Goldberg vs. Lesnar Reportedly on for Survivor Series
Wrestling Observer is reporting that the announcement of a Bill Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar singles match at Survivor Series on 11/20 is apparently forthcoming. For months, rumors have been circulating about the possibility regarding the WWE return of Goldberg since he and Lesnar have been featured in the marketing of the new WWE 2K17 video game.
Rumors intensified over the last few days when it was reported that WWE and Goldberg had reached a deal. Goldberg, 49, hasn't wrestled since WrestleMania 20 where he defeated Lesnar in one of the most infamous matches in the event's history
13 years ago, Goldberg and WWE's relationship didn't end on the best of terms due to creative differences that led to the former world champion opting not to sign with the company again after his one year contract expired.
Goldberg's last match was at WrestleMania 20 against Lesnar, who was also leaving, against WWE's wishes, as he was fed up with the full time grind of the business.
There was ill will all over the place at the time, however, time has apparently healed all of the proverbial wounds.
The thing that stands out about this news is that it's happening at Survivor Series and not WrestleMania. Goldberg vs. Lesnar II screams "the granddaddy of them all." WWE isn't in a position where they can put all of their big match eggs in the WrestleMania basket.
Pay-Per-View is on life support as far as pro wrestling is concerned due to WWE prioritizing and moving their premium content to the network, which gives consumers an 81% discount as opposed to purchasing events distributed by cable and satellite providers.
WWE needs multiple events with major attractions that will draw above average interest to their product. WrestleMania itself is the draw as opposed to the matches on the card simply making or breaking the show.
The obvious prediction for their pending affair sees Lesnar getting his win back, therefore evening out their rivalry at one match apiece. However, what if Goldberg wins again? That would be uncharted territory for the domineering Lesnar.
There are lots of storyline possibilities for a match that is probably not going to be that good. Lesnar's in-ring routine of throwing suplexes adnausem is getting stale while Goldberg was a limited worker in his prime, never mind what today will bring.
In the end, Goldberg vs. Lesnar on the marquee will sell tickets, garner pay-per-view buys, increase WWE network subscriptions and bring back a large chunk of the audience who stopped watching wrestling after it cooled off, even if it's only for a limited time.
While it means nothing in the overall scheme of things, I hope that WWE decides to use Goldberg's original entrance music instead of the remake WWE used.
This entry was posted in Pro Wrestling and tagged Bill Goldberg, blog, Brock Lesnar, Pro Wrestling, Survivor Series, thoughts, WWE on October 6, 2016 by The Greene Screen.
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