Report/Rumor: WWE & Goldberg Negotiating....Again

[Jack-Hammer]

The title of the thread pretty much says it all. I was just browsing by Gerweck.net and I ran across this little tidbit. According to the site, originally reported on by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE is currently in talks with Bill Goldberg on a possible return to work WrestleMania XXX. The report goes on to say that it appears as if WWE want to have a match with Goldberg taking on Ryback at the big event in New Orleans.

If there's any truth to it, then I can't pretend to be all that excited. There've been several "talks" between the two parties in the past with the results being that a deal isn't able to be reached. BUT, again if this is all legit, then at least they're not wanting to stick him in the main event or against The Rock or Taker. A match with Ryback will let each of them snort & snot all over the place, see who can breathe the deepest & hardest, Goldberg will get his ego stroked, cash in a big paycheck, and the Showcase of the Immortals will slip all that much closer to be the Showcase of the Part Timers.

 

[It's...Baylariat!]

Question is... would the fans really care if Goldberg came back?

I can imagine a pop being heard when Ryback comes out after being eliminated from the Royal Rumble next to last and before he starts to talk, Goldberg's theme blares through the arena.

I think it has potential to be pretty damn awesome... for that one moment. After that, it'll be Ryback trying to get the best of Goldberg and making us believe he can beat him, only to be speared and jack-hammered in mere seconds.

Also, I don't think Goldberg comes back into the fold anytime soon. It'd take great amounts of money for him to do so, and why would the WWE spend that kind of money on someone to come in and squash their big guys?

 

[George Steele's Barber]

I guess it would be fine. I think a HOF induction is appropriate, not because Goldberg is that great but because the HOF isn't that great. As far as a WM program goes, I've really enjoyed the roster as of late and I'm not so sure I want to see him take up a spot. Maybe five years ago but not necessarily today. A Ryback encounter would be cool but save it for another time. Maybe the hype machine could make this work but today's Goldberg doesn't seem worth a WM spot (unless it is to apologize for his WM match with Lesnar), maybe a B-PPV or as a rumble entrant would work well.

 

[hatehabsforever]

Boy, that sounds like a technical masterpiece in the making. Ryback versus Goldberg, a clash of two mat technicians. Can't say it does much to impress me, although I guess it makes sense, potentially, of all of the Ryback bullying segments. Ryback continues to throw his weight around, only to have Goldberg eventually confront him with "why don't you pick on someone your own size?". Frankly, I have no interest whatsoever in seeing this happen. For that matter, I have no interest in seeing Bill Goldberg back in the WWE or in the WWE Hall of Fame, or really, in any capacity whatsoever except perhaps some sort of legends deal for peddling merchandise.

The last I heard on this rumor, WWE had planned to consolidate the WWE Championship and the World Heavyweight Championship, and make Goldberg the new Unified Championship, at Wrestlemania 30. In doing so, he was going to end the Undertaker's undefeated streak at Wrestlemania, be the headline inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame for the year, and be declared the supreme ruler of all. Contract stalls had stalled, though, as Goldberg was concerned that WWE was under utilizing his talents.

As far as I'm concerned, WWE has plenty of talent and already have an abundance of egos to contend with on their roster. I'm not sure there's room for an ego the size of Bill Goldberg on their roster. As far as I'm concerned, thanks but no thanks to Bill Goldberg.

 

[Blade]

I don't understand why Goldberg vs. Ryback should happen. Because they're so similar? Right, cause Goldberg vs. Lesnar worked out so well. Plus, what has Ryback done to deserve a match with Goldberg? Nothing, he's an upper midcarder who had a short run in the main event, and was a huge failure when he was there. He even lost to Jericho recently. And nobody who's relevant loses to Jericho anymore.

You want to make money? You build up Goldberg as a monster again, and then you book Goldberg vs. John Cena. Put that on a card alongside Bryan vs. Punk, Lesnar vs. Undertaker and Triple H vs. The Rock and you've got yourself a record breaking Wrestlemania, worth of being number 30.

 

[Mitch Henessey]

I wouldn't be surprised if the talks fell through again. WWE has been at this business of trying to re-sign Goldberg to another short term deal for how long now? Every time these reports surface, the talks fall through, and I wouldn't be surprised if Bill Goldberg's ego had something to do with that. I also wouldn't put too much stock into the "Goldberg!" chants. I still believe it's a lot of smarks doing their best to get under Ryback's skin by taunting him.

