Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar: What's Next for Both Stars After WWE Survivor Series?

The main event of WWE Survivor Series 2016 promised "fantasy warfare comes to life," with Goldberg battling Brock Lesnar in his first match in 12 years. Instead, fans were treated to a one-minute, 27-second match that saw the iconic WCW star bowl over The Beast Incarnate and then celebrate his victory with his young son.

Analysts took to Twitter to voice their opinions on the match, many viewing it as a booking misstep that unraveled all of the work WWE Creative had done to present this unstoppable force in Lesnar:

"

Imagine if WWE put over any of its good young wrestlers the way they have old man Bill Goldberg. #SurviorSeries

— Jonathan Snowden (@JESnowden) November 21, 2016"

Did it, though?

Upon further investigation, the loss may have been exactly what Lesnar needed to break out of the pattern he had found himself in and create an even nastier, meaner, destructive competitor going forward.

What's Next for Brock Lesnar?

Make no mistake about it—Brock Lesnar was humbled Sunday night, as he was beaten in just over one minute following two gut-busting Spears and a Jackhammer.

While many will argue that the loss ruined his aura, killed the effect of Lesnar ending The Undertaker's WrestleMania streak and left him a shell of the draw he was prior to the bout, that is not the case.

Every victory boosted Lesnar's arrogance. He became the untouchable bully on the recess yard—a man among boys. Then Goldberg came along and shut the bully down, proving once and for all that no man is unbeatable.

Now, Lesnar must regroup. He must refocus himself and avenge the loss.

That will make for a more dangerous former WWE champion than ever. Coming off the humiliating and embarrassing moment, he will wreak havoc and demolish everyone until he reclaims his place as The Beast.

Expect madness, chaos and broken bodies in his wake. That is when Lesnar is at his best—when he is destructive, scary and monstrous. It will make for more entertaining television and reintroduce an element of Lesnar that fans have not seen in quite some time.

Revenge will fuel him, and that will be a bad thing for anyone unlucky enough to confront him.

What's Next for Goldberg?

"Brock Lesnar, not only does that mean that you're next, but most importantly, it means, Brock Lesnar, you're last," Goldberg told fans when he returned to WWE, insinuating that his days as an in-ring competitor would end, win or lose, after his war against The Beast.

According to an exclusive report by Pro Wrestling Sheet's James McKenna, that is not the case, as Goldberg has inked a deal to appear at the Royal Rumble in January.

"Sources tell us the 49-year-old made the deal this week that will see him participate in a Rumble match for the second time in his career," McKenna said. "This year’s event is in January at the Alamodome."

Considering the enormity of the event, it is no surprise that WWE would recruit Goldberg to appear. With hopes of 70,000 fans, the company needs as many draws as it can possibly handle, and Goldberg is a name synonymous with the greatest era in the sport's history.

The possibility that he mixes it up with John Cena, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and even longtime rival (in front of and behind the camera) Chris Jericho is appealing to casual fans.

The bigger question is whether his involvement in that match leads to a WrestleMania 33 bout. One would imagine that Goldberg will not participate in January's show unless there is a bigger, more important match waiting for him in Orlando, Florida.

Whether that is a third meeting with Lesnar, a showdown with Undertaker or a championship clash with any other star on the roster is the question.