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WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg was a special guest on WWE's The Bump on Wednesday. During the interview, he surprised many fans when he revealed that he has his sights set on Roman Reigns.
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The former WWE Universal Champion was due to defend his title against Reigns at WrestleMania 36. But "The Big Dog" dropped out at the last minute due to the birth of his twin boys and his (perfectly valid) concerns about the COVID-19 outbreak.
Goldberg has several appearances remaining on his WWE contract. So he was always probably going to return at some point. But it looks as though he could be making his way back sooner rather than later. There's always a chance that WWE will call on him for WrestleMania season.
Let's take a look at five potential opponents for Goldberg if he returns to WWE.
#5 Goldberg could want a rematch with Braun Strowman
Braun Strowman and Goldberg have history. Strowman replaced Reigns as Goldberg's WrestleMania opponent at the very last minute.
The match had little build for reasons outside of WWE's control, and the company didn't explain the change, either. Strowman went on to defeat Goldberg for the WWE Universal Championship in the most unusual WrestleMania of all time. There's clearly a built-in storyline that's ready to go if WWE decides to pit these stars against each other again.
Goldberg could aim to avenge his loss at WrestleMania 36
Strowman's title run left a lot to be desired. The resulting feuds were not much to write home about. But a rivalry and a rematch with Goldberg, with a decent build this time, could do a lot to restore "The Monster Among Men."
Sure, we have seen Strowman face Goldberg before. But it was several months ago, so much has changed since their initial encounter. With more investment in the program, WWE would hopefully be able to provide a much better match between these two behemoths.
#4 Goldberg could bask in the glory of Keith Lee
A match between Goldberg would undoubtedly be a sight to behold in a WWE ring.
Lee made quite an impression since he debuted on the main roster earlier this year. He defeated Randy Orton, and he's clashed with some of the best names WWE RAW has to offer. But he still hasn't had a long-running feud yet. A program with Goldberg would do wonders for Lee as he brings a level superstardom that WWE lacks right now.
Lee has been featured on RAW just under the main event title picture. But a talent like "The Limitless One" needs to be utilized on the highest level of the card. Surely, a match with Goldberg could raise him to the top.
Keith Lee could become the new legend killer in a match with Goldberg.
Lee has crossed paths with WWE legends in the past. At last year’s WWE Survivor Series, he pinned Seth Rollins before he squared off with Reigns. Then, at this year’s Royal Rumble, he had a genuine, incredible moment with Brock Lesnar.
Lee always lives up to his moniker. He is limitless in what he can do in the ring, and a match (and possible victory) against Goldberg would establish him as someone who doesn’t just face legends but beats them too.
#3 AJ Styles could be an excellent choice to face Goldberg in WWE
Like many on this list, AJ Styles has never faced Goldberg, but he is a lot smaller than the rest. For this reason, he might hold an advantage over the others.
Goldberg’s sporadic returns are often met with eye-rolls and criticism from the WWE Universe. This reaction is mainly due to his in-ring skills (or lack thereof.) But one could argue that Goldberg’s best match of the lpst few years was his match at WWE SummerSlam 2019. There, he faced Dolph Ziggler, who sold and used his size to make Goldberg look good. Styles could do the same thing.
AJ Styles could be the one to get a decent match out of Goldberg.
Styles is one of, if not the most consistent performers in WWE. He is widely regarded as an expert in the ring. He always elevates his opponents, regardless of their in-ring reputation. This acclaim was never more evident than when The Undertaker chose him to be his opponent in his final match.
Style is challenging Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship at WWE TLC, where he could become a three-time champion. But facing Goldberg and getting a passable match out of him could go down as one of Styles' crowning achievements.
#2 Riddle would be a very compelling opponent for Goldberg in WWE
Riddle has been calling Goldberg for years, both in interviews and on social media. Not only did he call out Goldberg for a fight, but he has continuously ridiculed his in-ring style. Riddle even called him "the worst wrestler in the business". Word of this insult got back to Goldberg, and he confronted Riddle backstage at last year's WWE SummerSlam, which did little to ease tensions.
Riddle and Goldberg have a legitimate, real-life feud.
Since then, Riddle made his debut on the main roster. He is now establishing himself as one of RAW's most entertaining talents. He was part of RAW's winning team at WWE Survivor Series winning team, and he remains a strong act on the show.
Riddle's place on the WWE roster makes this match possible. But the tension between Goldberg and the former UFC star remains palpable. Recently, Riddle made more disparaging comments about the WCW legend. In an interview with BT Sport, Riddle said:
"I think it makes for a great match. I think it makes for great entertainment. I don't think it'll ever happen. The guy literally refused to acknowledge me on multiple occasions in public forums and interviews and everything. 'I don't blame him. The guy is like, "What if he shoots on me?" I would be scared too, bro. Enjoy your time."
A match between Riddle and Goldberg may not be the smoothest encounter due to the animosity between the two. But it would certainly be an intriguing spectacle.
#1 Roman Reigns is the perfect opponent for Goldberg if he returns to WWE
Reigns is the most logical opponent for Goldberg upon his return for several reasons. First, they were supposed to clash at WrestleMania 36. WWE seemingly wants to make sure that "The Battle of the Spear" happens.
Plus, a match between the two could cement Reigns' status is a WWE icon in the making. "The Tribal Chief" has defeated The Undertaker, and a win over Goldberg would be yet another impressive accomplishment.
Finally, Reigns is the current WWE Universal Champion, and he's the top WWE Superstar in the company. It's fair to argue that Goldberg does not return to WWE for the love of it. He comes back for the money, the fame and glory. A match with Roman Reigns for the top prize in WWE would surely offer all of that.
Roman Reigns and Goldberg have unfinished business.
After Goldberg's comments, wrestling Twitter was flooded with posts about the two meeting in the ring. Reigns had this to say;
At the time of scheduled WrestleMania match, Reigns was a completely different person. After his time away from WWE, Reigns made sure his return meant something. At WWE SummerSlam, he returned bigger, stronger and meaner than ever. In the subsequent months, he has demolished everyone who has stood in his way. Now, it seems as if Goldberg is next in line after Kevin Owens at WWE TLC.