And think about this. If this report checks out to be true, and Goldberg comes back, he's coming back to have a match with a guy, who has a similar look and build to his, and because the fans chant his name. So basically, he'll be coming back for a "Who's the REAL Goldberg?" match at Wrestlemania XXX. Not to main event, go after the streak, not to go after the WWE or World Heavyweight Championship, or have a match with Triple H, Rock (pending ), or Lesnar. But to come back and compete in what sounds like a novelty match. That just goes to show you how far Bill Goldberg's stock has fallen over the years.

Hopefully, Goldberg won't get the main event, because he doesn't deserve it, but I wouldn't bat an eye at a match with Ryback. If anything, seeing this two in the ring together could create a white hot crowd atmosphere (Wrestlemania crowds are notoriously smarky) with a lot of heckling and dueling "Goldberg!" chants. And IF that happens, it could help Ryback regain a lot of the momentum he lost during the feuds with Punk, The Shield, and after the heel turn. There's no reason whatsoever for Goldberg to go over Ryback, because we all know old Bill won't be in it for the long haul.

 

[Fire Marshall Bill]

He even lost to Jericho recently. And nobody who's relevant loses to Jericho anymore.

Ryback beat Jericho...


I always envisioned the start of a Ryback/Goldberg feud where one episode of Raw Ryback is psyching himself up for a match in a mirror. As he walks away the camera turns with him, but then it pans back to the mirror, keeps going until you can see behind it. There you see Goldberg standing with a grin. I just thought it would be a great way to tease the beginning.

Anyways, as a fan of both guys, I'd love this feud. It wouldn't have great promos. It wouldn't even have a great match. But I'd sure get a kick out of it. Plus there's a chance (probably not since smarks are morons) that if Goldberg puts Ryback over, maybe he could get over with more fans again. Like he was before, but everyone knows the story of that terrible booking. I don't know about Goldberg's willingness to put anyone over though.

How this storyline really plays out would depend a lot on if Goldberg plans on just a WM match or a short run.

 

[boozinjedi]

Is this a return to actual in-ring matches OR just a deal so they can do something along the lines of HOF or a DVD?

I'm thinking the latter.

 

[THTRobtaylor]

The issue isn't whether Goldberg and WWE should be talking or even if he has a match but whether it should be at Wrestlemania 30... There is logic in having as many faces of the past AT Mania but that doesn't mean that they should be returning for their first match at Mania.

Brock didn't - he wrestled a "lower PPV" for his big return, Rocky wrestled Survivor Series first... so the thing that will likely kill this is not what they're gonna do with Goldberg at Mania, but if he only wants to do one match - frankly if Rocky and Brock didn't get that deal then he really isn't gonna. Both those guys were clearly in some kind of shape during negotiation, perhaps not UFC champ shape but the E could see they were close enough in terms of build and physicality in their work that Vince could be confident... Who has actually seen Goldberg lately? When was the last time he did anything resembling wrestling or stunt work? No way is Vince gonna burn millions of dollars on one match for an unknown quantity - even Warrior has had a couple of matches in the last decade... Goldberg ceased to exist somewhere, now he's Bill - being a daddy, not even showing up on TV regularly...

I can see a HOF induction as it will distract that Randy isn't going in again, I can even see a Mania appearance but if it's gonna have any worth at all Bill has to be training now, showing up in insane Goldberg shape and sharpness, latest at the Rumble and working a programme for the Road to Mania... if he's not - they are better throwing that money at other people like Batista who will be hungry as he will have his movie to promote and can bring Vin and (as of today) Bradley "Rocket Racoon" Cooper with him from it, Austin, Rock and more Brock matches that for Bill v Ryback - even Warrior wouid be better as he has Mania pedigree... Goldberg had one and fluffed it...

