Image: WWE

On the post-Raw edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said the decision to go with WWE Champion Drew McIntyre vs. Goldberg for the Royal Rumble was made on Saturday.

Goldberg had been building up a match against Universal Champion Roman Reigns since early-December. He was set to defend the Universal title against Reigns at last year’s WrestleMania until Reigns pulled out. Braun Strowman faced Goldberg instead and defeated him for the title.

On Monday’s Raw, Goldberg appeared at the end of the show to challenge McIntyre after his successful title defense over Keith Lee, saying the champion didn’t respect legends. McIntyre blew it off and said facing Goldberg would be like facing his dad. Goldberg shoved him down as the show went off air.

The 54-year-old Goldberg hasn’t wrestled since the aforementioned Strowman match. Last August, he said his WWE deal calls for two matches a year and runs through 2023.