Eight years ago today, one of the most shocking and talked-about moments in WWE history occurred when Goldberg defeated Kevin Owens in a mere 22 seconds to capture the Universal Championship. This jaw-dropping, lightning-fast match has since become one of the most iconic moments in WWE’s modern era, leaving fans buzzing about the unexpected nature of the victory and its long-lasting impact on WWE storylines.
Goldberg’s return to WWE in 2016 was a defining moment in his legendary career. After a long hiatus, the former WCW Champion made a triumphant return to the squared circle and immediately set his sights on WWE’s top prize. But what followed was even more shocking than anyone could have predicted, as Goldberg’s confrontation with Owens for the Universal Championship was over almost before it began.
Let’s take a deeper look back at this unforgettable moment, how it affected both Goldberg and Kevin Owens, and what it means in the context of WWE history.
### The Road to Goldberg’s Universal Championship Match
In the lead-up to this historic match, the storyline surrounding Goldberg’s return to WWE had already captured the attention of the WWE Universe. After an explosive return and a series of dominant victories, Goldberg set his sights on the Universal Championship, which was held by Kevin Owens at the time. Owens, who had been a dominant champion, was in the midst of a heel run alongside Chris Jericho, forming a partnership that was both entertaining and highly effective.
Goldberg’s rapid rise to the top in WWE was based on his brutal, hard-hitting style, which contrasted sharply with Owens’ more calculated and devious in-ring strategy. The stage was set for a high-stakes match at _Fastlane 2017_, where Owens would defend his Universal Championship against the returning Goldberg. But fans didn’t expect what was about to unfold.
### The 22-Second Match: A Shocking Victory for Goldberg
When the bell rang at _Fastlane 2017_, the match was over before anyone could truly comprehend what had just happened. In a matter of seconds, Goldberg delivered a spear to Owens, followed by his signature Jackhammer, and pinned him to win the Universal Championship in an astonishing 22 seconds. The crowd was left in shock, as Owens, who had spent months building himself up as one of the most dominant heels in WWE, was easily defeated by Goldberg in one of the quickest matches in WWE history.
Goldberg’s victory was a testament to his larger-than-life persona and his ability to still command the WWE Universe, even after such a long absence. It was also a way for WWE to make an instant impact with his return, showcasing his dominance and re-establishing him as a top-tier star. The match was brief, but it was incredibly impactful, and it left an indelible mark on the WWE landscape.
### The Aftermath: Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho’s Feud
While Goldberg’s victory was celebrated by fans who were excited to see him back in the spotlight, the fallout for Kevin Owens was significant. Owens had been one of WWE’s top stars, but this crushing defeat to Goldberg in such a short amount of time was a massive blow to his character. However, WWE quickly pivoted to keep Owens relevant in the storyline by continuing his feud with his former best friend, Chris Jericho.
Jericho, who had been involved in Owens’ Universal Championship reign, was not pleased with how Owens had treated him in recent months. The betrayal of Jericho by Owens was one of the most entertaining and emotional storylines leading into _WrestleMania 33_, where Jericho and Owens would face off in a match that would go on to be a fan favorite.
Though Owens lost the Universal Championship in embarrassing fashion to Goldberg, he and Jericho continued to dominate the storyline on the road to _WrestleMania 33_. The post-_Fastlane_ storyline helped re-establish Owens as a major player in WWE, even though his time as Universal Champion was much shorter than he or the fans anticipated.
### Goldberg’s Universal Championship Run: A Short but Sweet Reign
Goldberg’s Universal Championship reign was notably brief, lasting only around a month. Following his victory at _Fastlane_, Goldberg’s reign culminated in a _WrestleMania 33_ match against Brock Lesnar. In a highly anticipated rematch, Goldberg would ultimately lose the title to Lesnar, but his role in the storyline cemented his legacy as one of WWE’s top attractions, even in his later years.
While Goldberg’s time as Universal Champion may have been short-lived, his impact was undeniably significant. His quick victory over Kevin Owens at _Fastlane_ not only added to his storied legacy but also reignited the excitement for part-time Superstars who could still make a major impact. Goldberg’s return, though brief, was a defining moment in WWE history.
### The Significance of Goldberg’s 22-Second Win
Goldberg’s 22-second victory over Kevin Owens is now etched in WWE history as one of the most memorable and surprising moments of the modern era. This match became iconic for several reasons:
1. **Shock Value**: Fans expected a longer, more competitive match between Owens and Goldberg, but the shocking speed of the victory caught everyone by surprise. WWE had built Owens up as a dominant heel, so for him to lose in such a short amount of time was a bold decision.
2. **Goldberg’s Dominance**: The match reinforced Goldberg’s reputation as a dominant, unstoppable force. His return to WWE and his victory over Owens made it clear that, despite his hiatus, he still had the physicality and charisma to dominate in the ring.
3. **The Impact on WWE’s Storylines**: Goldberg’s win at _Fastlane_ set the stage for his title defense against Brock Lesnar at _WrestleMania 33_. His victory also helped elevate other storylines, particularly the one between Owens and Jericho, as well as the larger buildup to _WrestleMania_.
### Legacy of the Universal Championship Match
Although Goldberg’s 22-second win over Kevin Owens was a shock to the system, it helped define the storylines and rivalries of that era in WWE. The dramatic speed of the match, the buildup leading to _WrestleMania_, and the eventual shift in the Universal Championship scene all contributed to making Goldberg’s return one of the most memorable moments in WWE history.
While Goldberg’s time as champion was brief, his ability to captivate the audience and reignite excitement in WWE through his victories shows the lasting impact he had, especially in the _Fastlane 2017_ match against Owens.
### Conclusion: An Unforgettable Moment in WWE History
Eight years ago, Goldberg’s shocking 22-second win over Kevin Owens for the Universal Championship was a moment that forever changed the course of WWE history. While Owens’ reign was short-lived, Goldberg’s victory showcased his enduring star power and set the stage for future WWE storylines. The 22-second match has since become a memorable and iconic moment, and as fans reflect on it today, it remains one of the most talked-about and surprising victories in WWE’s modern era.