 

[ATLMIATEX]

This is WrestleMania 30, WWE wants the biggest names for the biggest Mania in 10 years. Goldberg is a huge name. He'll defiantly be worth 15 minutes at WMXXX. Against Ryback is the only option, the crowd cheers Goldberg's name during Ryback's segments. Goldberg will defiantly be over, and this could be big for Ryback as well. Ryback has never faced a well established opponent except Cena. Goldberg vs Ryback defiantly won't make people buy Mania, that's Taker, Cena, HHH, Punk's job. It will defiantly be worth 15 minutes of a stacked card.

 

[vampxx24]

been saying it for about a month.... i think this is where the ryback bullying storyline will end up. i think itll be similar to the start of the ryback/punk fued last year where youll see ryback bully someone and goldberg appear offscreen to confront ryback which we'll see the camera pan out to be goldberg.

my other pick for this is batista.

 

[Pedigree1]

This again? How old is goldberg gonna be by the time WM30 rolls into the superdome? For a moment yes,the moment would be cool and earth shattering. But in all honesty,i dont see the E wasting big time money on a guy who would not job to anyone. Goldberg thinks and IMO of course,he is bigger than wrestling itself. It be interesting to see though. We all have seen Goldbergs only WM appearance and well to say it sucked is putting it nicely!

I say give it to someone who would appreciate it more. Batista be a good choice,he could even promote his movie as im sure he is in better shape than Goldberg is. Batista always says he is training like an animal on twitter as im sure he is. I Personally dont wanna see Goldberg at WM30 there are so many bigger past stars that deserve that honor more than him.

 

[shalliin]

The issue isn't whether Goldberg and WWE should be talking or even if he has a match but whether it should be at Wrestlemania 30... There is logic in having as many faces of the past AT Mania but that doesn't mean that they should be returning for their first match at Mania.

Brock didn't - he wrestled a "lower PPV" for his big return, Rocky wrestled Survivor Series first... so the thing that will likely kill this is not what they're gonna do with Goldberg at Mania, but if he only wants to do one match - frankly if Rocky and Brock didn't get that deal then he really isn't gonna. Both those guys were clearly in some kind of shape during negotiation, perhaps not UFC champ shape but the E could see they were close enough in terms of build and physicality in their work that Vince could be confident... Who has actually seen Goldberg lately? When was the last time he did anything resembling wrestling or stunt work? No way is Vince gonna burn millions of dollars on one match for an unknown quantity - even Warrior has had a couple of matches in the last decade... Goldberg ceased to exist somewhere, now he's Bill - being a daddy, not even showing up on TV regularly...

I can see a HOF induction as it will distract that Randy isn't going in again, I can even see a Mania appearance but if it's gonna have any worth at all Bill has to be training now, showing up in insane Goldberg shape and sharpness, latest at the Rumble and working a programme for the Road to Mania... if he's not - they are better throwing that money at other people like Batista who will be hungry as he will have his movie to promote and can bring Vin and (as of today) Bradley "Rocket Racoon" Cooper with him from it, Austin, Rock and more Brock matches that for Bill v Ryback - even Warrior wouid be better as he has Mania pedigree... Goldberg had one and fluffed it...

This isn't a fair comparison. With Brock you were always looking on more then one or two matches. Not any where near a full schedule and with a fairly wide margin between them, but far more then just a one or two match set. That's why he was signed for 2yrs? wasn't it?

The Rock is similar, he was in a year long buildup to WM, but put in some appearances and matches throughout the year. He could show up any time and boost ratings or buys, cut promos and backstage segments. He also promotes wwe outside of the fanbase on talk shows and in interviews.

Goldberg doesn't have any of that. He's not a draw anymore except for some wcw fanboys who look at him through rose colored glasses. Never mind not being the 'draw' he was during his squashy streak, he's not the draw he was during his aborted first run in wwe. He's done nothing of note since he left and has faded away from the public eye.

If they bring him back, it will best be as a one/two match only situation. Anything more would be over kill on his skill/workability and would risk alienating fans who would 'suddenly' remember that he can't actually work a match and not even the talent they have now would be able to cover his weaknesses in the ring. Throw in 10 years or ring dust and what I expect would be a lack of trust on the part of the rest of the roster considering his history, and it's a recipe for disaster.

 

[BillAlfonsos_Whistle]

I wouldn't rule out a Goldberg return at some point but I think Bautista would get a better reaction and would certainly be better in the ring (can't believe I said that about Dave Bautista LOL) !


