Goldberg Vs. Lesnar: A History Of Intense WWE Matches

The Goldberg vs. Lesnar rivalry stands as one of the most captivating and memorable in WWE history. These two behemoths, each possessing unparalleled power and charisma, clashed in a series of matches that left fans on the edge of their seats. From shocking upsets to dominant displays of strength, their encounters have become legendary. This article dives deep into the history of Goldberg versus Lesnar matches, exploring the context, the action, and the lasting impact of their epic clashes.

The Genesis: WrestleMania XX

The first encounter between Goldberg and Brock Lesnar took place at WrestleMania XX in 2004. Both men were on their way out of WWE, which added a layer of real-life animosity to the match. The WWE Universe knew that neither Superstar would be sticking around for long, and this knowledge significantly impacted the crowd's reaction. Special guest referee "Stone Cold" Steve Austin added another layer of intrigue to the contest. Goldberg had been a WCW mega-star, known for his undefeated streak and explosive matches. Lesnar, on the other hand, was a rapidly rising star in WWE, having already captured the WWE Championship and conquered legends like The Rock and Hulk Hogan. The anticipation was high, but the match itself failed to live up to the hype. The crowd in Madison Square Garden voiced their displeasure throughout the contest, turning what should have been a dream match into a regrettable moment for both performers. Goldberg ultimately won the match after delivering a Jackhammer, but the victory felt hollow due to the negative atmosphere. Stone Cold delivered a Stone Cold Stunner to both Goldberg and Lesnar after the match, sending them packing and signifying the end of an era. Despite the lackluster performance, this match marked the beginning of a rivalry that would be revisited more than a decade later.

The Return: Survivor Series 2016

Fast forward 12 years, and the wrestling world was stunned by the return of Goldberg to WWE. After years away from the ring, Goldberg accepted a challenge from Brock Lesnar, setting the stage for a rematch at Survivor Series 2016. This time, the circumstances were drastically different. Goldberg was back to prove he could still compete at the highest level, while Lesnar had solidified his status as one of the most dominant forces in WWE history. The build-up to the match was intense, with both men delivering powerful promos that hyped the contest to unprecedented levels. What followed was nothing short of shocking. In a match that lasted just 86 seconds, Goldberg decimated Lesnar, hitting two Spears and a Jackhammer to score a stunning victory. The WWE Universe erupted in disbelief, as few could have predicted such a dominant performance from Goldberg. Lesnar, who had been portrayed as an unstoppable monster, was completely dismantled. This victory not only revitalized Goldberg's career but also reignited the Goldberg vs. Lesnar rivalry, paving the way for future encounters.

The Championship Clash: WrestleMania 33

The unexpected outcome at Survivor Series led to a high-stakes rematch at WrestleMania 33 for the WWE Universal Championship. Goldberg, who had defeated Kevin Owens for the title, entered the match as champion, while Lesnar was determined to avenge his embarrassing loss. This time, the match was a completely different affair. Instead of a quick squash, Goldberg and Lesnar engaged in a brutal and intense battle, trading devastating moves in a display of pure aggression. Lesnar absorbed multiple Spears and Jackhammers from Goldberg, showcasing his incredible resilience. He then unleashed a barrage of German Suplexes on Goldberg, a maneuver that has become his signature. The match was a back-and-forth war, with both men pushing each other to their limits. Ultimately, Lesnar emerged victorious, defeating Goldberg to capture the WWE Universal Championship. This win not only avenged his loss at Survivor Series but also solidified his dominance in WWE. The match was praised for its intensity and the sense of unpredictability it provided. It proved that the Goldberg vs. Lesnar rivalry could deliver compelling and exciting matches, even after all these years.

The Final Chapter (For Now?): WrestleMania 36

Their paths crossed once again at WrestleMania 36 in 2020, this time for the WWE Universal Championship. Goldberg was the reigning champion, having defeated "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt for the title, while Lesnar was looking to reclaim his spot at the top of the WWE mountain. The match was relatively short compared to their WrestleMania 33 encounter, but it was still filled with impactful moments. Lesnar quickly took control, delivering a series of German Suplexes to Goldberg. He then finished him off with an F5, securing the victory and winning the WWE Universal Championship for the second time. This match marked another chapter in their storied rivalry, with Lesnar once again proving to be Goldberg's kryptonite. While it may not have been the most memorable match in their series, it served as a reminder of the star power and the drawing ability of both performers. As of now, this is their last match.

Analyzing the Rivalry: What Makes it Special?

So, guys, what exactly makes the Goldberg vs. Lesnar rivalry so darn special? It's more than just two big dudes beating each other up. Several factors contribute to its enduring appeal:

• The Aura of Legitimacy: Both Goldberg and Lesnar possess an aura of legitimacy that is rare in professional wrestling. Goldberg's explosive intensity and Lesnar's background in amateur wrestling give their matches a sense of realism and danger.
• The Clash of Styles: Goldberg's quick, explosive offense clashes perfectly with Lesnar's power-based, methodical approach. This contrast in styles creates a dynamic and unpredictable in-ring experience.
• The Element of Surprise: The outcomes of their matches have often been surprising, defying expectations and keeping fans guessing. From Goldberg's shocking win at Survivor Series to Lesnar's dominant victories at WrestleMania, their encounters have been full of unexpected twists and turns.
• The Star Power: Both Goldberg and Lesnar are huge stars with massive drawing power. Their matches are always highly anticipated events that attract a large audience.
• The Simplicity: Sometimes, wrestling doesn't need to be complicated. This feud proved that simple stories of power vs. power can be some of the most effective. Both men are believable badasses, and that comes across in their matches.

The Impact and Legacy

The Goldberg vs. Lesnar rivalry has had a significant impact on WWE and the wrestling industry as a whole. It has demonstrated the enduring appeal of established stars, the importance of building compelling storylines, and the power of surprise in professional wrestling. Their matches have generated significant revenue for WWE, attracting a large audience and boosting pay-per-view sales. The rivalry has also helped to elevate the careers of both Goldberg and Lesnar, solidifying their status as legends of the industry. Their encounters have been discussed and debated by fans for years, and they continue to be a source of fascination and excitement. Whether you loved them or hated them, you couldn't deny the intensity of their matches. They were the epitome of a big fight feel, and they delivered some truly memorable moments.

Could There Be More?

While both wrestlers have aged, the question remains, could we see Goldberg vs. Lesnar again? In the world of professional wrestling, never say never. Both men are still capable of delivering exciting matches, and the allure of one last encounter could be too tempting to resist. A potential match could be built around the theme of legacy, with both men looking to prove who is the true alpha. Or, it could simply be a final showdown between two rivals who have defined an era. Whatever the reason, the possibility of another Goldberg vs. Lesnar match will always be on the minds of wrestling fans. Would you want to see it? Let us know in the comments!

In conclusion, the Goldberg vs. Lesnar rivalry is a saga of power, dominance, and unforgettable moments. From the disastrous debut at WrestleMania XX to the shocking upset at Survivor Series and the brutal battles at WrestleMania 33 and 36, their encounters have captivated audiences and left a lasting impact on the wrestling world. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the sport, the story of Goldberg versus Lesnar is a must-know for anyone interested in the history of WWE. The rivalry stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of professional wrestling and the power of two larger-than-life characters colliding in the squared circle. I hope you guys enjoy this article and hope to see you in the next one! I appreciate it!