Goldberg has elaborated further on his upcoming match against World Heavyweight Champion Gunther and how the bout could do more harm than good when it comes to how he will be remembered by fans.
The June 16th Raw saw the Hall of Famer make his first appearance on WWE TV since the altercation with The Ring General at Bad Blood back in October 2024. Confirming what many fans expected ahead of time, the 4-time World Champion stated that Gunther was next and that he would face the Raw star at Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12th, which will also take place in Goldberg’s hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. Shortly afterwards, it was also confirmed that the upcoming match would be for Gunther’s World Title.
Following their altercation at Bad Blood, Gunther has repeatedly stated that the former WCW star is not a challenge to him and has not taken the match that seriously. While speaking on The National Football Show with Dan Sileo, the 58-year-old Hall of Famer stated that he knew Gunther would make it in wrestling and is honoured to have the match next month:
“Who I am to him (GUNTHER) is an old man — is a 58-year-old guy who is hobbled and not like he used to be and he believes that even at my peak, he could have taken me which is absolutely laughable. But, I mean… he’s a formidable opponent. He’s the World Heavyweight Champion. I remember meeting him years ago right when he broke in and the guy had a shooting star up his ass at that point and I knew he was gonna be destined for big things and hey, it’s an honor for me to get in the ring with him, it’s an honor to step into a position to be vying for the World Heavyweight Championship at 58 years old. I don’t know of any other ones who’ve retired with a match like that.”
Later in the interview, the 4-time World Champion was also asked why he was looking to step back in the ring at nearly 60 years old, especially as it could be a massive risk to his legacy. In response to this, Goldberg admitted that it was a huge risk but there is also a huge reward, adding that it gives his son Gage another opportunity to see him perform live:
“Because of what I just told you (is why I’m getting back in the ring). Because I ain’t freaking going out the way I went out. Period, end of story so at 58 years old, if I have to go in there hobbled, if I have to go in there 30 pounds lighter, I don’t give a sh*t. Because I have a point to make and at 58 years old, can I still make that point? I don’t know, but, I’m gonna do my best… 50 percent of me is better than 99 percent of the pricks on the planet, I believe, and so if I still give that effort and have the work ethic, though I’m not who I used to be but here I am. I mean, we don’t lose that. It’s a risk, it’s a huge risk. Am I risking the legacy of Goldberg in the ring? Yeah… Every time you step in there, you risk that. But, it’s risk versus reward and it’s another opportunity to give Gage a platform to see his dad go out and do his thing. I mean, he’s the reason why I came out of retirement in the beginning. 15 years ago or whatever it was for the first time. I’m not doing it for me — I mean, I am partly but, I’m mainly doing it for him.”
If they have to drag me out of there or carry me out of there, then that’s fine because I chose to do it and I chose to spend the last six months training and preparing for this.”
The match will be the veteran’s first since 2022, when he lost to Roman Reigns. Although Goldberg has previously stated that he will be having his final match in 2025, there has been no clarification that the upcoming match in Atlanta will be his last.
Gunther Responds To Goldberg Challenge
As previously mentioned, the dominant World Champion has shown little intimidation after learning that his next challenger will be the Hall of Famer. Addressing the previous segment on social media, Gunther jokingly stated he could spare 3 minutes, referring to how quickly he believes the match will be over.
H/t to Fightful for the use of transcriptions.
Featured image: WWE
