5 finishes to Bobby Lashley vs. Goldberg at SummerSlam: Possibly controversial ending, superstar to set up WrestleMania 38 feud? (2025)

Bobby Lashley vs. Goldberg is the second-most important match on the SummerSlam 2021 card, only behind Roman Reigns vs. John Cena. It isn't going to be a long, technical match, nor should it be.

As most Goldberg matches have been since his return, it may not even go past five minutes. That's the kind of match that suits both men in this situation. But who will walk out of the pay-per-view as the WWE Champion?

Here are five possible finishes to the WWE Championship bout at SummerSlam.

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#5. Goldberg defeats Bobby Lashley clean at SummerSlam 2021

At first, some of you might be wondering why this could be considered a controversial ending. But in the moment, the reaction might not be great. Since it has been 17 months where we had no crowds in WWE, it's easy to forget how fans can turn on a superstar sometimes.

Goldberg is undoubtedly more popular with the casual fans than many give him credit for, but that doesn't mean he can't get booed at SummerSlam 2021. However, just like Super ShowDown 2020, a clean victory for him could be controversial.

If you're not aware, the above-mentioned situation refers to February 2020 when Goldberg faced 'The Fiend' Bray Wyatt for the Universal Championship. It was in Saudi Arabia and at that point, The Fiend had gone on a tear for close to half a year.

'The Fiend' character was undefeated and at the time was the most heavily-protected superstar in all of WWE. All of that came crashing down in a few minutes when Goldberg defeated the hottest star in the company clean.

While the crowd in Saudi Arabia were understandably in favor of the Hall of Famer, the Las Vegas audience may not be. Even if he gets cheered upon his entrance, fans may not react too well to Goldberg defeating Bobby Lashley at SummerSlam.

It would be another case of a superstar who has been built for over a year only to be torn down in minutes by a part-time superstar. While we admit that there is a possibility of this happening, it may not go down well with the WWE Universe at SummerSlam and those not in attendance.

#4. An interference at SummerSlam sets up a WrestleMania 38 match?

Goldberg's chances of winning at SummerSlam seem slim since it's known that he is contracted to WWE for two matches a year. In fact, this is something that he revealed himself.

The Biggest Party of the Summer could be the last appearance that Goldberg makes in 2021 and this means that we may see him next at WrestleMania season in 2022. Since WWE is planning to host WrestleMania 38 at the AT&T Stadium, a name like Goldberg would be good to fill the seats.

It's hard to think of any potential opponent for him at The Grandest Stage of Them All next year, but it could be set up as early as SummerSlam 2021. Interference from a particular star could lead to Goldberg losing and setting up a WrestleMania 38 feud.

#3. MVP interferes and helps with the win

This is admittedly the laziest finish that WWE could go with at SummerSlam. MVP is by Bobby Lashley's side and will be in his corner, so it technically makes sense that he would interfere and try to cost Goldberg and help Lashley.

He has been the driving force behind The All Mighty's career resurgence and one would think that he will have a big role to play in the WWE championship match.

However, this isn't a finish that would be well received at SummerSlam either.

#2. The Hurt Business reunites at SummerSlam

The best thing that could happen at SummerSlam is the reunion of The Hurt Business. Ever since Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin were booted out of the faction, their careers have spiraled.

Neither has had consistent TV time and a Hurt Business reunion would be the best option. It serves as a win-win situation. Not only would it protect Goldberg, but it would make for a great SummerSlam moment as well as a way to strengthen Bobby Lashley's WWE title reign.

#1. Bobby Lashley wins clean

Arguably the second-best finish on this list, Bobby Lashley winning clean at the pay-per-view would get a great reaction. Braun Strowman, Drew McIntyre, The Undertaker and Brock Lesnar are the only four superstars to defeat Goldberg clean.

Lashley would be a good addition to the list and it would cement his credibility as the WWE Champion. He has had a good and strong reign so far, with only a couple of hiccups in between.

Other than that, a clean win for him would also signify Goldberg's change in approach when facing current superstars.

Edited by Kaushik Das