10 Huge Stories That Changed Wrestling In 2016

3. Goldberg's Return

Uk Title
WWE.com

If you said you saw this coming at the start of the year, you’re either a soothsayer or a liar. The fact that Bill Goldberg returned to the wrestling business and immediately became WWE’s biggest star at the age of 49 is nothing short of remarkable, and whether you liked Survivor Series or not, his presence gives WWE some much-needed intrigue heading into 2017.

Goldberg’s return was heavily teased throughout the summer, and it eventually came to fruition on October 17th. The former WCW Champion returned to Raw for the first time in 12 years, reigniting his feud with Brock Lesnar, and eventually building towards his 85-second squash of the Beast Incarnate at Survivor Series.

The match remains divisive, but Goldberg has set the wrestling world alight this year. His promos have been note perfect, he’s in great shape, and the crowd absolutely adore him. For better or worse, a guy who hasn’t competed full-time in over a decade is now the sport’s biggest star, and Lesnar vs. Goldberg will be a featured program heading into WrestleMania 33.

Who knows what the future holds for Goldberg. He’s set to appear in the Royal Rumble, and has plenty of time to get in fighting shape for ‘Mania, but will he prolong his career after that? WWE will certainly be keen to keep him around for as long as he brings money into the company, but it’s hard to predict Goldberg’s next move when his Lesnar business expires.

In this post: 
WWE UK
 
Posted On: 
Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.