As a longtime WWE fan who’s seen it all, from the Attitude Era to the current day, I must say that my excitement for Goldberg’s retirement match is about as high as a flop sweat on Randy Orton’s forehead during a promo. Don’t get me wrong, I have fond memories of the spear-wielding, jackhammer-using legend from his days in WCW, but his time in WWE has been more forgettable than a Hulk Hogan rap album.
To begin with, let me make it clear that as a child, I was completely captivated by Goldberg. Coming from a household where WCW was the norm in the mid-to-late ’90s, Goldberg, with his tough guy image, spear and jackhammer moves, and overall enigma, was a massive sensation in our house, the Sledge family. However, when I learned that the wrestler who had iconic moments in both WWE and WCW announced he would be having a retirement match, I must confess, my interest waned considerably.
Regardless of all the opinions expressed about Bill Goldberg over time, especially by Bret Hart, the idea of him occupying a leading role in an upcoming WWE event doesn’t excite me at all. Here’s what I believe is the reason behind it.
Goldberg Has Come And Gone Multiple Times Over The Past Decade
Goldberg, who was met with boos at Madison Square Garden during WrestleMania XX in March 2004 and subsequently took a break for over a decade, has made several comebacks and disappearances in WWE since then.
Initially, he returned for Survivor Series 2016, where he stunned Brock Lesnar with a win, overpowered Kevin Owens to claim the Universal Championship, and subsequently lost it back to Lesnar at WrestleMania 33 in April of the following year. His comeback in 2019 followed a similar trajectory, leading him to beat Bray Wyatt for the Universal title once more, only to lose it to Braun Strowman at WrestleMania 36 when Roman Reigns had to withdraw due to medical issues related to the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pattern continued in 2021 and early 2022 as well.
It seems Goldberg’s pattern of returning for a few bouts, sometimes taking home the title, other times losing it, and then disappearing again has become repetitive, dull, and unengaging. There appears to be little depth, consistency, or significant consequences involved.
If They Waste A Gunther Match On Goldberg, I’m Going To Be Pissed
At Bad Blood in October 2024, Goldberg returned to WWE after over two years, squaring off with World Heavyweight Champion Gunther in Atlanta, Georgia, where the latter hails from. As they stood eyeball-to-eyeball, I couldn’t help but worry, “Please, don’t do this to Gunther!”, as I didn’t want such a talented wrestler, not just within WWE, but globally, to get embroiled in what might turn out to be an underwhelming and time-consuming match.
I don’t believe it’s likely for WWE to pit Gunther against Goldberg and have the older wrestler win the championship. It’s not suitable for one of their main stars to be involved in such a spectacle. Additionally, Gunther wouldn’t earn much respect by defeating a 57-year-old man in a short match, so it wouldn’t benefit him either.
I’m Honestly More Focused On John Cena’s Retirement Tour
As a gamer, I’ve got to admit that it might seem a bit inconsistent for me not to be excited about Goldberg’s farewell fight while being supportive of John Cena’s retirement tour. However, at this moment, I’m more captivated by the historic moments Peacemaker is likely to create rather than any nostalgic matchup. And honestly, let’s be real here, Goldberg hasn’t really left a significant mark since joining the company over 20 years ago. He’s never held the WWE Championship, isn’t remembered for his outstanding matches, and most of his impact was established in WCW before Vince McMahon acquired his biggest competitor.
Contrarily, Cena stands among the greats in WWE and has always been a part of this company. While he’s currently working less due to his focus on acting, his loyalty to WWE goes back to its very beginning. Seeing Cena battle opponents like Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and potentially The Rock before his retirement is far more enticing than any Goldberg match, although that might just be my personal preference.
Just like people often say, wrestling is a unique form of artistic expression, and surprisingly enough, even though my past self from 2010 wouldn’t have agreed, I find myself eagerly anticipating John Cena’s last performances more than anything else at the moment.
I Don’t Even Recall The Last Time Goldberg Put On A Good Match
To add another point, Goldberg wasn’t particularly known for his work ethic or in-ring skills (as demonstrated by what Steven Regal did to him), and it’s hard for me to recall a recent match of his that was truly impressive. His battle with Bobby Lashley at Crown Jewel 2021 was acceptable, given it was a no-disqualification falls count anywhere match, but those tend not to disappoint. However, most of his one-on-one matches since his initial days in the WWE have been forgettable and lackluster.
Goldberg has often been seen as a showy figure rather than a true wrestler, a trait that’s persisted throughout his career. Yet, today’s WWE is all about giving wrestlers opportunities to deliver extraordinary matches. It’s challenging to get enthused for another Goldberg bout, which typically involves him overwhelming an opponent with spears and the jackhammer, as if we’re back in May 1998 again.
What Role Should Legacy Attractions Play Moving Forward
Ultimately, professional wrestling serves as an entertainment medium, and organizations such as WWE will consistently require headlining acts to maintain audience interest and attendance at their events, which are becoming progressively costlier. Moreover, these grand spectacles are vital for retaining viewers on streaming platforms like Peacock. Although icons like Goldberg, John Cena during his farewell tour, Trish Stratus, and Lita have been integral to the product in the past, it’s essential to consider their role going forward.
I’m totally on board with an unexpected entry at the Royal Rumble, especially if it’s someone we haven’t seen in years who performs their signature move and pose before getting eliminated. I’d also enjoy seeing a past champion helping a rising talent, but only if it’s done authentically without feeling forced or out of place. I have concerns, however, that the execution might not be as seamless with Goldberg.
It seems likely that we’ll need to watch and find out about Goldberg’s retirement match and other developments. However, since WWE RAW is shifting to Netflix in January 2025, it’s safe to say we’ll be seeing a lot more of him in the not-too-distant timeframe – whether that’s good or bad remains to be seen.
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2024-11-10 17:07