5 Ways Goldberg & Brock Lesnar Are Similar (& 5 Ways They're Different)

The legendary careers of Brock Lesnar and Goldberg are often compared for various reasons. Goldberg and Brock each reach the top of the list of dominant monster characters that have come off unbeatable in pro wrestling. Their real-life friendship backstage and rivalry on-screen led to them being compared historically.

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Both differences and similarities are there to tell the story about their time in wrestling. The similar things of Brock and Goldberg showcase why fans view them together so often. However, there are differences that make them drastically different performers. The following things about them in and out of wrestling show both sides of the story.

10 Similar: Best Used Part-Time

The careers of Brock Lesnar and Goldberg saw them both finding the same role for the later chapters of their WWE time. Brock returned in 2012 and secured a unique part-time deal after his success in UFC made him an even bigger star away from wrestling.

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WWE has used Lesnar in this role for over a decade now to feel like a true attraction. Goldberg coming back in 2016 led to him receiving a similar deal once it was confirmed that fans were into him. The part-time stint of Goldberg saw him wrestling a handful of matches most years between 2016 and 2022.

9 Different: Brock Lesnar Works Well Vs Smaller Wrestlers

An interesting thing about Brock Lesnar compared to most other dominant beasts of wrestling characters is that he works well against smaller wrestlers. Goldberg typically has to either squash someone or face a fellow style of wrestler to make his matches work.

Some fans believe Brock is not only good against smaller wrestlers, but he’s at his best in that role. Matches against Daniel Bryan, CM Punk, AJ Styles and Finn Balor were some of the best of Lesnar’s career playing into the David vs Goliath storyline.

8 Similar: Close Relationships With Paul Heyman

Paul Heyman’s return to WWE came due to Brock Lesnar wanting to work with him and having a lot of influence. The previous controversial departure of Heyman saw his return leading to a stronger relationship forming with Vince McMahon and other top personnel this time.

Goldberg’s WWE return featured him and Heyman working closely together backstage to form a bond. Heyman’s influence in the Brock vs Goldberg feud extended to Goldberg’s other programs. Goldberg grew close enough to Heyman to request he induct him in the WWE Hall of Fame.

7 Different: Goldberg Never Had A Manager

The real-life connection that Paul Heyman currently has with Brock Lesnar and Goldberg only saw one of those playing out on-screen. Brock found most of his success in WWE coming with Heyman at his side doing all of the talking.

However, Goldberg somehow never had a manager in WWE or WCW despite being a man of few words and limitations for his promos. History may see Goldberg remembered even more fondly if he did have a run like Brock steamrolling over babyfaces with a heel manager at his side.

6 Similar: Excellent In Short Matches

Most legends were known for their longest matches being classics since main event matches have a history of being the longest. Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels and even John Cena have a deep list of matches hitting the 30-minute mark due to the trust instilled in them.

Both Goldberg and Brock Lesnar have reputations the other way for looking strong in shorter outings. Brock changed the template of WWE by having quite a few short sprint matches. Goldberg got over like that in WCW and had most of his greatest hits come in single digit minutes per match.

5 Different: Brock Lesnar Never Made NFL

An interesting twist in the careers of Brock Lesnar and Goldberg featured them both trying to get to the NFL as a huge passion. Goldberg succeeded as a college football standout that was drafted in the NFL and played three seasons before retiring due to injury.

RELATED: 10 Wrestlers And Their NFL Counterparts

The path of Brock was quite different when he tried to make the NFL later in his life after his first WWE stint. Training camp tryouts did not work out for Lesnar as he hoped, and he never made an NFL roster. Brock did become a mega-star by pivoting to UFC a few years later.

4 Similar: Chose To Leave WWE In Their Prime

Brock Lesnar and Goldberg are among the top names to leave WWE in the primes of their careers by choice. History bonded them together during the infamous WrestleMania 20 match when getting booed out of the building for each opting to leave after their deals expired that night.

Goldberg felt unhappy with how WWE used him and left the wrestling business for many years. Lesnar was more frustrated with the lifestyle of traveling to five shows per week, especially back when WWE had an intense schedule. Both had the same thought process when leaving while WWE still wanted them back.

3 Different: Goldberg Hated Playing Heel

Most great wrestlers have to play both the babyface and heel roles enough to stay fresh. Goldberg was a rare case of only having one heel turn back in WCW when joining the New Blood faction. The shocking decision made by Vince Russo upset Goldberg and saw him never wanting that role again.

Brock Lesnar was the opposite as someone that felt more comfortable playing a heel for most of his career and coming off odd as a face. It wasn’t until the past few years that Brock showed more enjoyment in the babyface spot. Goldberg was more adamant about his character staying on the face side with minimal change.

2 Similar: Great Undefeated Streaks Starting Careers

Goldberg’s undefeated streak in WCW is one of the most talked about streaks in wrestling history. WCW went over a year with Goldberg unpinned with their claims of him going 173-0. Even though that number was inflated for kayfabe, the streak was quite impressive and created a legacy.

It often gets overlooked that Brock Lesnar had an undefeated streak as well his first seven months on the main roster. Brock won the WWE Championship and scored huge victories over names like The Rock, Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker to become a star. Big Show ended the streak at Survivor Series 2002 with Paul Heyman’ betrayal of Lesnar ending the streak.

1 Different: Brock Lesnar Is A Great Seller

One huge criticism for Goldberg is that he never liked selling for his opponents. Goldberg often wanted to look as strong as possible and had rumors of refusing to sell in matches or against wrestlers that would make him look weak overall.

Brock Lesnar was also selective in his selling, but he’s among the best at that aspect of wrestling. WWE witnessed Brock selling tremendously to help against the likes of Kurt Angle, Seth Rollins and Daniel Bryan. Goldberg never sold nearly enough to be good at it and rarely helped his opponents in that regard.