In the wake of Bill Goldberg’s recent retirement match against WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12, the wrestling world has been buzzing not only about the match itself but also about how WWE handled one of the most iconic retirements in recent history. Goldberg, known for his explosive and dominant career both in WCW and WWE, openly expressed his dissatisfaction with his sendoff, calling it abrupt and lacking the build-up he felt his legacy deserved. However, WWE Hall of Famer and former WCW president Eric Bischoff has stepped forward to offer a contrasting perspective, sending ripples through the wrestling community.

Goldberg’s Mixed Feelings on His WWE Farewell

Bill Goldberg’s final WWE match came as a surprise to many fans, with just three weeks’ notice and little of the traditional prolonged, storyline-driven buildup usually associated with a retirement tenure. Speaking candidly on The Ariel Helwani Show shortly after the event, Goldberg admitted to being “pissed off” at how his exit was handled despite his appreciation for the opportunity.

“Let’s just say I’m pissed off at the way that I went out. I put so much into it and I don’t feel as though the effort was reciprocated to put a stamp on what I’ve accomplished,” Goldberg said. He also highlighted his frustration over the match taking place on live television rather than at a more high-profile pay-per-view or premium live event, noting that WWE “cut me off after 20 seconds with the microphone in my hand, for God’s sake”—an indication of how rushed the moment felt to him.[2][3]

Despite these disappointments, Goldberg maintained respect for Gunther and the experience itself, leaving open the possibility of sharing a bigger story behind the scenes at a later date.

Eric Bischoff Sees WWE’s Sendoff Differently

In an unexpected twist, Eric Bischoff weighed in on the matter with a markedly different take. Bischoff, who famously was at the helm of WCW during Goldberg’s meteoric rise in the late 1990s, acknowledged the star’s legacy while defending WWE’s approach to his sendoff. During a recent interview, Bischoff described Goldberg’s WWE farewell as “pretty generous,” citing the company’s effort to give Goldberg a prominent stage and a meaningful final match against one of the current top stars.

“Looking at it from the inside, I think WWE did more than most would give them credit for,” Bischoff explained. “Bill got to face a World Heavyweight Champion in Gunther on a televised show with a lot of eyes watching, which is not something every retiring legend gets these days. Yes, the build could have been longer, but in this business, timing and circumstances sometimes dictate the approach. I’d say the sendoff was quite generous considering all factors.” According to sources close to WWE, Bischoff’s comments reflect backstage sentiment that the company went out of its way amid a crowded schedule and numerous competing storylines to honor Goldberg.[1]

The Context of Goldberg’s WWE Return and Retirement

Goldberg’s return to WWE earlier in 2025 was itself a big deal, generating both excitement and skepticism among fans and pundits alike. His surprise appearance on Monday Night RAW in June, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, reignited his legendary persona as he cut a promo interrupting Gunther and challenging him to what was billed as Goldberg’s retirement bout.[1]

While the match drew attention and provided a fitting, albeit brief, final chapter in Goldberg’s in-ring saga, the swift rollout and limited buildup fueled ongoing debate about whether WWE truly gave Goldberg’s storied career the sendoff it warranted.

WWE Insider Insights on the Sendoff Decision

According to a WWE insider familiar with the decision-making process, the choice to give Goldberg’s final match on Saturday Night’s Main Event was shaped by a mix of logistical constraints and WWE’s desire to spotlight emerging talent alongside its legends.

“WWE wanted to honor Goldberg by giving him a last match against a top champion on a prominent platform,” the insider revealed. “However, they also had to balance this with the need to push current stars like Gunther and keep storylines moving. While it wasn’t the long, sprawling retirement angle some might have imagined, it was a respectful gesture and a solid sendoff under the circumstances.”

The insider added that WWE values Goldberg highly and sees him as a legendary figure who helped shape the industry: “Eric Bischoff’s viewpoint echoes what WWE internally feels—that the match was a classy, generous tribute that put Goldberg in the spotlight one last time.”

Engaging With Fan Reactions and AEW Challenges

The split reception to Goldberg’s sendoff has spilled over beyond WWE’s sphere, notably drawing commentary from AEW’s top star MJF, who publicly challenged Goldberg, offering a potential final match in his promotion. MJF’s provocative stance underscored the tension around Goldberg’s WWE exit and suggested there might be more chapters to come outside the WWE universe.[4]

For WWE, the goal appears to be preserving Goldberg’s legacy while signaling respect for his contributions, all while balancing business realities in a fiercely competitive wrestling landscape.

Looking Ahead: Goldberg’s Legacy and WWE’s Role

Goldberg’s career, marked by his iconic undefeated streak and explosive bursts in the ring, remains a touchstone for wrestling fans worldwide. WWE’s decision to give him a final televised bout against one of its top champions may have been rushed in the eyes of Goldberg and some fans, but as Eric Bischoff notes, the sendoff was “pretty generous” and meaningful in context.

With Goldberg publicly calling out perceived shortcomings and WWE insiders defending their approach, the narrative around his retirement is complex—a mix of respect, frustration, and the realities of modern wrestling business.

As WWE continues to honor its legends while building new stars, the dialogue sparked by Goldberg’s farewell serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between legacy and innovation in the world of professional wrestling.

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