When Goldberg first came back to the company, many assumed it was a one and done type deal solely for Survivor Series. It soon became apparent that more long-term plans for the returning superstar were in the works, especially after that surprising squash finish against Brock Lesnar.
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Both superstars will be taking part in the Royal Rumble later this month, with many expecting the two to face off again one on one at WrestleMania 33. As time goes on, though, WWE continues to tease other matches for Goldberg, hinting that perhaps he will enter into another program beyond Lesnar.
They added fuel to the fire by posting a “5 dream matches we want for Goldberg” article, including a match with the deadman himself. While the premise is dream matches, it is odd that they included The Undertaker, who is also nearing the end of his WWE career.
Hit the next slide to take a look at the dream matches they proposed, and whether or not they are likely to happen.
Goldberg vs Roman Reigns
WWE has actually already teased this match on Monday Night RAW, and if Goldberg plans to make a few more appearances on the program in the near future, fans actually might get to see this play out.
Reigns is currently embroiled in a feud with Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho for the Universal Championship. That’s important because it gives the character something to do in between Goldberg appearances on television. Goldberg has a schedule much like Brock Lesnar’s, so he has to carry the ball for big chunks of time in between.
While it would certainly be entertaining, it wouldn’t help the perception of the big dog with the WWE fans, who remain as divided as ever on the current United States Champion. As long as WWE is okay with that, why not let them go at it.
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Goldberg vs Braun Strowman
The walking behemoth that is Braun Strowman has made Monday Night RAW his wrecking ground, running roughshod over superstars like Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn, and anyone else valiant enough to stand in his way. It took the combined spears of Goldberg and Roman Reigns to take him down even temporarily, but some might be interested in a feud between the returning legend and the fearsome giant.
The only problem is that this is a lose-lose scenario for both involved, and WWE should probably steer clear of it. The company has invested a great deal of time to establish that Strowman is unstoppable.ย While you could say the same for Brock Lesnar, the difference is that one is part time and is an attraction in himself while the other is a full-time member of the roster.
Having an older Goldberg defeat Strowman on RAW would kill the momentum they’ve built for the character thus far, and it’s way too early for that. If they’re going to give the rub to another superstar, it needs to be someone who earns it through a TV storyline, giving the emerging superstar and the audience a genuine payoff. Have Sami Zayn figure out a way to beat him or even Reigns, but give that payoff to someone who can carry the torch day in and day out.
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Goldberg vs AJ Styles
This is one of those matches that fans never thought would even be possible, but now the two superstars find themselves in WWE at the exact same time.
Goldberg is currently on Monday Night RAW, but he isn’t really part of the brand split. That means if it’s necessary he could always move over to Smackdown Live to be a part of the Championship picture over there, and that would put him directly in contact with AJ Styles.
Unlike Strowman, Styles doesn’t need the company’s help in establishing his reputation, so even taking a loss to Goldberg here and there wouldn’t dim his star in any capacity. Styles can also efficiently carry a match if he has to and could make up for Goldberg’s ring rust and still put on an entertaining match.
The only problem here is that it doesn’t really help the company in the long run to take the belt off of Styles if Goldberg remains part time. If he was coming back for a Chris Jericho type run, then it could really work, but if he remains part time then Smackdown Live all of the sudden has no regularly televised champion to base the show around for weeks at a time.
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Goldberg vs John Cena
Now this is a matchup that could work, whether it involved a Championship or not.
If it did involve the Heavyweight Championship, Cena and Goldberg would have a few very easily hyped bouts with AJ Styles and Cena supplementingย in between for when Goldberg is not on television.
Cena has faced Brock Lesnar and The Rock as they returned to the company after long hiatuses, so having face a returning Goldberg would be a natural next step. Cena has a fighting style that would compliment Goldberg’s, and if fans get an impassioned Cena on the mic it could make for an interesting feud.
Cena is returning to a semi-full time schedule for the time being, so if he takes the belt off of Styles you don’t have the same problems that you face if Goldberg does it.
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Goldberg vs Undertaker
The Undertaker is on his way towards another WrestleMania matchup this year, but WWE is keeping who his opponent will be a closely guarded secret.
Choices have included AJ Styles and John Cena previously, but the big dream matchup for WWE is with the returning superstar Goldberg. It’s a very interesting idea that the company has pitched in the article, saying “True, The Deadman can never undo the breaking of his WrestleMania Streak. However, defeating the man who bested Brock Lesnar may well allow the legendary Superstar to lay his demons to rest.”
If they were going to create a feud with The Undertaker, that would certainly be a great foundation to build on. The Deadman sees redemption in Goldberg’s steamrolling of Lesnar. If he can take down the one who beat Lesnar, then he will finally have peace. It’s a great angle and rather simple in execution, as long as WWE doesn’t overbook it to death.
Having Undertaker face Goldberg could be excellent, and a once in a lifetime opportunity for the company to capitalize on two stars entering the twilights of their careers.
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