What if AEW signs Goldberg?

All Elite Wrestling has increasingly haunted WWE. From Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks, and friends declining lucrative offers in favor of starting the promotion, to signing away Chris Jericho and beating WWE to Kenny Omega, the threat posed by AEW has felt more real as the months go by. Add in the reveal of billionaire Tony Khan’s backing, and rumors of a TV deal with Turner, and WWE really might be facing the closest thing it has to competition since WCW folded.

While AEW has already locked in some A-list talent the next step could be signing some all time legends. One name that has come up recently is Goldberg. Some rumors suggest WWE booked him for its next show in Saudi Arabia in part to secure his services in a big money deal and keep him away from AEW. But what if he wound up working for the competition just the same? This article takes a look at what possibilities might follow.

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#4. Goldberg vs. Chris Jericho

Chris Jericho could make a lot of sense as a opponent for Goldberg to revisit.

There’s no question Chris Jericho is a big name, nor that he was a huge “get” for AEW in its infancy. One of the awkward points of booking a star of his magnitude, though, in company largely made up of talents who made their names in smaller promotions or abroad is that it can be difficult for opponents to feel credible next to him. Sure, there are a number of guys on the AEW roster who can hold their own Jericho, particularly at this late stage of his in ring career, but in terms of guys who have the star power for more casual fans to believe in them? That’s slim pickings.

A star like Goldberg would, on one hand, present similar challenges to booking Jericho, but on the other hand could be a fine opponent for Y2J. Goldberg himself is unlikely to work a full time schedule at this point, so a one or two-match deal working people like Jericho could present a fine special attraction and get out the best of what Goldberg has left to offer.

#3. Colour commentary

Goldberg could work the broadcast booth, with the intrigue of him potentially getting back in the ring at some point.

Some of Goldberg’s best potential contributions for AEW could come not in the ring, but rather from the broadcast booth He is an instantly recognizable face from wrestling’s hottest period and could work to better establish AEW as a legitimate big time wrestling promotion. Moreover, from his commentary work in MMA, Goldberg has demonstrated he’s a competent talker with the name recognition and credibility for fans to accept him in the colour commentator role

There’s a long tradition of commentators finding themselves in the ring as special attractions—a line Randy Savage and Jerry Lawler each walked for years for WWE, and Vampiro more recently held for Lucha Underground. A colour commentator role could be an excellent fit for Goldberg, and not preclude him eventually getting in the ring.

#2. Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar revisited

Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar could get one more iteration.

Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar was a dud of a program in its first iteration, culminating at WrestleMania 20. The fact that each man was leaving WWE and word got out about it led to an awkward situation and a bad blow off match. The guys largely redeemed themselves and their rivalry thirteen years later a rivalry that built to WrestleMania 33.

Two years later, no one is exactly clamoring to see this match again. However, if AEW were to sign Goldberg, there would certainly be a temptation to go back to the well with a rival who can match Goldberg’s star power and physical presence.

Brock Lesnar has announced his retirement from MMA, which seems to indicate he’ll focus on wrestling for the rest of his days as a professional athlete. While WWE will be his presumptive home, he’s never made any bones about being a businessman. If AEW can offer a more attractive contract financially, and particularly with the added hook of revisiting a proven rival Lesnar can work short matches with in Goldberg, it all just might come together.

#1. Better Legends Deals

Legends might start getting better deals from WWE if Goldberg slips through their fingers.

A number of stars from yesteryear have commented that WWE’s Legends contracts aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. The money is so-so and having to be at WWE’s beck and call with little other benefit to the talent at hand isn’t a great fit for everyone—particularly top talents who probably could do better making their own bookings elsewhere in the wrestling world.

A talent like Goldberg has the drawing power and clout to do better than a standard Legends deal, while nonetheless not being in the physical shape to justify a full time contract. As such, he’s a prime recruit for AEW to sink it’s teeth into. If AEW were to get him under contract, WWE may well rethink how it approaches contracting mostly retired talent, to make themselves a more attractive destination for them.