Real Reason Goldberg Returned On WWE Raw

Here's exactly why Goldberg returned on last night's Raw - and why he targeted Bobby Lashley.

by Andy H Murray
Goldberg Gage
WWE.com

It's Saudi money season in WWE - and that's why Goldberg is back on company television.

The WCW legend returned to the fold on last night's Raw, setting his sights on SummerSlam 2021 opponent Bobby Lashley as revenge for the former WWE Champion putting his son, Gage, in the Hurt Lock on the 21 August pay-per-view. Per PWInsider's Mike Johnson, this was step one in building to Lashley vs. Goldberg II at Crown Jewel on 21 October.

Crown Jewel 2021 will be WWE's first pay-per-view in Saudi Arabia since Super Show-Down 2020 last February. The COVID-19 pandemic and its myriad travel restrictions had prevented WWE from fulfilling its relationship with the Saudi General Sport Authority since then, though they return to Riyadh next month, presenting the latest event in a controversial deal that sees Vince McMahon's promotion working directly with the country's brutal leadership.

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Gage Goldberg became part of his father's storyline with Lashley prior to SummerSlam. Involved in a ringside confrontation with MVP and Bobby on an episode of Raw, he went one step further at the pay-per-view, leaping upon Lashley to protect his father before getting put to sleep via Hurt Lock.

Goldberg Sr., meanwhile, has been off television since 29 August, when he claimed he was stepping away for knee surgery before coming back for Lashley.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.