If there was any doubt that Bill Goldberg would return to WWE and face The Beast Incarnate Brock Lesnar, it was erased on Monday night with the announcement the former world champion would appear on Raw next week.
Add to the fact that Paul Heyman is already doing his best to hype a match that technically hasn’t been signed yet, meaning this will be one of the more anticipated confrontations this year, possibly in the past decade.
Also read: Bill Goldberg’s net worth and salary revealed
It has been 12 years since Goldberg stepped in a WWE ring, let alone wrestled in a match. He has been very candid in his comments – especially with Jonathan Coachman on ESPN – that he does not owe Lesnar another match, setting the stage for a colossal meeting.
While Goldberg and Lesnar are friends off camera, that does mean it will translate when they come face to face. Whether it is a match at Survivor Series, TLC or WrestleMania 33, the match everyone wants to see if going to happen. Solidifying a date and continuing the buildup is all that is left before WWE makes this happen.
The talk of Goldberg’s return began back in March, as a potential opponent for The Undertaker when the Dead Man was booked in the Hell in a Cell match with Shane McMahon. Rumours swirled that Goldberg would replace the son of Vince McMahon, but it never materialised.
Now that Goldberg is part of WWE 2K17, he will remain a hot button topic, which means WWE cashes in on his continued stardom and his potential in the ring.
There many reasons for wrestling fans to get excited about his return. Here is a look at five reasons why fans want Goldberg back in a WWE ring.
#1 Unfinished business
It has been 12 years since Goldberg stepped in a ring. Now, with the landscape changed and new “players” on the roster, there are plenty of new opportunities for him with new opponents. Right now, WWE is focusing on Lesnar – the baddest man on the planet.
The match between Goldberg and Lesnar at WrestleMania XX with Stone Cold Steve Austin as the special guest referee was both Goldberg's final match with WWE and Lesnar's final match until his return in 2012. After Goldberg won the match following a Jackhammer, both men were given a Stone Cold Stunner by Austin on their way out.
#2 Name recognition
There is something still electric about Goldberg’s name when it is brought up in wrestling circles. The fans chanting “GOLDBERG”, the pyrotechnics and the look of the warrior headed to battle. There was and still isn’t anything scientific about this man.
He is a brawler and fighter from the get go. And when there was talk about him appearing in Dallas this year to face Undertaker, it created momentum for this type of event. Take the Dead Man out of it and replace him with Lesnar. It takes the magic to another level.
Fans want to see what is still left in the tank. Can a man who hasn’t looked at a wrestling ring in over a decade make it happen once again?
#3 WWE 2K17
It wouldn’t be a complete package, or this would not happen if Goldberg had not agreed to be part of the video game experience. I am not a video game guy, but I know many who are. The idea of bringing the veteran back to be part of the technological era is something WWE is excited about and so are fans.
Now, with his likeness added to gaming, fans can use his character in many matches they have only dreamed of before and talked about in social media outlets. It also means Goldberg could be part of the massive promotional tour that will continue until his match with Lesnar and beyond.
#4 Merchandise
I was one of those guys who walked about with a t-shirt from WCW asking everyone, “Who’s Next?” Even at 30 years old, I was captivated by the excitement he brought to WCW and then WWE.
For my generation that now has children that go to matches, it is a chance for them to wear t-shirts, talk about catch phrases and feel the Goldberg experience. At one point, there was a 173-match winning streak.
I doubt there will be the same kind of promotion upon his return, but bringing out the old swag and getting new gear will be on the minds of many fans who saw him in the past and look to see him in the future.
#5 Who’ s next?
OK, I’ll just put it out there. Is this going to be a one-off event or will Goldberg, should he prove to be successful in the ring, face other opponents? This is where the promotion of his return really pays off. Will this lead to a confrontation with Undertaker? Is there a plan that potentially Randy Orton or John Cena have matches with him?
What about the new generation such as Roman Reigns or even Kevin Owens? There is great potential here. WWE didn’t just come up with a plan to have him return and leave. That wouldn’t be as profitable for the company.
For latest WWE News, spoilers and rumours visit our Sportskeeda WWE section.
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
