Recently, WWE fans witnessed Goldberg’s retirement match on the Saturday Night Main Event, where he faced Gunther in his final appearance. Despite WWE’s heavy promotion, the match lacked excitement, illustrating that not all wrestlers can deliver memorable performances in their farewell bouts.
Over the years, some retirement matches have stood out, like those of Sting and The Undertaker, who ended their careers with impressive showings. However, many others have fallen short at the final stage.
Goldberg, never known for his technical prowess, unsurprisingly did not have a standout last match. His best moments came from short, intense matches, but this one, despite efforts to make it special, felt awkward—exacerbated by injuries during training. The Hall of Famer himself admitted it wasn’t his best performance and was aware the match didn’t live up to expectations. He has since expressed dissatisfaction with his final storyline, though given the forgettable nature of the bout, few fans are likely to remember it fondly.
Similarly, Kurt Angle, regarded as one of wrestling’s best in-ring talents, had a disappointing retirement match at WrestleMania 35 against Baron Corbin. Angle had hoped to face John Cena in his farewell but was forced to delay that dream due to physical issues, settling instead for a less memorable match that failed to captivate the crowd.
Ric Flair, another wrestling icon, had a complicated farewell. Despite a legendary retirement match against Shawn Michaels, Flair kept wrestling, including appearances in TNA, before finally stepping away at 73 in an independent match. Teaming with Andrade El Idolo, Flair’s final bout was widely criticized as forgettable, with Flair admitting he wasn’t in shape, underscoring the pitfalls of wrestlers returning for money rather than legacy.
Shawn Michaels’ retirement match alongside Triple H vs. the Brothers of Destruction at WWE Crown Jewel 2018 had moments going wrong, including a serious injury to Triple H and botched spots that turned the bout into an unfortunate spectacle. This prolonged retirement showed how extended farewells can sometimes harm the reputations of the wrestlers involved.
Bret Hart’s departure was equally underwhelming, featuring a brief, comedic tag match with John Cena and Ricardo Rodriguez that hardly honored Hart’s storied career. With just over three minutes in the ring, it was a disappointing end for a wrestling legend, highlighting WWE’s missed opportunity to give him a more fitting send-off.
Fan Take: These retirement matches highlight a crucial aspect of wrestling culture—how a legend’s final chapter can either cement or diminish their legacy. For WWE fans, the quality of these farewells matters deeply, as they offer a final celebration of greatness and set the tone for future generations in the sport.
