-- FOLLOW-UP STORY on Friday

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

In an interview with ESPN to promote the premiere of his new "Garage Mahal" show on DIY Network, Bill Goldberg said he's leaving the door open for a possible return match at WrestleMania 27 in Atlanta next year.

"It's not something that I'm seeking out to do at 43 years old. But you know, WrestleMania is next year in Atlanta. Hulk Hogan and I put 43,000 people in the Georgia Dome with three days notice. I've got a fairly big following in Atlanta," Goldberg said. "Is it out of the realm of possibility? I'd say no."

Goldberg said the reason he started negotiating with WWE was for a merchandise deal so his three-and-a-half-year old son could have an updated action figure depicting him.

"The doors are kind of open to negotiation as far as a merchandising deal. If it leads to something else? It's a wonderful day," Goldberg said.

"If not, I'm totally content with the way I went out. To be able to get merchandise out there not only satiates the fans but hopefully there have been a lot of people wondering where my merchandise is. The reason why I want to do this is my boy; just trying to be a good father."

Fact Check: Reviewing Goldberg's claim on the WCW Nitro with Hulk Hogan in 1998, the actual numbers were 41,400 in attendance and 36,506 paid. Also, WCW had been advertising Hogan vs. Goldberg as a dark match in advance prior to the Dome show. It was changed last-minute to an actual TV match with Goldberg famously winning the WCW World Hvt. Title. Torch VIP Members can read about all the behind-the-scenes wranglings and politics that went into one of the most famous matches in recent wrestling history.

FYI: Goldberg's new show on the DIY Network premieres on Friday night at 9:00 p.m. EST with the first episode featuring Jay Leno.

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