10 Things We Learned From Goldberg On Edge & Christian's Podcast
The Universal Champion talks WrestleMania 33, fan backlash, and more.
The biggest wrestling show of the year is just five days away, and after a 12-year sabbatical from the business, Goldberg will likely be trusted with headlining. His Universal Title match against Brock Lesnar looks all but certain to close WrestleMania 33, and while there's a chance Bray Wyatt vs. Randy Orton could take that honour, the odds are slim.
Goldberg has been on quite the ride since returning in October. His initial return was incredibly well-received, and convinced WWE to extend his contract beyond his intended farewell at Survivor Series. Fatigue his since set-in, however, and while Goldberg remains one of the company's most popular wrestlers, fan opinion has soured since he became Universal Champion.
The former WCW linchpin had the honour of being the very first guest on Edge & Christian's Pod of Awesomeness last Friday, and it was a revealing listen. Speaking on the Lesnar rematch, his physical condition, and countless other subjects, the champ was open and honest at times, but guarded at others. Nonetheless, the interview shed new light on numerous situations, and confirmed fans' long-held suspicions on a handful of topics.
Here are 10 things we learned from Goldberg on Edge & Christian's podcast.
10. The List Of Banned Words Is Real
In 2015, a leaked memo from 2008 featuring a list of terms that WWE personalities are forbidden from saying on-air hit Reddit. The reaction was one of widescale ridicule, but the list’s authenticity has always been questionable at best - until now. Goldberg confirmed the banned words during his appearance on the podcast, stating:-
“I took the belt, pardon me. I took the title, the [WWE] Universal title. Yeah, I forgot a lot of things in 13 years. There’s a list of words, man. I didn’t make it up.”
“Belt” was of course among the “words to avoid,” along with a host of others. Ever wondered why Michael Cole sounds like a pre-programmed robot on Monday Night Raw? It’s because he’s forced to say “medical center” instead of “hospital,” “WWE Universe” rather than “fans,” and can’t even use basic words and phrases like “interesting,” “talent,” and “title shot” without a 71-year-old billionaire screaming through his earpiece.
The restrictions placed on WWE employees are something that Goldberg would touch upon multiple times throughout, and given how stunted the company’s talking heads sound in 2017, it’s safe to say that the list has only grown over the past nine years.