Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar: Pros and Cons of Possible WWE Feud

A Goldberg-Brock Lesnar rivalry is the same kind of double-edged sword WWE has wielded several times over the past few years.

WWE knows there is money in leaning on established name power. The Rock waltzed back into the company and immediately headlined WrestleMania against John Cena. Batista followed a four-year absence with a win at the 2014 Royal Rumble and went after Randy Orton.

Those kinds of matches stir up interest in an event and bring lapsed fans back into the fold. Goldberg's collision with Lesnar would be the latest superfight to accomplish that.

At the same time, Goldberg's return to face The Beast Incarnate would push pause on WWE's New Era and instead draw on the nostalgia in revisiting the past.

And it looks as if fans are set to get a rematch 12 years in the making. Rumors suggest that WWE will bring Goldberg back and pit him against Lesnar at an upcoming pay-per-view.

Hall of Fame announcer Jim Ross tweeted that sources have told him Goldberg is on his way:

Dave Meltzer reported on Figure Four Online that "a Brock Lesnar vs. Bill Goldberg match is all but confirmed for WWE Survivor Series on November 20 in Toronto." He also added that "numerous sources have stated this is the battle plan for the show."

If that contest happens as expected, WWE will have to wash away memories of their first meeting.

Con: Redoing a Washout

When Goldberg defeated Lesnar at WrestleMania XX in 2004, the crowd booed both men. Word had emerged that both wrestlers were on their ways out.

The audience rejected this clash of titans, a bout that ended up being one of the worst of the night. It was sluggish, lifeless and forgettable.

Those who watched that train wreck unfold won't be thrilled to see it a second time. Fighting Spirit writer Justin Henry joked about the potential rematch:

Consider, too, that Goldberg is now 12 years older and hasn't been in a pro wrestling match since. He keeps himself in great shape, but ring rust will be a factor.

Pro: The Impact of Star Power 

As much as their WrestleMania XX tilt was a disaster, there's reason to expect that Goldberg vs. Lesnar II will generate a massive amount of buzz.

For one, Goldberg's absence has left audiences hungry to see him. His return alone is a valuable commodity for WWE, a means to get more eyes on its product. 

Chair Shot Reality host Justin LaBar noted how things have changed since then:

Lesnar is a far bigger star. He had yet to venture into UFC and snag the heavyweight title when he and Goldberg last met.

The Beast Incarnate has since become a marquee, part-time attraction. WWE can bill this as a battle between its most dangerous man and the powerhouse who once ruled WCW. This time around, Lesnar vs. Goldberg won't be hampered by fans frustrated over the wrestlers having one foot out the door.

A meeting of those two big names is a moneymaking move.

Con: Not Exactly a New Era

WWE has trumpeted its march into a New Era and announced that journey by crowning fresh faces such as Kevin Owens and AJ Styles. Raw and SmackDown have been home to rising stars. A youth movement is underway.

A 49-year-old Goldberg, who last wrestled in 2004, going up against a guy who debuted in 2002 doesn't quite fit that concept.

Goldberg could be the rival who elevates a Superstar on the verge of climbing into the top tier. He could battle Bray Wyatt or Cesaro and change their careers forever. Instead, he's taking on an old nemesis who doesn't need his help to climb the ranks.

Fightful's Brandon Howard asked why Rusev and Wyatt aren't getting chances to score monumental wins:

Having Lesnar not take on someone on the rise is a missed opportunity, too.

So many of The Beast Incarnate's bouts since his 2012 return have been against made men. Of Lesnar's 26 matches since 2012, 12 of them have been against Cena, Orton, Triple H or Undertaker, per CageMatch.net. That's 46 percent of his workload thus far.

Perhaps Goldberg and Lesnar will move on from each other after a clash at Survivor Series, but this could also be the start of a rivalry that stretches into WrestleMania.

Pro: Survivor Series Could Use the Boost

WrestleMania is WWE's grandest, most hyped event. SummerSlam is the company's No. 2 PPV of the year, the blockbuster show growing bigger every year.

To a lesser extent, the Royal Rumble is a huge deal every January.

Survivor Series, meanwhile, has felt more and more ordinary in recent history. There isn't as much spark surrounding that event, and WWE usually saves its biggest guest stars for the other "Big Four" PPVs.

Using Survivor Series to both welcome Goldberg and showcase Lesnar would shake things up.

Scott Barbour/Getty Images

Suddenly, the show will feel bigger. WWE's hype surrounding the event will feel more justified. The intrigue of a Goldberg appearance is sure to increase viewership as well.

Goldberg's time away from the ring will likely worsen the quality of his in-ring effort, but it will make the fact that he's climbing back in a bigger selling point than WWE putting one of its regular roster members in that spot.

Styles, Owens and the other cornerstones of the New Era simply have to view this as an opportunity and a challenge. Goldberg vs. Lesnar can earn all the buzz while they produce the indelible magic that night.