Booker T Defends WWE’s Handling of Goldberg’s Retirement Match – WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Bill Goldberg’s retirement match, offering support for both WWE’s presentation and Goldberg’s legacy.
Goldberg’s final bout took place at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, where he was defeated by GUNTHER in what was promoted as his retirement match. However, the moment turned contentious when Goldberg publicly criticized how his post-match speech was cut short during the broadcast. The situation drew commentary from wrestling figures including Bret Hart, Peter Rosenberg, and Dave LaGreca, some of whom echoed Goldberg’s disappointment with the execution of his sendoff.
Speaking on The Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T took a more optimistic view, arguing that the speech was meant primarily for the live audience in Atlanta. “I thought the speech was meant for the Georgia fans,” Booker said. “I thought that would have been more for them than anything. I’m thinking, ‘All those guys, for that ride’… the intimacy with Georgia meant more for Bill Goldberg than the masses.”
Booker praised WWE’s decision to headline a major event with Goldberg’s final match, seeing it as a respectful tribute. “I think they did a great job. I thought it was a great sendoff,” he said. “For him to actually be headlining something like that, that’s just like a pay-per-view… his sendoff was definitely better than a lot of guys. A lot of guys don’t get that. A lot of guys don’t get a last match.”
He also addressed long-standing criticisms of Goldberg’s in-ring ability and contributions to the wrestling business, firmly defending the former WCW and WWE Champion. “I know a lot of people talk down on Goldberg and what he did for the business, but Goldberg, he brought a lot to the table,” Booker said. “And for the guys who really don’t understand that, it’s about putting behinds in seats. Goldberg did that in his era… So you can only give that guy his props for what he did for the business.”
Booker concluded with a blunt message to Goldberg’s critics: “I say this to anyone who was in that same position as Goldberg, and if they came to you and said, ‘Hey, man, we’re gonna give you millions of dollars to go out there and just be you,’ I think you would have done it as well.”
While debate continues among fans and pundits, Booker T made it clear that he believes Goldberg got the respect he deserved—and that his impact on the industry shouldn’t be forgotten.
Booker T Defends WWE’s Handling of Goldberg’s Retirement Match
