May 20, 2025 – WWE SmackDown Live, Chicago, IL
In a moment that left the WWE Universe in absolute disbelief, Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg made a thunderous return to WWE on the May 20, 2025 episode of SmackDown Live — and he had only one man in his sights: the reigning World Heavyweight Champion, Jey Uso.
The main event had just wrapped up. Jey Uso successfully defended his title in a grueling match against LA Knight. As Jey stood tall, championship raised high, the lights in the Allstate Arena suddenly went out. A chilling silence fell over the crowd — until that iconic guitar riff hit.
“Who’s Next?”
The crowd erupted as Goldberg’s entrance pyro exploded on stage. Drenched in smoke and intensity, Goldberg stepped onto the ramp in his classic black shorts, fists clenched, his eyes locked on the ring. It had been nearly two years since Goldberg had appeared in a WWE ring — and no one saw this coming.
Jey Uso’s confident smirk slowly faded as the legend made his way to the ring. The tension was electric.
Without saying a word, Goldberg entered the ring and came face-to-face with Jey. The two men stood mere inches apart. The past met the present. The crowd chanted “HOLY S***!” as the two locked eyes in a silent standoff that spoke louder than any promo.
Jey, holding his title, finally broke the silence with a smirk and a nod, mouthing, “You want this?”
Goldberg simply growled, “You’re next.”
The arena lost its mind.
Though WWE has yet to make any official announcement, rumors are already swirling that Goldberg’s return could be building toward a massive clash at SummerSlam 2025. Sources backstage claim this wasn’t a one-off appearance — Goldberg has reportedly signed a short-term deal that could include a high-stakes match against Jey Uso for the World Heavyweight Championship.
This encounter raises several questions. Can Goldberg still go toe-to-toe with one of WWE’s most agile and explosive stars? Is this Jey’s biggest test yet as champion — or the end of his reign?
Social media exploded after the show, with #GoldbergReturns and #JeyUso trending worldwide. Some fans are hyped for the showdown of eras, while others are questioning whether Goldberg deserves a shot at the title in 2025.
Love it or hate it, one thing is certain: the road to SummerSlam just got a whole lot more intense. And if this face-off was any indication, the WWE Universe is in for a brutal collision between one of the most dominant forces in WWE history and the defiant, self-made World Champion who calls himself “The Real Tribal Chief.”
Stay tuned.
This war is just beginning.
