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AEW might have a potential blockbuster free agent on their hands in Goldberg. The WWE star has only one match left on his contract and his future is up in the air.
The company utilized his services for the Crown Jewel pay-per-view in October 2021 in a match with Bobby Lashley. He competed in three matches throughout 2021.
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While his name makes WCW and Monday Night War fans nostalgic, Goldberg's recent run in the WWE has left much to be desired.
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What if the wrestling legend pulls off a shocking move and jumps to AEW? If that happens, here are five rivalries that would truly make it worth the fans' buck.
#5. AEW's Jake Hager
Jake Hager serves as the enforcer in The Inner Circle, but he's currently underutilized in that role. That's because he splits him time between AEW and training in MMA as a Bellator fighter.
The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion boasts an undefeated mixed martial arts record along with his amateur wrestling background.
A potential match between Hager and Goldberg, who is also MMA-trained, will be as stiff and brutal as they come. There won't be any chances of Goldberg mauling through his decorated opponent. Hager can definitely hold his own in a shoot fight which makes it a promising clash.
#4. AEW's powerhouse Wardlow
AEW could have a dominant Goldberg-like monster in Wardlow if they build him right. Mr. Mayhem has been tearing through competition on AEW recently en route to an inevitable face turn against MJF. It is reminiscent of Batista's slow-burning babyface turn against Triple H in 2005, and fans are salivating to see Wardlow get his reward.
The enforcer of The Pinnacle has the size and menacing presence, but more importantly, the charisma of a star. At this point in his career, he is also arguably a better wrestler than Goldberg.
It will be a Titanic battle between two generations, similar to Goldberg's recent rivalry with Bobby Lashley. But while Lashley is already a made man and former WWE champion, a victory for Wardlow over the WCW legend will elevate the AEW through the stratosphere.
#3. AEW's Le Champion
AEW's first major WWE crossover signing, Chris Jericho, has reinvented his career many times. His latest run at AEW is just the latest in a distinguished wrestling legacy.
But a portion of his time was spent in WCW, where he wrestled in the Cruiserweight division. Duting his time with the company the superstar on top was Goldberg.
Chris Jericho said on his Saturday Night Special YouTube livestream that others had pitted them against each other. Although they had their differences, the AEW star and WWE legend have worked things out since.
"Bill and I had a lot of animosity over the years just because, they kind of pitted us against each other in WCW and it is what it is. No issues now. Actually, Bill and I have a very good rapport. We get along great in WCW before we got pitted us against each other. Went to hockey games with each other. Nothing but love for Bill."
Both wrestlers are already in their 50s. But the marquee match between the two will be fuelled by a ton of history and draw older fans. AEW has utilized its wrestling veterans reasonably well, with Sting and Dustin Rhodes doing some of the best work of their careers. Perhaps AEW can restore Golderg's image, and who better to do it with than a pro like Jericho.
#2. AEW champion Hangman Page
AEW's Adam "Hangman" Page is only beginning his championship run, so it's understandable that fans might not want the popular star to face Goldberg.
Goldberg has challenged the likes of Drew McIntyre and Bobby Lashley for the WWE title. While fans weren't happy, there is no denying that beating Goldberg elevated the championship reigns of the two superstars.
Even current WWE champion Big E has been campaigning to face the legend. He hopes that a dream showdown with Goldberg could very well end up featuring on a WWE pay-per-view card.
"When I cut that nonsensical promo on our podcast, the likelihood to me was like 2.5% tops. But now that I hold this dearly beloved WWE Championship, it's all possible. I would like to see that happen; that would be incredible. Imagine Goldberg's last match [against me]," stated Big E.
AEW could execute a similar plan by putting Hangman Page's title on the line against Goldberg. It will be a controversial move, but beating Goldberg in a dream match would be an excellent notch for the Cowboy to have in his young reign.
#1. AEW's current best wrestler Bryan Danielson
AEW star Bryan Danielson is probably the best wrestler in the world right now. Ever since debuting at AEW All Out, the American Dragon has put on hard-hitting matches that let his wrestling skills shine.
From a David vs Goliath bout with Miro to a one-hour classic with Hangman Page, Bryan is able to have a great match-up with anyone.
Bryan is also one of the biggest WWE Superstars who became one of AEW's best signings. If anyone can pull a great match out of Goldberg, it's him. The two wrestlers never crossed paths when they were on the WWE roster. So this will also be a first-time dream match that AEW can book.
Judging by Bryan's awesome match with Brock Lesnar in Survivor Series 2018 who is similar in size, Danielson's technical ability will be an excellent foil for Goldberg.
