Goldberg not happy about how his retirement match was handled by WWE: "I’m pissed off"

WWE Hall of Famer and former WCW icon Goldberg has broken his silence following what was billed as his final in-ring performance. Despite being handed a main event spot in Atlanta—his adopted hometown—during Saturday Night’s Main Event, Goldberg has revealed that he is far from satisfied with how WWE orchestrated his retirement bout.

The match, which saw him square off against current World Heavyweight Champion Gunther, appeared to be a grand finale on the surface. However, according to Goldberg, the behind-the-scenes handling lacked the respect and effort he believes his storied career deserved.

“I’m Pissed Off”: Goldberg tells all on podcast

Speaking candidly on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Goldberg didn’t hold back.

“I would have loved for them to announce it in January. And have a build-up to it and do something like that, that I thought was maybe worthy of my career,” he said. “Let’s just say they chose to do it with three weeks’ notice. It is what it is. It’s part of the package. It’s part of the meal you get dealt. And I would be remiss in thinking I thought the meal would be different, but shame on me for thinking it would be different.”

The wrestling powerhouse, known for his iconic spear and jackhammer, admitted to feeling deeply let down.

“Let’s just say I’m pissed off at the way that I went out. I put so much into it, and I don’t feel the effort was reciprocated to put a stamp on what I accomplished.”

While he acknowledged the opportunity to headline one final show, Goldberg made it clear that the emotional weight of the moment wasn’t matched by WWE’s promotional investment.

“I’m not going to say I’m not ecstatic about the opportunity that I got,” he added. “I was a WCW guy. I think it could have been done a little bit differently, that’s all. I’m happy with my performance and the setting, but could it have been better? Absolutely, it can always be better.”

A polarizing farewell for a wrestling icon

Goldberg’s remarks have sparked a divided reaction across the wrestling world. Some fans and industry insiders sympathize with his grievances, arguing that WWE should have given more buildup to a farewell match of this magnitude. Others, however, suggest that Goldberg’s send-off—main event billing and a title opportunity—is more than what many legends receive in their twilight years.

Still, Goldberg’s legacy remains intact. From his undefeated streak in WCW to his Hall of Fame induction, few can match the intensity and spectacle he brought to the squared circle. But his comments underscore a deeper truth: even legends want to go out on their own terms.