Goldberg returns to WWE TV on SmackDown, challenges Roman Reigns

Goldberg returned to WWE on SmackDown tonight, immediately setting up a WWE Universal title match for Elimination Chamber.

SmackDown opened with Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman celebrating their accomplishments at the Royal Rumble, namely costing Brock Lesnar the WWE Championship. Goldberg came out and said that he acknowledged Reigns, but after pausing, said that he acknowledged him as his next victim. Goldberg told Reigns he wanted the Universal Championship match for Elimination Chamber on February 19. That match was confirmed later in the show.

A match between Reigns and Goldberg was originally scheduled for WrestleMania 36 back in 2020. However, due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Reigns opted not to compete at that year’s show. Braun Strowman and Goldberg faced for the Universal title instead, with Strowman winning.

Goldberg has not competed in a match since last year’s SummerSlam, when he was unable to continue against Bobby Lashley after Lashley attacked Goldberg’s knee.

This year’s Elimination Chamber event will take place in Saudi Arabia at the Jeddah Super Dome. Matches already announced include Becky Lynch vs. Lita for the Raw Women’s Championship, The Usos vs. The Viking Raiders for the SmackDown Tag Team titles, and the Elimination Chamber for the WWE Championship that includes Lashley, Lesnar, Seth Rollins, Austin Theory, Riddle, and AJ Styles.