Chicago Sun-Times: Grand entrance for Goldberg falls a little flat

When Goldberg made his long-awaited WWE debut a few weeks ago, the fans' level of excitement almost instantly dropped from great anticipation to mild appreciation. Many feel his first appearance was marred by the fact that the Rock referred to him by name just moments before the surprise entrance, and by the WWE cameras showing him backstage walking to the ring.

Not every debut can be as memorable as the "Countdown to the Millennium" that preceded the arrival of Chris Jericho, but Goldberg's left fans a bit flat. Add the fact that Goldberg's most devastating move--the "Spear"--has become more commonplace and the realization that his work on the microphone is below par, and one begins to wonder if taking time off was not the worst thing he could have done.

In Goldberg's favor is that his first WWE match will be against the best performer in the business--the Rock, who has put on classic match after classic match and never disappoints. It is almost certain Goldberg will get a clean win over the Rock at "Backlash," and these two will put on a fine show. The only concern is that Goldberg in his WCW run never really had a Rock vs. Hulk Hogan-type match that left fans in awe.

As for the former WCW champion's future, I assume if he can defeat the Rock at a PPV, that alone would get him a title shot at HHH. Goldberg made a living at WCW tearing up mid-card wrestlers, but he would be right in the middle of a series of main-event battles in the WWE. Fans have been begging for the belt to be taken from HHH, and it would be hard to imagine him holding the strap after a series of confrontations with Goldberg.

It is yet to be seen if the WWE can make Goldberg a star on the level of Rock, Hogan or Stone Cold Steve Austin, but he will be given a chance in the coming months.

AROUND THE RING: Matches added to "Backlash" include John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar for the world championship, Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. the Big Show, and Los Guerreros vs. Team Angle for the tag titles. ... It's rumored Stone Cold could return to "Raw" as early as this week. ... Sounds like the Sting-to-WWE plans are on hold.

HOTLINE: I have up-to-the-minute news on Bret Hart's return to the WWE and Roddy Piper's plan to get back in the ring--all that and much more on the hotline: (900) 990-SLAM ($2 per minute).