Goldberg Explains Why He Chose GUNTHER for His Retirement Match

Goldberg is gearing up for one final ride—and he’s making sure it counts. The WWE Hall of Famer will step into the ring one last time at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Atlanta, and he’s chosen GUNTHER as the man to face him. But this isn’t just a marquee matchup—it’s personal.

While speaking to 11Alive, Goldberg opened up about why GUNTHER was picked as his final opponent, revealing it wasn’t some random decision by WWE creative. It all goes back to a past incident that sparked real tension.

“Well, as I said the other night, um, on the show, I was vying for my retirement match, and he just so happened to put himself in that spot. I really hope for you — it could have happened to anybody that opened their mouth negatively about me and my family when we were there, um, you know, back for the pay-per-view. So, um… he— I don’t know whether it was planned by him. I—I don’t know. All I can say is he willingly stepped right into that spot, and I willingly accepted him as my final opponent.”

Goldberg made it clear that this match is a statement—a generational clash that’s about more than just wins and losses. To him, it’s about respect, and GUNTHER represents a new era that needs to understand where they came from.

“I just wanna put my fist through his face. I—I—I just wanna make sure that this younger generation, and he’s representing that younger generation, respects us old guys and doesn’t—and they don’t—and they must understand that we must command that respect forever. Because you never know what position they’re in or condition they’re in, or uh, you never know if they’re still willing to go. And I’m still willing to go. And so you better watch your mouth. And, you know, younger generation, man, look up to your elders, respect them, because you never know what can happen.”

Goldberg’s final match will go down in Atlanta—the same city where he built his legacy in WCW—and WWE even helped him arrive in style on this week’s RAW, loaning him a red ’70 Chevy. In return, the car’s owner got ringside seats and an autograph.

Now, the build is complete. GUNTHER and Goldberg are set for a brutal showdown, and with emotions running high, this match could end in legendary fashion.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.