WWE fans bid farewell to Goldberg during the main event in Atlanta, Georgia. At 58, Goldberg faced off in a retirement match against world heavyweight champion Gunther. The bout was highly regarded, but many were upset when Goldberg’s farewell speech was cut short. Goldberg expressed his frustration in an interview with Ariel Helwani, feeling his final match and send-off didn’t meet his expectations. Despite this, Goldberg’s contributions to wrestling remain undeniable.
Goldberg’s rise began in WCW in 1997 with an undefeated streak that made him a major star. He debuted in WWE in 2003 with some success but left disappointed after a year. A return ten years later saw him recapture some glory, including another title reign, but he struggled to stay away. His recent comeback had mixed results, including injury and controversial matches. Ultimately, WWE arranged a significant retirement match for him in July 2025, granting him the send-off many fans anticipated.
The buildup for Goldberg vs. Gunther began months earlier, igniting excitement among fans. Goldberg had support from wrestling peers like DDP and Doug Dillinger and competed in the main event in his hometown. Though he lost, the match showcased the skills of both wrestlers. Goldberg’s speech being cut off on national TV was seen as unfortunate but unintentional. In his Helwani interview, Goldberg voiced disappointment, feeling his effort wasn’t fully recognized and expressed mixed feelings about the World Heavyweight Championship match status.
Despite Goldberg’s complaints, his farewell was among the best seen in wrestling. While he hoped for the final match to be at a premium live event rather than a main event broadcast on NBC, few wrestlers get such a prominent send-off. Comparisons to legends like The Undertaker and John Cena reveal that most wrestlers leave under less ideal circumstances. WWE centered an entire show around Goldberg, honoring his legacy with a significant payday and spotlight. Goldberg’s dissatisfaction seems rooted in personal regrets rather than WWE’s treatment, as the company gave him a respectful and memorable goodbye.
Fan Take: Goldberg’s retirement is a pivotal moment for WWE, highlighting the challenges stars face in saying goodbye on their terms. For fans, it’s a reminder of both the sport’s unpredictability and the lasting impact of wrestling legends.
