The potential for Bill Goldberg to return to the WWE's squared circle at SummerSlam has taken a serious hit.
Ever since the former WCW and WWE World Heavyweight Champion returned to Vince McMahon's company's good graces by partaking in the "WWE 2K17" video game, there has been some buzz that he was inching his way closer to the ring.
Goldberg hasn't competed in the WWE's squared circle since 2004, when he defeated Brock Lesnar in an infamous match inside Madison Square Garden at WrestleMania XX. The WWE Universe knew both stars were leaving the company and turned on the match, cheering only for special referee "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.
With rumors of a potential comeback for Goldberg, it appeared the WWE might bring him back to redeem himself against "The Beast" one more time. A logical destination for that clash would have been SummerSlam, which emanates from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Aug. 21.
That possibility has now gone by the wayside.
The WWE has announced that Randy Orton, who still hasn't returned from shoulder surgery, but is close to a comeback, has been tabbed to take on Lesnar. While the company could have done a better job to attach a storyline to this match, Orton is a logical choice to battle Lesnar given his striking offense and standing as a veteran.
Though "The Viper" makes sense, it seems to cast doubt over a Goldberg return. Sure, there are other potential opponents for the former 173-0 star, such as Roman Reigns in a battle of the spears, but Lesnar was the adversary that made the most sense for him to take on.
Goldberg even recently admitted he thinks about getting back in the ring with Lesnar every day.
The WWE likely made the announcement about Lesnar vs. Orton this week because they are trying to build off the buzz created by "The Beast's" upcoming return to UFC, as he'll battle Mark Hunt in the Octagon at UFC 200 this Saturday in Las Vegas.
The world may still have to wait to see if anyone will ever be next for Goldberg.
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