Bill Goldberg admits that being part of the WWE 2K17 video game has made him consider getting back in a wrestling ring. But thinking about it and doing it might be two different things.
Fans would love to see the former champion in a ring, calling out opponents, wondering “Who’s Next?”
You have to wonder if the wrestler who was a major part of the later success of WCW could still get in a ring today with the new generation of stars and beat the hell out of them.
“It evoked a feeling that I haven’t felt in a long time which is kind of cool but the reality is it ain’t in my court,” stated Goldberg. “It’s not in my court. I’ve said many times that I’m willing to throw water under the bridge but, hey, at the end of the day, it is what it is.”
As we all know, if there is a will, there is a way. There are four months left in 2016 with multiple pay-per-view events left, does it mean there is time to make this happen, or is his return something left for WrestleMania 33? And more importantly, should he return, who would his ideal opponent be? Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns come to mind, but there are others to consider. Here is a look at a few superstars who might fit that classification.
5: The Rock
Forget about the rumours of Vin Diesel and The Rock getting in a ring in Orlando. This is a match that is more realistic. The Rock is always on the minds of fans – wondering when he might get back in the ring one more time. Would Goldberg calling him out for a once in a lifetime match make sense? Does it make as much sense as a match – hypothetically – as one with Steve Austin? If there is a wrestler out there who could properly hype such an event, it is The Rock, who is still in wrestling shape and could carry Goldberg if needed in the ring.
4: The Undertaker
This was teased as a possible WrestleMania 32 match with Goldberg replacing Shane McMahon in the Hell in a Cell match. It never materialised. Not sure how it would have gone over. Goldberg represents a “final” match scenario for Undertaker – can he retire the Dead Man? I suspect that if he does not make an appearance in the ring before April of next year, the rumours will persist of him coming to Orlando to give Undertaker a match with retirement implications. The idea of Goldberg coming back to lose, however, isn’t one that might sit well with fans.
3: John Cena or Randy Orton
I lumped these two together because either one makes sense and could give the fans what they want in terms of a veteran’s match of favourites. Cena vs. Goldberg is one of those matches that tests strength. Orton vs. Goldberg tests skill versus strength. Orton might be a better choice as he is not in a position to challenge for a company title as of yet. Cena will undoubtedly be part of a program for the WWE World Title at some point – with Ric Flair’s record of 16 title runs at stake. This is also a match that happens at WrestleMania or a high profile PPV.
2: Bray Wyatt
What better way to test Goldberg’s mental resolve than to have him face the Eater of Worlds? Wyatt has a way of getting under the skin of his opponent. The one thing Goldberg has never been is a talker or someone who does a decent interview. This would mean there has to be more substance to Goldberg’s character. How will the straight forward brawler deal with the unorthodox style of Wyatt? Would Wyatt’s agility and ability in the ring surprise the power and strength of Goldberg?
1: Brock Lesnar
This is THE MATCH he comes back for. With all the talk about there being a confrontation at SummerSlam, nothing materialised from it. How does Goldberg, who has been away from the ring for so long, match strength with Lesnar? Does the brawling style of The Beast Incarnate wear down the returning superstar? How does WWE get around the fact Paul Heyman will chip away at Goldberg and his ring rust, and will it cause self-doubt? It looks like a great matchup on paper but will it translate to a solid match in a wrestling ring? There is no doubt Goldberg can match strength and power with the former WWE champion, but will it prove to be a good match?
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