Goldberg’s Storied In-Ring Career Ends at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event
A legendary career came to a close Saturday night as Goldberg suffered a defeat to Gunther at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, ultimately passing out during a championship match and signaling his retirement from professional wrestling. The 58-year-old’s final bout was a hard-fought contest that ended abruptly, leaving fans with a poignant farewell to a wrestling icon.
A Final Challenge for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Goldberg entered the match seeking to unseat the reigning WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Gunther. This contest marked Goldberg’s first appearance in the ring since February 2022’s Elimination Chamber, where he faced Roman Reigns. For Gunther, it was his inaugural defense of the title he secured from Jey Uso in June.
The match began with Goldberg demonstrating his signature power moves, initially dominating the champion. However, Gunther quickly shifted his strategy, focusing his attacks on Goldberg’s left knee. Despite the targeted assault, Goldberg showcased his resilience, even catching Gunther attempting a top-rope maneuver and delivering a powerful slam.
A Chaotic Finish and Family Involvement
The match took a dramatic turn when Goldberg attempted a spear, miscalculating and crashing through the barricade. Gunther capitalized, relentlessly working on the weakened knee for several minutes. Goldberg briefly regained control, but a subsequent spear attempt was thwarted, resulting in Gunther inadvertently striking referee Charles Robinson.
The situation escalated further when Gunther removed Goldberg’s knee brace and used it as a weapon. In a controversial moment, Gunther then approached Goldberg’s son, Gage, at ringside, pushing him before security intervened and escorted Gage away after he climbed over the barricade. Despite the chaos, Goldberg managed to spear Gunther and execute a jackhammer, even securing a pin attempt with a new official in place. However, the attempt proved unsuccessful due to the lingering effects of his knee injury.
Ultimately, Gunther secured a sleeper hold, and after a valiant struggle, Goldberg passed out, concluding the match and his career. According to reports, the broadcast concluded shortly after, with Goldberg sharing a few words with his family and friends in the ring.
A Legacy Forged in WCW and WWE
Goldberg’s entrance for the match was a tribute to his storied past, accompanied by former WCW director of security Doug Dillinger, Ernest “The Cat” Miller, Josh Barnett, Chuck Zito, and his son, Gabe. This entrance underscored the breadth of his career, spanning from his rise to prominence in WCW to his impactful run in WWE.
The ending, while abrupt, served as a final chapter in a career defined by power, intensity, and unforgettable moments. Goldberg leaves behind a legacy as one of the most captivating and dominant performers in professional wrestling history.
