Being The Booker: A path to Goldberg vs. Undertaker at WrestleMania

Calfornia-based John LaRocca has been a pro wrestling booker for nearly nine years, having booked with All Pro Wrestling from 2008-12. He currently co-owns and books Premier Wrestling. This series will see John take a current WWE wrestler and give him a path based on his experience.

On Raw Monday, Bill Goldberg stepped into a WWE ring for the first time since 2004’s WrestleMania 20, accepting Brock Lesnar’s challenge for a match that will take place at November’s Survivor Series.

As of now, this match would be Goldberg’s only appearance with the WWE, but as we know, if that appearance is a success, WWE would want to try and sign him for more shows.

So, let’s imagine: After Survivor Series, what would be next for Goldberg? Well, there is one match that has a big match feel that I think fans would really sink their teeth into: Goldberg vs. Undertaker at WrestleMania 33: a match that has never been done and the perfect special attraction match that WrestleMania needs.

WrestleMania is built on gigantic battles of larger than life gladiators of the squared circle colliding. Goldberg vs. Undertaker is a once-in-a-lifetime dream match that needs to be on the biggest stage in professional wrestling.

Here is how I would book it the build:

Survivor Series: Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar

Lesnar goes over Goldberg clean with the F-5. No overbooking needed here. This would be an exciting give and take match with Lesnar avenging his loss to Goldberg at WrestleMania 20.

Other then highlights shown on the next night’s Raw, I would make no mention of Goldberg again, helping the fans think his match at Survivor Series vs. Lesnar was it.

Royal Rumble 2017: Undertaker and Goldberg return in the Rumble

With Royal Rumble returning to The Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, I would advertise Undertaker’s return at the Rumble, and that he will be one of the thirty competitors in the Rumble itself.

I would book Undertaker entering at #15. The ring would be full with about eight other competitors at that time. He would come in and eliminate everyone, leaving himself to sit and wait for #16. With the ring cleared and the countdown on for the next competitor, the anticipation from the crowd would be a surprise entrant: Kane! Though not a huge surprise, the battle of The Brothers Of Destruction would be fun for two minutes. Undertaker would eliminate Kane.

The countdown starts again and the horn sounds. Goldberg’s music hits and on the big screen, we get the iconic Goldberg walk from the dressing room to the ramp. The two would go toe to toe in center of the ring, but since Goldberg’s entrance is so long, #18 would come quick: Titus O’Neil. Both Undertaker and Goldberg would take turns destroying him: Taker big flying clothesline off the ropes, Goldberg spear, Taker chokeslam, Goldberg Jackhammer. 

Goldberg would pick up O’Neil and elimate him, but the Undertaker would quickly tries to eliminate him. But, both men would end up going over the top and get eliminated. Both men would still want to fight on the floor, but the referees would separate them.

Post-Rumble-Raw

The Undertaker comes out for an in ring promo and challenges Goldberg for WrestleMania 33.

WWE.com – Feburary 1st

It is announced that Goldberg will be at Raw to address the challenge.

Raw – February 6th

Goldberg accepts the challenge. After he accepts, the lights flicker, and Undertaker’s music plays. Druids come out and wheel out a casket that says Goldberg on it.

For the rest of the month of February and early part of March, I would show highlights of Goldberg’s and Undertaker’s biggest matches. I would also have the current roster give their thoughts and predictions on the match, further helping build it up as a big deal.

The key, however, is to not have either guy have a physical confrontation before the match. Royal Rumble was ultimately the big tease and should be the only time they get physical with each other inside a wrestling ring during the build.

Wrestlemania go-home Raw — March 27th

Goldberg comes out for an in-ring promo to close the show. Just before Goldberg is about to talk, Undertaker’s music plays. Taker makes his long entrance to the ring. Both men stare each other down and Raw goes off the air.

Yes, it may sound crazy building up a Goldberg promo all night with nothing said. But, we don’t need any more talking. It’s Goldberg vs. Undertaker for the first time ever!

WrestleMania 33

Undertaker pins Goldberg after hitting his trademark Tombstone piledriver. To me, there should be no question that Undertaker should be the one that gets his hand raised here as a win over Goldberg continues to add to his legendary career.

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So, what do you think of the plan? Tweet me and let me know what you’d do differently and/or what you want to see me book next!