WrestleMania 33: Lesnar Vs Goldberg - The Epic Rematch

What's up, wrestling fans! Today, we're diving deep into one of the most anticipated rematches in WWE history: Brock Lesnar vs. Goldberg at WrestleMania 33. This wasn't just a match; it was a collision of titans, a chapter in a rivalry that spanned over a decade and had fans on the edge of their seats, wondering if Goldberg could finally get his win back against The Beast Incarnate. The hype for this bout was absolutely through the roof, guys, and the anticipation was palpable. We'd seen their first encounter at Survivor Series 2004, where a returning Goldberg surprisingly defeated Lesnar in what was billed as both their final matches at the time. Fast forward over a decade, and here they were again, meeting on the grandest stage of them all. The story leading up to WrestleMania 33 was brilliantly crafted, playing on their past and the sheer power each man possessed. Goldberg’s return to WWE in 2016 was a massive event in itself, and his quick, dominant victories over R-Truth, and more notably, Universal Champion Kevin Owens, set him up perfectly for this colossal showdown. Lesnar, on the other hand, was the perennial main-eventer, a force of nature who had conquered almost everyone in his path. The question on everyone's mind was simple: Could Goldberg, the undefeated streak-ending champion from WCW, overcome the sheer destructive power of Brock Lesnar once more? The build-up focused on their contrasting styles and legendary status. Goldberg brought that raw, unadulterated intensity and a few devastating moves. Lesnar was the methodical, powerhouse destroyer, known for his suplexes and F-5. The WWE creative team knew they had lightning in a bottle, and they played it up perfectly. Every promo, every stare-down, every little interaction between these two giants only amplified the excitement. The stakes felt incredibly high, not just for the Universal Championship, which Goldberg held briefly before Lesnar earned his shot, but for pride and legacy. This was about settling the score, definitively. The atmosphere surrounding this match was electric, a mix of nostalgia and the raw power of two of the biggest names to ever step into a wrestling ring. You could feel the history, the respect, and the undeniable animosity. It was the kind of match that transcended typical wrestling storylines; it was a clash of myths, a battle of legends that had been brewing for years.

The Road to WrestleMania 33: A Collision Course

Alright, let's rewind a bit and talk about how we even got to this epic confrontation at WrestleMania 33. The journey to Brock Lesnar vs. Goldberg II was a masterclass in WWE storytelling, guys. It all kicked off when Goldberg made his stunning return in late 2016. The crowd went absolutely insane! He was a legend, a man who had spent over a decade away from the squared circle, and he came back with a vengeance. His initial appearances were designed to showcase his incredible power and to reignite that fire that made him a household name in WCW. He absolutely demolished R-Truth in a squash match, proving he hadn't lost a step. But the real statement was his destruction of Kevin Owens, who was the reigning, defending, undisputed Universal Champion at the time. Goldberg speared Owens through a barricade and then pinned him in a matter of minutes to win the title. This shocking victory wasn't just a title change; it was a direct challenge, a declaration that Goldberg was back and ready to reclaim his dominance. Naturally, this put him on a collision course with the one man who could match his intensity and power: Brock Lesnar. Lesnar, who had a long-standing history with Goldberg stemming from their infamous encounter at WrestleMania 20, was advertised for the Royal Rumble. Goldberg entered the Royal Rumble match itself, and in a moment that sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe, he eliminated Brock Lesnar with a spear and a quick toss over the top rope. This was huge! It wasn't just a physical elimination; it was a psychological victory for Goldberg, proving he could still get the better of The Beast Incarnate. This set up the challenge perfectly. Lesnar, never one to back down, demanded a rematch at WrestleMania. He wanted to erase the memory of their past encounters and prove once and for all that he was the superior force. The build-up was intense, focusing on the fact that this was the real main event, the match everyone had been waiting for. Promos between the two were hard-hitting, with Goldberg referencing his past dominance and Lesnar promising to break him. The WWE Network played up their history, replaying their original match and highlighting key moments from Goldberg's return. It was a narrative that tapped into nostalgia while simultaneously building new excitement. The stakes were elevated because of their shared history and the fact that this was billed as Goldberg's last match. He had come back for one more run, and he wanted to end it by defeating the biggest name in WWE. This made the match incredibly personal and added a layer of emotion that resonated with fans. The WWE did an excellent job of making this feel like a genuine grudge match, a fight between two legends who had unfinished business.

