plethora of people are not, then you question yourself. And I’m not immune to that. I’m a human being. I don’t know a human that is. So yeah, it’s bothered me, but it’s not going to stop me.”

Instead of letting the hate derail him, Goldberg said he turned that negativity into motivation.

“At the end of the day — and what I’ve taught my son — is that you turn that into fuel. And you use that to push yourself. You use that if you’re stagnant in your training or whatever it may be… you use it to be the fuel to your fire. And that’s how I do. And I know the truth.”

Goldberg’s honesty reveals a side of him fans rarely get to see. Whether people love or hate his in-ring style, there’s no denying the man feels everything, even if he doesn’t always show it.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.