In WWE history, there have been countless shocking moments, but few have left fans as divided as the night Goldberg defeated _The Fiend_ Bray Wyatt in just over three minutes to win the Universal Championship.
It has now been five years since that controversial match at **Super ShowDown 2020**, yet the debate rages on: Was this a legendary triumph for one of WWEās most dominant legends, or was it one of the most questionable booking decisions ever?
As we look back, letās break down the match, the reactions, and its long-term impact on WWE, Bray Wyattās career, and Goldbergās legacy.
## **1. The Build-Up: The Unstoppable Fiend vs. The Hall of Famer**
Leading up to **Super ShowDown 2020**, Bray Wyatt had reinvented himself as _The Fiend_āan unstoppable horror-themed character that seemed invincible. After debuting in 2019, _The Fiend_ tore through top superstars, including **Finn BĆ”lor, Seth Rollins, Daniel Bryan, and The Miz**.
With his eerie mask, supernatural presence, and the Firefly Fun House persona adding depth to his character, _The Fiend_ had quickly become one of WWEās most captivating and dominant forces.
But then came Goldberg.
At the age of 53, Goldberg returned to WWE with one goal: reclaiming the Universal Championship. His challenge to _The Fiend_ felt like a battle between generationsāan unstoppable monster against a Hall of Fame powerhouse.
However, no one expected what would happen next.
## **2. The Match: Goldbergās Sudden Triumph in 3 Minutes**
On **February 27, 2020**, at **Super ShowDown** in Saudi Arabia, the stage was set. The eerie red lights bathed the arena, and _The Fiend_ made his slow, methodical entrance. Meanwhile, Goldberg, with his usual intensity, looked ready for war.
### **The Shocking Breakdown:**
š¹ _The Bell Rings:_ Goldberg wasted no time, immediately hitting _The Fiend_ with a thunderous **Spear**.
š¹ _The Fiend Gets Up Instantly:_ Showing his resilience, _The Fiend_ popped back up, shocking Goldberg.
š¹ _More Spears:_ Goldberg delivered a total of **four Spears**, yet Wyatt kept coming back.
š¹ _The Turning Point:_ Wyatt attempted the **Mandible Claw**, nearly choking Goldberg out.
š¹ _The Finish:_ Goldberg escaped and hit a **Jackhammer**, pinning _The Fiend_ clean in **3 minutes and 2 seconds**.
Just like that, Goldberg had won the **Universal Championship**, ending _The Fiendās_ dominant reign in stunning fashion.
## **3. The WWE Universe Reacts: Shock, Outrage, and Controversy**
As soon as the refereeās hand hit the mat for the three-count, the WWE Universe eruptedānot in cheers, but in **shock, confusion, and anger**.
š“ **Fan Reactions:**
– _āDid that really just happen? The Fiend was supposed to be unbeatableā_
– _āGoldberg winning in 3 minutes? This is ridiculousā_
– _āWWE just buried one of the best characters theyāve created in years.ā_
Many fans felt that Goldbergās victory made _The Fiend_ look weak. After surviving multiple **Curb Stomps** from Seth Rollins, brutal fights with Daniel Bryan, and no-selling nearly everything, losing so quickly to a 53-year-old Goldberg felt like a massive misstep.
š“ **Superstar Reactions:**
Even some WWE superstars were reportedly unhappy with the decision. Rumors surfaced that Bray Wyatt himself was frustrated, feeling that his carefully built _Fiend_ character had been sacrificed for a short-term Goldberg pop.
š“ **Critics & Analysts Weigh In:**
Many wrestling analysts questioned WWEās logic. Did WWE book Goldberg to win just to set up a **Goldberg vs. Roman Reigns** match at _WrestleMania 36_? Did Vince McMahon not trust _The Fiend_ as champion?
Regardless of the reasoning, one thing was clearāthis was one of the most controversial WWE booking decisions in recent memory.
## **4. The Fallout: The Downfall of The Fiend?**
After the loss, _The Fiend_ Bray Wyatt never truly recovered the same momentum. While he remained a fan favorite and even went on to win the Universal Championship again at **SummerSlam 2020**, his aura of invincibility had been shattered.
### **Post-Goldberg Storyline:**
– _The Fiend_ quickly shifted into a storyline with **John Cena** at _WrestleMania 36_, leading to the critically acclaimed **Firefly Fun House match**.
– He regained the **Universal Title** by defeating Braun Strowman at _SummerSlam 2020_, only to lose it to *_Roman Reigns just one week later_.
– His character took another hit after his feud with Randy Orton, ending with his sudden **release from WWE in 2021**.
While Bray Wyatt returned to WWE in 2022, _The Fiend_ never made a comeback, leaving many fans wondering what could have been.
## **5. Goldbergās Legacy: Did This Win Help or Hurt?**
For Goldberg, this victory was another dominant notch in his career, but at what cost?
### **Pros of Goldbergās Win:**
āļø Allowed him to enter _WrestleMania 36_ as Universal Champion (before losing to Braun Strowman).
āļø Showcased his continued dominance as a Hall of Famer.
āļø Created a shocking, unpredictable moment.
### **Cons of Goldbergās Win:**
ā Damaged _The Fiendās_ credibility as an unstoppable monster.
ā Felt like an unnecessary title reign with no long-term benefit.
ā Contributed to WWEās reputation of burying younger stars for part-time legends.
Many fans felt that Goldbergās short title reign **did not justify burying one of WWEās hottest characters at the time**.
## **6. Should WWE Have Booked It Differently?**
Five years later, the question remains: **Was this the right decision?**
Alternative booking ideas could have included:
š” **A More Competitive Match** ā Instead of a 3-minute squash, the match could have been a **hard-fought war**, making _The Fiend_ look stronger even in defeat.
š” **A No-Contest Finish** ā A controversial finish could have protected both Goldbergās legend status and _The Fiendās_ mystique.
š” **A Different Opponent for Goldberg** ā WWE could have had Goldberg face someone else instead of _The Fiend_, allowing Wyatt to keep his aura intact.
Even today, many fans argue that this decision played a major role in _The Fiendās_ eventual decline.
## **Conclusion: A Decision That Still Sparks Debate**
Now, five years later, the Goldberg vs. _Fiend_ match at **Super ShowDown 2020** remains one of WWEās most talked-about moments. Whether you see it as a shocking highlight or a massive mistake, thereās no denying its impact on WWE history.
### **Final Verdict: Right Move or Wrong Move?**
– ā
**If youāre a Goldberg fan**, this match proved that heās still a dominant force, even in his 50s.
– ā **If youāre a Bray Wyatt fan**, this was one of WWEās biggest booking blunders, derailing one of the most creative characters ever.
What do you think? **Did WWE make the right call? Should The Fiend have won? Let us know in the comments**
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