Goldberg on Facing Undertaker at WWE ‘Super ShowDown’: “I’m Prepping for War”

Bill Goldberg will face The Undertaker at WWE Super ShowDown on Friday, June 7. The announcement came on May 13, ending recent fan speculation online. Now the WWE faithful knows who’s next for Goldberg. They also know how the former Universal champion feels about it.

Goldberg’s Instagram revealed his thoughts on the upcoming confrontation with The Phenom. The bout may not have come at the most ideal moment, but it’s evidently an opportunity that Goldberg could not refuse.

“A match against Undertaker would’ve been a dream 10 years ago but it never happened. Somehow the stars have aligned, and though it be bit later than desired, this matchup is still a dream for me.”

Goldberg’s respect for The Deadman is indeed immense. Bill has stated in the past that Taker was one of the very few who encouraged him during his first WWE run in 2003. Undertaker and Goldberg also spoke on the night of WrestleMania 33, before Bill’s match with Brock Lesnar. That moment was captured, along with many others, by WWE cameras as Goldberg finally took his well deserved bow on the worldwide stage.

But now Goldberg is back and he’s stepping into the ring with the man that is arguably the most legendary figure in WWE history. Goldberg is fully aware of what lies ahead of him on June 9.

Watch Goldberg’ and Undertaker backstage at WrestleMania 33!

“I have nothing but respect for Taker…… he’s a legend…..but again, I’m prepping for war 1 more time. I will give my best as always”

However as fans prepare for what’s to come at Super ShowDown, the inevitable controversy surrounding the show is still unfolding. The fact is that this event is taking place in Saudi Arabia, which many fans have protested. Despite the goodwill Goldberg has established in the industry, his appearance at this event is certainly being met with some criticism. But then again, the same can be said of everyone on the card.

Bad feelings exist among the WWE fanbase when it comes to the company’s association with the Saudi government. This is the same government that reportedly ordered the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. It’s also the government that continues to hold women back because of long-standing cultural beliefs. While some progress has been made over the past few years, many critics say it’s simply not enough.

Watch Goldberg’s last WWE promo!

Then there’s the fact that running Saudi Arabia is an immense cash grab for WWE. Vince McMahon’s company may have the best of intentions in mind, but there is no denying that the Saudi government is indeed paying a hefty fee for services rendered.

Wrestling Inc reported in early 2019 that WWE earned around $40-45 million from Saudi Arabia for The Greatest Royal Rumble and Crown Jewel in 2018.

It’s safe to assume that WWE will bring home at least that much in 2019, if not more. It’s expected that the company will run another event in Saudi Arabia later in 2019, so the story will likely not end in June. But what about Bill Goldberg’s story?

Goldberg joins the list of veteran WWE Superstars that appear to be coming back merely for the payday. While that seems to be a harsh assessment, it’s definitely one that many fans believe at this point.

Undertaker, Kane and Triple H all participated at Crown Jewel in 2018. Even Shawn Michaels, who swore he would never come back, did exactly that. 

Watch the Crown Jewel highlights of DX vs Kane and Taker!

The war between Degeneration-X and The Brothers of Destruction was an epic battle of the ages for many WWE fans. But for many others, it was nothing short of a train wreck. But is that perhaps too much criticism for four men all well past their primes?

Or should fans have tempered their expectations with the reality that 2018 was not 1998, or even 2008? Was the quartet wrong for wanting to compete in a dream match on foreign soil for a different set of fans?

Is Goldberg wrong for wanting the same thing? If the chance to face The Undertaker had ben presented to Bill for Money in the Bank, would he have accepted? Smart money says he would have said yes despite what stage WWE chose. The Undertaker is a legend. Goldberg is honored to face him. What’s the problem with that?

As with every other move WWE makes, the right and wrong of Super ShowDown will once again be dissected by the fans. It’s unknown what sort of match Goldberg and Undertaker will have, or even when the promos for that match will begin.

But what’s clear is that no matter what both men do or how they look, critics will have their say. Whether or not those critics will be right, is anyone’s guess. The controversy may have only just begun.

 

Tom Clark can regularly be seen on Wrestling Rumors. His podcast, Tom Clark’s Main Event, is available on iTunes,YouTube, iHeart Radio, boinkstudios.com and live every Friday at 12pm EST on Wrestling Rumors Facebook Live