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Very few professional wrestlers have impacted the world of sports entertainment as Goldberg did. Even to this day, he remains one of the most marketable superstars. This is why WWE ropes him in for a storyline at least once a year.
So, it makes absolute sense for not only WWE but every other wrestling promotion to express interest in the two-time Universal Champion. And with the budget that it has, you would expect All Elite Wrestling (AEW) to go all out (no pun intended) to sign Goldberg.
It was recently reported that AEW was interested in signing Goldberg. While this didn't happen and the initial rumor has been denied by Cody since, the impact of the WCW icon on the Jacksonville-based promotion during its debut year would have been noteworthy, to say the least.
That being said, here are 5 things that could have happened if Goldberg went to AEW.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article belong to the writer and doesn't necessarily represent Sportskeeda's stand.
#5 A different Main Event scene
AEW started off on the right note by booking Chris Jericho as their inaugural World Champion. After an entertaining six-month run as the Champion, Jericho dropped the title to Jon Moxley, who also happens to be a renowned figure in the wrestling world. Only now has AEW started pushing their homegrown talent into the main-event picture.
However, had AEW managed to sign Goldberg, it would have been a no brainer to build the roster around him and put the strap around his waist. This move would have completely altered the course of AEW.
In that case, Superstars such as MJF, Brian Cage, and Darby Allin might have had to wait for a bit longer to enter the main event scene. The two-time World Heavyweight Champion would have been the main attraction whenever he would show up and boosted the crossover appeal of the promotion.
#4 Rekindle the feud with Chris Jericho
Even though AEW hasn't been around for a long time, the promotion has mastered the art of fan service. From encouraging inside references to revisiting nostalgic feuds and moments, the promotion surely knows how to keep the fans invested in their product. And Goldberg's arrival would have helped the cause.
For those of you unaware, Goldberg and Chris Jericho were involved in a real-life fight back in 2003. Jericho even referenced it during one of the promo videos hyping up his match against Jon Moxley at Revolution earlier this year.
Had Goldberg signed with AEW, a feud with the promotion's top heel faction, The Inner Circle, would have been inevitable. After all, Chris Jericho was smart enough to revive his feud with Mike Tyson a couple of months ago. So, it's not a stretch to assume that he would have incorporated his real-life tension with Goldberg into a storyline as well.
Moreover, seeing Goldberg trying to topple a heel faction has always proven to grab eyeballs if you look at his rivalry against the nWo or Evolution.
#3 A slew of dream matches
While Goldberg wouldn't be remembered for his sound wrestling skills, to say that he has always had a solid presence would be an understatement. Every time his entrance music hits, fans know that they are about to witness something special.
Even though it wouldn't be logical to expect a 20-minute clinic from Goldberg, there are plenty of AEW Superstars who the fans want to see throw hands with the former World Champion.
Goldberg vs. Brian Cage, if it ever happens, has the potential to be a box office success. Goldberg could also fare well against the promotion's other big men such as Lance Archer, Brodie Lee, and Jake Hager.
Seeing Goldberg lock horns with the promotion's cornerstones, especially Kenny Omega, Cody, and Chris Jericho, would be a treat for the fans as well.
In short, almost every Goldberg match has a big-fight feel attached to it and if he had decided to sign with AEW, it would have been interesting to see him mix it up with the company's top Superstars.
#2 Attracted more big names in the Wrestling business
In the end, professional wrestling is a part of the entertainment business. This means that in order to succeed, every company must try its best to get the fans invested in its product. One way to achieve this goal is by roping in well-established names within the industry. And Goldberg is a name familiar with the entire wrestling community.
Goldberg's arrival in AEW could have played a big role in turning heads towards the product. Additionally, having Golberg as a part of their roster would have made it easier for the promotion to rope in other big names in the wrestling business.
While several legends including Bret Hart and Eric Bischoff have already appeared on AEW, Goldberg's presence would have assured numerous other big names making an appearance in the promotion, possibly resulting in them joining AEW in a full-time or part-time capacity.
There's no doubt that AEW's current roster is packed with the icons of tomorrow. However, having mainstream stars on the roster is a must to attract more fanfare.
#1 A rehashed storyline
Up until now, I discussed the positive developments that AEW could have witnessed if they signed Goldberg. If that happened, the WCW legend would have definitely worked for the promotion in a part-time capacity, attracting the wrath of the locker room.
With most AEW Superstars having creative freedom, anyone feuding with Goldberg, especially a heel such as MJF, would have tried to incorporate his part-time status into a storyline. One problem with this storyline is that it has been played out for the last five years in WWE.
With AEW striving for fresh angles and matches, a feud fueled by a competitor's disdain for Goldberg for working part-time would have been a huge step back.
Moreover, wrestling fans have openly expressed their disinterest in seeing a part-timer carry a World Championship. And with Goldberg on their roster, it would have only been a matter of time before AEW put the strap on him.
So, even though Goldberg is still a big draw, his addition to the AEW roster could have forced the company to move in a completely different direction from what they promised their fans.
