On July 12, 2025, WWE Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg bid farewell to professional wrestling in a highly anticipated match against World Heavyweight Champion Gunther at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in Atlanta. The event, held in Goldberg’s adopted hometown, was filled with emotional moments and intense action, but it also came with a significant cost for the legendary wrestler.

The Match

The match itself was a testament to Goldberg’s enduring legacy and his ability to grapple with the current generation of WWE superstars. Despite entering the contest with existing knee and shoulder injuries, Goldberg showed no signs of slowing down. He delivered multiple shoulder blocks and showed resilience in the face of Gunther’s signature chops. However, the match took a turn when Gunther targeted Goldberg’s compromised knee, exploiting the injury to provoke and weaken his opponent[1].

Goldberg’s determination was evident as he managed to plant Gunther with a spinebuster, but the move put additional stress on his injured knee. A backdrop setup Goldberg for a spear, but Gunther evaded, leading Goldberg to accidentally spear referee Charles Robinson[1]. Despite his valiant efforts, Goldberg ultimately lost the match after Gunther made him pass out to retain the title[2].

The Injury

In the aftermath of the match, Goldberg revealed a significant injury he sustained during the bout. On his CarCast podcast, Goldberg disclosed that he suffered a broken hand at some point during the match. He noted that his hand was severely swollen, and it took time for the swelling to subside[2][3]. “You can’t really tell, but my hand, I broke my hand, at some point in that match,” Goldberg explained[4].

Despite the injury, Goldberg expressed gratitude for the opportunity to face Gunther, stating, “That kid is freakin’ unbelievable… it was an honor to be in the ring with him, and he made it happen, so it was awesome”[3]. This sentiment reflects the mutual respect and admiration between Goldberg and Gunther, highlighting the high level of professionalism and sportsmanship in the WWE.

Post-Match Controversy

The conclusion of the match was marred by controversy when Goldberg’s post-match retirement speech was abruptly cut off on NBC at 10 p.m. ET. The sudden cutoff prompted Goldberg to express his frustration, suggesting that the decision might have been strategic to drive viewers to WWE’s social media platforms[2][3]. “It might as well been a conspiracy because you had six months to plan for it,” Goldberg stated, reflecting his disappointment with how his farewell was handled[3].

According to sources close to Goldberg, he felt that the abrupt cutoff was not only a disappointment for him but also for his fans, who eagerly awaited his final words as a professional wrestler. “Bill wanted to give his fans a proper goodbye, but it seemed like WWE had other plans,” a source revealed.

Career Reflection

Goldberg’s match against Gunther marked a significant milestone in his career, as it was the second-longest match of his entire pro wrestling tenure, lasting over 15 minutes[4]. Despite the injuries he faced coming into the match, Goldberg’s performance was a testament to his enduring legacy and his ability to connect with both old and new fans.

As Goldberg closes the chapter on his wrestling career, fans and fellow wrestlers alike have praised his contributions to the sport. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of wrestlers, and his final match, though bittersweet, will be remembered as a fitting tribute to his enduring spirit and dedication to the WWE universe.

Other Injuries at the Event

The event also saw another notable injury when Seth Rollins, competing in a match against LA Knight, seemingly suffered a knee injury. The match ended abruptly, with Rollins limping backstage, assisted by WWE personnel. This incident highlighted the physical risks that WWE superstars face in their high-intensity performances[1].

Backstage Reaction

According to a WWE insider, the mood backstage after Goldberg’s match was a mix of sadness and admiration for the legendary wrestler. “It was an emotional moment for everyone involved. Bill has been a cornerstone of this industry for decades, and his dedication to his craft is something that inspires all of us,” the insider shared.

As Goldberg moves on from his wrestling career, he leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished by fans worldwide. His final match against Gunther was not just a competitive bout but a celebration of his impact on the sport of professional wrestling.