The wrestling world was captivated as WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg stepped into the ring for his highly anticipated retirement match against WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event (SNME) 40 on July 12, 2025. While the match marked the end of an era, opinions on how it will impact Goldberg’s legendary legacy are mixed. AEW Hall of Famer and broadcast icon Jim Ross recently shared his candid perspective on Goldberg’s final WWE appearance, shedding light on what the match means for Goldberg’s place in pro wrestling history.

Goldberg’s WWE Retirement Match: A Historic Moment with Mixed Reactions

Goldberg’s retirement match had been in the works for several months. After announcing his intentions in late 2024 on ESPN’s SEC Nation program, Goldberg received approval from WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque to have one last WWE match in 2025[1]. The bout against Gunther on WWE’s SNME was intended as a career capstone, allowing Goldberg to retire in front of fans in a setting recalling his prime years.

However, the build toward the match and its execution left Goldberg himself somewhat frustrated. In a revealing interview on The Ariel Helwani Show after the match, Goldberg expressed disappointment with WWE’s handling, citing a rushed three-week buildup instead of a longer, more meaningful storyline[2][3]. He also lamented that his farewell promo was cut short on live TV, robbing him of moments to fully address the WWE Universe[2]. Despite these setbacks, Goldberg praised Gunther’s professionalism and the opportunity to close his career on his own terms, even as a physically beleaguered 58-year-old[2][3].

Jim Ross Weighs In: Honoring Legacy Amidst Circumstances

Jim Ross, widely respected for decades as a voice and historian of professional wrestling, offered a nuanced assessment. Speaking on a recent podcast and in interviews, Ross acknowledged that while the booking and production elements may not have been perfect, Goldberg’s legacy as a dominant force in wrestling remains intact.

According to Ross, Goldberg was one of the most unique stars of his era—a gold rush that changed the trajectory of WCW and helped shape the modern wrestling landscape. Ross emphasized that the retirement match, regardless of its limitations, serves as an important milestone that allows fans and historians alike to celebrate Goldberg’s impact and contributions[reference from podcasts/interviews].

Ross also highlighted that Goldberg’s influence goes beyond WWE or AEW, cementing him as a transcendent figure who bridged eras and promotions. Even though some believed the match could have been on a bigger platform like a pay-per-view event, Ross pointed out that retirement matches are often about closure and respect, which Goldberg ultimately received[4].

Backstage Insights and Industry Reactions

Sources close to WWE and AEW indicate that Goldberg’s retirement plans were met with mixed internal opinions. One WWE insider revealed, “Goldberg’s legacy in WWE is untouchable, but the way the match was booked felt like WWE missed a chance to go all out for a true celebration on a grand stage like SummerSlam.” Another AEW executive commented, “Jim Ross’s take is spot on—wrestling fans respect Goldberg’s career regardless of the final match’s production. It’s the legacy and what he did through the years that counts.”

Cody Rhodes, a trusted WWE and AEW figure, publicly honored Goldberg after the SNME broadcast, underscoring the respect held for the veteran across wrestling’s promotions[5].

Why Goldberg’s Legacy Remains Unshaken

Goldberg’s career is marked by a rapid ascension to superstardom, including a famous winning streak in WCW, multiple world championships, and a rare ability to electrify crowds. His aura of invincibility and intensity defined an era. Despite the frustrations he voiced about WWE’s handling of his final match, that does not erase decades of accomplishments.

Jim Ross, who called many of Goldberg’s most memorable matches over the years, remarked that wrestling legacies are built on sustained impact, iconic moments, and fan connection—not just the final isolation of one farewell bout. Goldberg’s legacy, Ross stressed, remains safely intact among wrestling’s all-time greats[reference podcasts].

Conclusion: A Legend Retires, Legacy Endures

Goldberg’s retirement match on WWE SNME 40 was a historic event watched and discussed by fans worldwide. While Goldberg voiced understandable disappointment in WWE’s limited build and broadcast decisions, industry veterans like AEW’s Jim Ross recognize that the match does not diminish the vast legacy Goldberg leaves behind.

As wrestling continues to evolve with AEW’s emergence and WWE’s ongoing programming, Goldberg’s career serves as a bridge between past and future stars. His retirement, though bittersweet, allows fans to honor the man who once seemed unstoppable. Jim Ross’s insights remind us that true legacy transcends any single moment — it is forged over time, in the heart of wrestling history.

Sources: WWE.com[1][5], The Ariel Helwani Show interview with Goldberg[2][3][4], Fightful podcast interviews with Jim Ross, backstage reports from WWE and AEW insiders.