Survivor Series 2016 Preview: Part 4

Goldberg vs. Lesnar is the big match of this year's Survivor Series. The return of Goldberg has given Raw's ratings a bit of a boost. It will surely have some kind of impact on WWE Network subscriptions. But will it be what some people expect it to be? These two went at it over a decade ago. Goldberg won. What can people expect this time?

Goldberg's health has to be an issue. He is not as young as he used to be. He had surgery this year. For whatever his word is worth, he said he was banged up just from what happened on Raw this week. He can get really hurt in this match with Brock Lesnar.

That would obviously influence match quality. Fans shredded the match these two had years ago. Part of that was obviously due to both being on their way out. This time around, both are more beloved. But if the match turns sloppy, for whatever reason, fans might dump on this match again. If these guys don't put some effort in it, this match will once again get shredded. Fans have to realize that Goldberg might not be able to be that guy he was in WCW and when he first came to the WWE. Don't expect too much. This will likely not be the best match of the night.

As for who wins, I would go with Lesnar. Yes, Goldberg just returned. I would like to see him remain undefeated against Lesnar. But I don't think he is what he once was. A guy like him beating Lesnar would just make Lesnar look bad. And the WWE loves protecting Lesnar these days.

There is talk that Goldberg might work another match after Survivor Series. I don't think a loss would hurt his worth as much as a terrible performance might. If he looks sloppy or very human out there, that might ruin his mystique. He won't continue to be the draw he could be.