If Goldberg were to return I just don't think Ryback would be the right angle. First of all the mocking Goldberg chants to Ryback would make the match somewhat a mockery. I think Goldberg vs. Lesnar would be a better match and draw. I think it could work with any of the other upper-mid-card guys like Ziggler/Del Rio/Sheamus better than with Ryback as well.

 

[Papi Chulo]

I would only want to see Goldberg come back if he agreed to spend several months w/ NXT and if he impresses then award him a match on Raw where he gets annihilated by Damien Sandow. After that someone can wish him the best in his future endeavors. You're welcome and get lost Oldberg.

 

[shalliin]

If he comes back and is out of shape, or even worse in the ring, I have a chant for the live fans:
"Waste Of Money"
or
"We Want Gillberg"
or how about:
"Billy Bites"
and one last one
"Come back Cena"

 

[Hard Hit Prince]

Boy, that sounds like a technical masterpiece in the making. Ryback versus Goldberg, a clash of two mat technicians.

I have to say that this pisses me of, not you in particular man with no abs, but that idea that every match needs to be a clash of two mat technicians. I like powerhouses too, I like brawlers and the occasional slug fest. A wrestling show to me needs to incorporate all of this and it doesn't get any better in the "powerhouse" landscape with a Goldberg vs. Ryback match at the biggest stage in professional wrestling. Now I'm going back to the topic.

Some people will say and with a point that Ryback isn't ready for it. Goldberg is still a popularity icon in the world of professional wrestling. In a few years in the business he made a lot of noise, he was so popular that to this day people remember the "Goldberg" chants and the iconic Jackhammer. He's a legend to everyone and the only great thing about this clash is the "reality" aspect of it. Goldberg has been ripping on Ryback for almost a year now, the crowd has been chanting "Goldberg's name" to Ryback who has already stated that he feels honored for that, but he really wants to have people chanting his name one day. What better way to kill of the Ryback chants, by having those two guys clash in the middle of the ring?

Well, if The Rock, Triple H, Brock Lesnar, The Undertaker and now Goldberg wrestle at WrestleMania I as an hardcore fan will be as pissed as a lot of other guys, because of the "part-timers" take over aspect of it. On the other hand, I'll have some dream matches come to life yet again. If Goldberg does return, it'll be the highlight of 2014 however it's too early to predict what he's going to do, how he's going to do it and what not. Hell as far as I know, this is all bullshit made up by the Observer, but to me a Goldberg return would be great, regardless if he fights Ryback or Daniel Bryan. I would rather have a Ryback vs. Goldberg feud, because there is no denying that Ryback will be a big name for years to come so why not plug the trigger now and not regret later? I hope it happens, I know the match won't be a MOTY but can easily create a mark out moment to a lot of wrestling fans.

 

[rge2010]

Whatever anybody says Goldberg is still a draw. The guy was huge and when nostalgia plays its part, money is parted. I just await a proportion of the IWC weeping because he has stolen the spot of 'Ziggles' or Cesaro....

As far as Ryback vs Goldberg goes, I have no problem with this being at Mania 30. However, I dont see them using Goldberg at Mania. Mania 30 will sell itself in my opinion so more likely to see Goldberg return like Lesnar did the night after and be on the Extreme Rules card or something.

As for the Ryback bullying storyline, disagree with most that Goldberg or Batista is going to show up and teach him a lesson. Cena and Henry have already done this recently....I believe it is going to be Rey Mysterio which would send out a clear message regarding this angle.

As for Mania 30...

Rock vs Brock (Main Event)
Austin/Vince/Shane vs Triple H/Batista/Flair (Co Main Event)
Cena vs Orton vs Punk (WWE Title)
Taker vs Bryan (Streak)

 

[closet_fan]

Is this a return to actual in-ring matches OR just a deal so they can do something along the lines of HOF or a DVD?

I'm thinking the latter.

The Wrestling Observer reported Goldberg has been debating publicly about coming back because his son is old enough to be able to watch him wrestle, which I am sure he'd love to do.

As far as an opponent, I hate the Ryback theory. His match with Henry was terrible. I can't imagine a match with a diminishing skilled Goldberg would be that good. But really, fans aren't looking for a "Dean Malenko" technical match. They just want to see these guys beat the crap out of each other.