Goldberg Loses Retirement Match at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event – Goldberg’s legendary wrestling career officially came to an end on July 12 at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, as the 58-year-old icon fell short in his bid to dethrone WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther. Despite a valiant effort, Goldberg passed out in a sleeper hold, marking a dramatic and emotional final match in front of his hometown crowd in Atlanta, Georgia.
Sporting a heavy knee brace on his left leg, Goldberg opened the bout with a series of powerful attacks, taking the fight directly to Gunther. However, the champion quickly targeted Goldberg’s weakened knee, chopping him down and shifting the momentum. The match spilled to the outside, where a critical misstep saw Goldberg attempt a spear—only to crash through the barricade when Gunther moved.
Gunther took full advantage, punishing the knee further. But Goldberg, fueled by emotion and adrenaline, mounted a comeback and connected with a thunderous spear and jackhammer combination. Unfortunately, referee Charles Robinson had been inadvertently taken out by an earlier spear, delaying the count and giving Gunther time to recover.
In a controversial moment, Gunther removed Goldberg’s knee brace and used it as a weapon. He then taunted Goldberg’s son, Gage, at ringside, even shoving him before security intervened. Goldberg responded with one last burst of strength but ultimately succumbed to Gunther’s sleeper hold, fading out as a second referee called for the bell.
Following a commercial break, Michael Cole entered the ring with Goldberg’s friends and family, including his son Gage, Doug Dillinger, Josh Barnett, Chuck Zito, and Ernest “The Cat” Miller. A visibly emotional Goldberg thanked the Atlanta crowd, noting, “I don’t think I’ve ever lost in Atlanta before. I can’t thank you enough. You’ve been wonderful, and I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Goldberg’s entrance from the locker room—accompanied by his signature entourage—served as a fitting tribute to his WCW roots. With longtime WCW and WWE referee Charles Robinson officiating, the stage was set for a proper farewell to one of wrestling’s most intense and iconic figures.
This was Goldberg’s first match since Elimination Chamber 2022, where he lost to Roman Reigns. Gunther, who won the WWE World Heavyweight Title from Jey Uso on a June episode of RAW, made his first successful defense by defeating a true Hall of Fame name.
As the Atlanta crowd gave Goldberg a standing ovation, it was clear this wasn’t just the end of a match—it was the end of an era.
Goldberg Loses Retirement Match at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event
