Goldberg made a comeback to WWE in 2016 after being away from wrestling for over ten years. The former world heavyweight champion of WWE and WCW began a part-time run that lasted nearly a decade, surprising fans who thought his career was over. During this second stint, Goldberg wrestled occasionally, facing off against both modern stars and other wrestling legends.
The Sportster’s rating system reviews every match Goldberg had during this period, evaluating the worst, best, and in-between performances. These ratings are then compared with those from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, cagematch.net, and Dave Meltzer.
Goldberg vs Bray Wyatt (WWE Supershowdown 2020)
Overall rating from TheSportster: 1/10
This match started promisingly with the crowd intrigued and the wrestlers exchanging big moves. However, Goldberg quickly dismissed Wyatt’s "devil" persona, clobbering him to capture the Universal title. This booking choice was poor, undermining one of WWE’s most intriguing characters by having a part-timer dominate and reclaim the title, making it one of Goldberg’s worst matches in his second run.
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 0.25 Stars
- cagematch.net Rating: 0.25
Goldberg vs. Undertaker (WWE Super Showdown 2019)
Overall rating from TheSportster: 1/10
This infamous bout saw Goldberg injured early on, affecting the match quality. Both wrestlers appeared disconnected in the ring, lacking the expected big-hit showcase. Despite the risks and dangerous spots, the match ended with the Undertaker’s win, which was seen as a relief.
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 0 Stars
- cagematch.net Rating: 0.50
Goldberg vs Braun Strowman (WWE WrestleMania 36)
Overall rating from TheSportster: 2/10
Without the usual crowd energy, this match lacked atmosphere. Both men exchanged finishers with some missteps, and eventually, Strowman decisively defeated Goldberg for the first world title win.
- Dave Meltzer Rating: N/A
- cagematch.net Rating: 2.34
Goldberg vs Kevin Owens (WWE Fastlane 2017)
Overall rating from TheSportster: 4.25/10
The match saw Owens distracted and Goldberg quickly dominating with two signature moves. The storytelling was poorly received as Owens seemed diminished, losing credibility as a world champion, though fans enjoyed seeing Goldberg’s iconic moves.
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 0 Stars
- cagematch.net Rating: N/A
Goldberg vs Drew McIntyre (WWE Royal Rumble 2021)
Overall rating from TheSportster: 4.25/10
The ThunderDome brought some energy, and the action saw McIntyre comfortably overcome Goldberg to retain the WWE Championship. The match had offensive highlights but lacked deeper psychology or structure.
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 2 Stars
- cagematch.net Rating: 4.55
Goldberg vs Roman Reigns (WWE Elimination Chamber 2022)
Overall rating from TheSportster: 4.5/10
This delayed matchup offered decent spectacle, though it was marred by sloppiness and disjointed execution. Goldberg lagged behind the pace, and the match had several awkward moments, but fans enjoyed seeing the two stars in action.
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 2 Stars
- cagematch.net Rating: 3.42
Goldberg vs Bobby Lashley (WWE SummerSlam 2021)
Overall rating from TheSportster: 5/10
Lashley took control in this match, delivering a prolonged beatdown with solid psychology and a strong storyline that showed Goldberg in a vulnerable light. The match was dragged out at times but kept fans engaged with dramatic moments.
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 1.75 Stars
- cagematch.net Rating: 2.98
Royal Rumble Match (WWE Royal Rumble 2017)
Overall rating from TheSportster: 7/10
Goldberg entered late, creating excitement by eliminating Brock Lesnar and contributing significantly to the match’s star power and spectacle. Despite some ups and downs, the event delivered memorable moments for the fans.
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 3.75 Stars
- cagematch.net Rating: 5.48
Goldberg vs Bobby Lashley (WWE Crown Jewel 2021)
Overall rating from TheSportster: 7.25/10
This match was a refreshing change, featuring engaging storytelling, strong psychology, and a fan-pleasing rivalry. Goldberg and Lashley delivered a faster-paced match highlighted by a memorable spear.
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 3.75 Stars
- cagematch.net Rating: 5.44
Goldberg vs Dolph Ziggler (WWE SummerSlam 2019)
Overall rating from TheSportster: 7.75/10
Though not a lengthy technical showcase, this match captured the classic "Goldberg" energy with dominant performances and brutal spears. Ziggler’s character work added to the drama, making for one of the best squash-style matches in recent memory.
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 3 Stars
- cagematch.net Rating: 3.95
Fan Take:
Goldberg’s second WWE run brought moments of excitement but was often marred by poor booking and lackluster performances. For WWE fans, his story highlights the challenge of balancing nostalgia with the need for fresh, compelling storytelling, crucial for the sport’s evolution.
