If there's one word that describes WrestleMania 36, it's unique. A world pandemic has caused numerous changes to the plans put in place by WWE. In addition to being two nights this year, there won't be an audience, and everything fans see on their screens will be pre-taped.
As if Vince McMahon didn't have enough to deal with, Roman Reigns dropped out of his marquee Universal Championship matchup with Goldberg due to health concerns. Absolutely no one blames Roman for his decision, especially given his medical history, but it has left WWE in an interesting position. Who should replace The Big Dog as Goldberg's WrestleMania opponent?
10 SHOULD: The Winner Of The Fiend Vs. John Cena
There are some scenarios where this might not work ideally at all, depending on WWE's planned outcome for the Universal Championship match. If Goldberg ends up keeping his title, which now looks highly probably, neither of these men should face him.
However, we do like both positive scenarios that could come out of this if Goldberg ends up losing. If The Fiend beats Cena and Goldberg on two separate nights at WrestleMania, he can instantly achieve mega star status, similar to how Chris Jericho beat "Stone Cold" and The Rock on the same night to become the Undisputed WWE Champion. If Cena beats Bray Wyatt, he can challenge Goldberg for #17, which would give WWE it's beloved WrestleMania moment.
9 SHOULDN'T: CM Punk
If the rumors are to be believed, there's zero chance this happens because CM Punk is supposedly once again persona non-grata in WWE. However, if Punk was someone the WWE would consider, his big comeback match shouldn't be in an empty arena, even if it was as the main event of WrestleMania. Plus, the Universal title should stop being held by so many part-timers.
His "return" to the wrestling world on WWE Backstage was definitely more of a whimper than a bang, so if Punk ever does lace his boots again, it should be on a more appropriate stage.
8 SHOULD: Braun Strowman
If WWE has Goldberg issue an open challenge for the Universal title at WrestleMania (pretty much how Roman Reigns got his title shot in the first place), we can imagine one man who would gladly answer that challenge: Braun Strowman.
Goldberg would get those hands. The Monster Among Men hasn't been seen since he lost his Intercontinental title, so a surprise appearance at 'Mania for a monumental clash with the Universal Champion can be an interesting way to recover from the loss of Roman. We can't imagine how Goldberg could possibly Jackhammer Braun properly, but it'll be fun to witness.
7 SHOULDN'T: Triple H
This match is the most likely to take place. It's the first WrestleMania in a long while that Triple H isn't scheduled to have a match. While it will feel weird not seeing The Game wrestle at the big event, it was refreshing to see him off the card, because he frankly wasn't needed.
Duty calls, however. Triple H has stepped up his game big time (pun very much intended) during this world crisis, and has been a much needed familiar face to help sell these empty arena shows to the audience. He might not be in ring shape, but he could still pull off a decent spectacle with Goldberg. It just seems more suited for a nostalgic Saudi show rather than WrestleMania.
6 SHOULD: Seth Rollins
Hear us out; while he doesn't have a Money in the Bank contract to cash in, we can totally envision a similar situation we saw at WrestleMania 31 where Seth Rollins ends up with title by the end of the show. Yes, he's on Raw, but is that really something that would stop WWE during these difficult times?
Kevin Owens doesn't need the win, but we can definitely see him pinning Seth on night one, only for the Monday Night Messiah to challenge and defeat Goldberg on the following night. The Friday Night Messiah sounds just as good to us.
5 SHOULDN'T: Brock Lesnar
As long as Brock Lesnar is employed by WWE, never count him out of a world title match, even if he's not booked in one. WWE loves doing rematches at WrestleMania, so why not go with Brock-Goldberg III? This would require Lesnar working two nights, which doesn't sound like him, but there are desperate times.
The most interesting thing to note here would be the status of the Universal Championship; would Vince McMahon be crazy enough to book either man as double world champion? If Brock ends up as Goldberg's opponent, chances are he loses the WWE Championship to Drew McIntyre on the first night.
4 SHOULD: Matt Riddle
Do it, you cowards! Matt Riddle has a history of calling out part-timers on social media, trying to get fan support to be the one to retire Brock Lesnar. Another person who felt the wrath of Twitter Riddle? Bill Goldberg.
These two don't seem very fond of each other in real life, showcased in a backstage video where the two had a hilariously awkward and tense conversation. Matt Riddle wouldn't win, but a competitive showing against Goldberg at the (smallest) Grandest Stage of Them All would surely get people talking.
3 SHOULDN'T: Shane McMahon
If WWE wants to absolutely suck any excitement fans for this event right out, they could bring in Shane O' Mac to face Goldberg for the Universal title. Why? He's the "Best in the World," for some reason.
They've done it before: there was a slew of injuries around WrestleMania 32, so Vince brought in his son to take on The Undertaker. What's stopping him from doing the same thing here? The only bright spot here would be the quick domination; it would literally be Spear, Jackhammer, and over in less than a few minutes.
2 SHOULD: Sheamus
It can happen. Sheamus seems to be rejuvenated, and a world title run on either show doesn't seem so far-fetched. As it stands, he has no program going into WrestleMania, so why not have him accept an open challenge from Goldberg?
It would definitely be a hard-hitting match that would feature lots of power moves. While this bout might not scream "WrestleMania," it can be a fun surprise that lends itself to the "anything can happen" mentality when it comes to this WrestleMania.
1 SHOULDN'T: The Undertaker
If their Super Showdown encounter was any proof, The Undertaker and Goldberg should never step in the same ring together again - there's already enough nonsense going on with the pandemic, the last thing either of these older wrestlers needs is a serious injury.
Although he's scheduled to face AJ Styles in a Boneyard Match (whatever that is), we can see The Phenom making quick work of The Phenomenal One on night one, just to get his hands on Goldberg on night two. The Undertaker doesn't need a title match at this point in his career; let's try someone else, please.