Bret Hart retained the WCW World Heavyweight Championship against Goldberg the night before at WCW Starrcade, but only after a stiff mule kick to the head from his opponent caused Hart to suffer a severe concussion. Due to the controversial ending of the match, Hart vacated the title on Monday Nitro and faced Goldberg in a rematch for the gold. The Hit Man would go on to win the contest and—officially—the WCW World Heavyweight Championship.