The Match Itself: A Short but Explosive Encounter

And then, it happened. The lights dimmed, the music hit, and Brock Lesnar and Goldberg finally met in the ring at WrestleMania 33. Guys, the energy in the stadium was absolutely electric! You could feel the anticipation in the air. This was billed as Goldberg's potential final match, and he was looking to cap off his incredible return by defeating Brock Lesnar for the second time in his career. The bell rang, and it was pure, unadulterated action from the get-go. Goldberg immediately went on the offensive, hitting Lesnar with a thunderous spear right out of the gate. The crowd erupted! He followed it up with another spear, and then, the iconic Jackhammer! But in a stunning twist, Lesnar managed to kick out at two! It was a moment that had everyone scrambling, thinking, "Can he really do it again?" Goldberg was on fire, showing the world that age was just a number. However, Brock Lesnar is not just any opponent; he is The Beast Incarnate. After surviving Goldberg's initial onslaught, Lesnar began to assert his dominance. He started delivering his signature German suplexes, tossing Goldberg around the ring like a rag doll. The sheer power display was incredible to watch. Lesnar hit multiple suplexes, each one seemingly more brutal than the last. The tide had turned, and it was now Lesnar's show. He was methodically dismantling Goldberg, wearing him down. Then came the inevitable. Lesnar hoisted Goldberg up for the F-5. He delivered it with full force, and the crowd braced for the three-count. Brock Lesnar defeated Goldberg in their WrestleMania 33 rematch. The match itself was quite short, clocking in at under five minutes, but it was packed with intensity and explosive action. Some fans were disappointed by the brevity, expecting a longer, more drawn-out affair given the buildup. However, many appreciated the match for what it was: a brutal, hard-hitting contest that showcased the raw power of both men. It was a sprint, not a marathon, and it delivered big moments. Goldberg got his offense in, looking dominant, but ultimately, Lesnar's power and resilience proved too much. The finish was decisive, and it cemented Lesnar's victory in this chapter of their legendary rivalry. While the match was brief, it perfectly encapsulated the aura of both superstars. Goldberg's comeback was valiant, and he gave the fans a thrilling performance. Lesnar, as always, was the ultimate predator in the ring, overcoming adversity to secure the win. It was a fitting, albeit quick, conclusion to one of the most anticipated grudge matches in recent WWE history.

The Aftermath and Fan Reactions: A Mixed Bag

So, what happened after Brock Lesnar vs. Goldberg at WrestleMania 33? Well, the immediate aftermath was, as you might expect, a bit of a mixed bag for the fans, guys. On one hand, you had the satisfaction of seeing two absolute legends square off on the grandest stage. Goldberg, despite the loss, looked incredible. He put on a valiant performance, showcasing the intensity and power that made him a superstar. His return run was a huge success, and ending it with a match against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania was a fitting finale, win or lose. The WWE Universe got to witness moments of pure Goldberg magic – those spears, that Jackhammer attempt – which brought back so many memories. For many, seeing him compete at that level again was a victory in itself. Then there's Brock Lesnar. He retained his Universal Championship (though he had lost it to Goldberg prior to this match, he won it back here), continuing his reign as one of WWE's most dominant forces. His victory wasn't just about beating Goldberg; it was about solidifying his legacy as the man who could overcome any challenge, even a returning legend like Goldberg. The sheer power he displayed in the latter half of the match, those suplexes and the F-5, were a stark reminder of why he's called The Beast Incarnate. However, the biggest talking point, and where the mixed reactions really came in, was the match's duration. It was incredibly short, lasting less than five minutes. Many fans, myself included, had anticipated a much longer, more epic battle. We were expecting a war, a back-and-forth contest that would serve as a true main event spectacle. The brevity of the match left some feeling a little shortchanged. They had invested so much emotion and hype into this rematch, and it ended almost as quickly as it began. Social media lit up with opinions. Some praised the match for its intensity and quick, decisive finish, arguing that it was a sprint that delivered maximum impact. They liked that it didn't overstay its welcome and that both men looked strong. Others were vocal about their disappointment, feeling that the match didn't live up to the decade-plus hype. They wanted more storytelling in the ring, more back-and-forth action, and a more definitive conclusion to their long-standing rivalry. Regardless of individual opinions on the match length, there's no denying the star power and the significance of the event. It was a dream match scenario, a clash of titans that WWE fans had clamored for. Even with the short duration, it delivered a memorable moment on a stacked WrestleMania card. Goldberg’s final stand and Lesnar’s ultimate victory were both powerful narratives that resonated with different segments of the audience, leaving a lasting impression on WrestleMania 33.

Legacy of the Rematch: A Quick, Powerful Conclusion

Looking back at Brock Lesnar vs. Goldberg at WrestleMania 33, you can't help but feel it served as a powerful, albeit brief, conclusion to a rivalry that had simmered for over a decade. For fans who had followed their careers for years, this rematch was a significant moment, a chance to see two titans clash one last time on the biggest stage possible. Goldberg’s return to WWE was a feel-good story, and his dominant victories leading up to WrestleMania had fans dreaming of a fairytale ending where he could once again defeat Brock Lesnar and ride off into the sunset. This narrative provided a strong emotional hook for the match. Brock Lesnar, the seemingly invincible Beast Incarnate, was the ultimate test. The match itself, while short, delivered exactly what you'd expect from these two powerhouses: raw intensity and explosive offense. Goldberg came out firing, hitting his signature moves and nearly securing the victory. This initial burst showcased his incredible resilience and the genuine threat he posed, proving that he still had