WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg has fired back at critics who questioned his reaction to Gunther’s signature chop during their highly anticipated match at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event (SNME). The match marked Goldberg’s retirement bout, and while it featured memorable moments like the spear and jackhammer, a segment where Goldberg laughed off a chop drew significant backlash online. Goldberg addressed these critiques in a recent interview, providing insight into what happened behind the scenes.
According to Goldberg’s interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, the chop from Gunther caught him off guard because he hadn’t anticipated just how powerful the strike would feel. He explained, “I laugh when he chopped me, but I didn’t know what to expect. You feel those chops throughout your career a little bit and they’re loud. Man, it looks like they hurt. I thought it was going to hurt me. That’s all”[1]. Far from dismissing Gunther’s move, Goldberg actually apologized to him for laughing, clarifying it was sheer surprise and not disrespect.
Sources close to WWE and insiders who watched the match note that Goldberg’s reaction was genuine—showing his decades of wrestling experience blending with the unpredictable nature of live performance. The chop in question is one of Gunther’s most impactful strikes, and the audience perception that Goldberg “no-sold” it was a misunderstanding since his laugh was a startled response rather than an attempt to minimize the move[3][5].
Beyond the chop incident, the match itself was a mixture of memorable storytelling and physical endurance. Wrestling analyst Jim Cornette praised the match’s finish where Gunther applied a chokehold submission, securing a clean victory over the wrestling legend despite Goldberg executing his trademark spear and jackhammer[2]. Cornette pointed out this ending was fitting, cementing Gunther’s status as a dominant champion and giving Goldberg a respectful send-off.
However, Goldberg admitted backstage frustrations about how the match was presented. He revealed that he initially hoped for a “bigger” scale to the event and stronger emphasis on his retirement story. He felt some opportunities were missed, partly due to WWE’s scheduling and advertising breaks during the show, which affected the pacing and energy[1]. This sentiment was echoed by commentators on wrestling podcasts and forums discussing whether the match received the spotlight it deserved given Goldberg’s legacy.
Additional challenges emerged during the match, as Goldberg disclosed he had broken his hand during the contest but still pushed through to the finish[4]. This fact added to the respect many fans and insiders have for Goldberg’s toughness and dedication to giving the audience a memorable farewell.
According to WWE.com and other reported sources, Goldberg’s retirement match will be remembered not just for its outcome but for the raw moments that showed the physical and emotional toll of a wrestling career. His willingness to openly discuss the chop, his injury, and his hopes for the match highlights both his professionalism and his passion for the sport[1][4].
In summary, Goldberg’s response to critics has reframed the narrative around his match with Gunther on WWE SNME. Rather than dismissing Gunther’s attack, Goldberg’s unexpected laughter was a candid human moment of surprise and respect for the quality of his opponent’s in-ring skills. His candidness in interviews and the backing of insiders provide clarity amid the online debate, reinforcing Goldberg’s place as one of WWE’s most committed performers right up to the end of his storied career.