Every Impossible Wrestling Return Ranked From Worst To Best

8. Goldberg

Edge CM Punk
WWE

Goldberg was thought forever retired; TNA couldn't afford him, he was hardly a passionate artist intent on carving his legacy on the independent circuit, and his exit from WWE was very acrimonious.

He went 12 full years between in-ring appearances before a business relationship struck with 2K created an opening. He wanted to perform for his wife and son, and this sentimental motivation - also, cash - led to his shock squash win over Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series 2016.

Their rematch at WrestleMania 33 was excellent; a frenetic and physical bomb war thrown at such speed that Kevin Dunn - Kevin Dunn! - barely had time to cut between shots before the next spears and Germans turned both men inside out.

But his one-dimensional style, the only way he ever worked, ages more poorly than most; entirely reliant on brutally intense bursts of power, the old explosiveness has deserted him now. This manifests either as performances so reckless that they almost end in tragedy, or, at best, a four-minute shortcut lacking almost entirely in prizefight energy.

His second match with Bobby Lashley was good. Really, given everything he did between 2017 and 2020, it was a miracle.

 
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Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!