JBL gives his take on Goldberg versus The Undertaker.
The Undertaker and WWE Hall Of Famer Goldberg main-evented WWE's Super ShowDown event in Saudi Arabia last Friday and the match has received varying reviews from fans, former in-ring performers and those who are still active in the ring. Hall Of Famers such as Ric Flair have taken a stance to defend the match and recently, former WWE Champion John Bradshaw Layfield took to his Facebook page to give his take on the criticism that Undertaker and Goldberg have received coming out of their match. JBL feels that the criticism is misguided and does not believe fans understand how monumental it is to see two names such as Goldberg and Undertaker in the ring together and compared it to wanting to see Michael Jordan come out of retirement or Usain Bolt run again.
I saw some of the negative feedback on social media over the Undertaker and Goldberg match. I thought a lot of it was misguided. I wrestled Undertaker as much as anyone in WWE. I was the top heel for a long period in 2003-2005 (I think those were the years!) and Undertaker the top baby face.
So we wrestled everynight and after every TV taping. One trip in Europe we had been on a run of some very good matches and out of the blue we have one that didn't work-a tag match. I came back and Taker said, "Well, that didn't work" and I laughed disappointedly and said "No, it didn't". Next night we had a good match again.
My point is-sometimes matches don't go well. I saw fans blaming age and ego for these guys competing. I know both (not Goldberg as well) and both don't need the money-they do this because they love it. Love being in front of a crowd and love entertaining. Don't we want those we watch to love what they do?
I think both are still capable of competing at any level, this match just didn't work like they, or the fans, wanted. Two great legends.
I don't know where Undertaker ranks in the greatest of all time-but he is always in every conversation, and Goldberg was one of biggest draws in an era that did monster ratings.
I believe fans should look at it and understand-guys like this won't come along again and simply enjoy seeing two great legends. Complaining is part of being a fan sometimes-I certainly get that, and it's the fans right.
But, what I wouldn't give to see Jordan out there again for Chicago-or Usain Bolt running a 100 meter final-we get that opportunity with these guys and I think we should just enjoy.
Below-Taker and I on Saddam Hussein's throne in Baghdad.
Fightful's thoughts and opinions of The Undertaker versus Goldberg at Super ShowDown can be heard via the Fightful Pro Wrestling YouTube channel.