WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash recently revealed he advised fellow legend Goldberg to pursue stem cell therapy to combat the physical toll of his career as he prepares for his retirement match. Nash credits this cutting-edge treatment with significantly helping Goldberg push through lingering injuries and pain during his final run in WWE.
Speaking on the “Kliq This” podcast, Nash described Goldberg’s struggles preparing for his last bout: “He was talking about how he was beat up and having a hard time even just training, getting ready for the match”[1]. Nash suggested stem cell therapy, sharing his own positive experience with the same treatment. Goldberg followed the recommendation and sought treatment at BioXcellerator in Medellin, Colombia—a clinic Nash and other wrestlers like Ryback have visited for regenerative therapies[1][3].
Goldberg himself confirmed on his CarCast podcast that he would be undergoing stem cell therapy before his final match. “I’m going to go get stem cells,” he said, explaining the physical challenges he has faced with a deteriorating shoulder and the need to rebuild his body’s base condition carefully after years of wear and tear[2]. He emphasized the slow and gradual recovery process, noting increased stretching and adjusted workouts due to his age and injuries.
Nash detailed the nature of the stem cell treatments he underwent at the Cellular Performance Institute, where he received precise injections between spinal discs and facet joints, which helped reduce pain and inflammation over time[4]. The therapy involves injecting millions of cultivated stem cells from full-term umbilical cords to regenerate damaged tissues and speed recovery[4].
At WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12, Goldberg squared off against WWE World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER in what was promoted as his retirement match. Despite his valiant effort and emotional send-off with friends and family in attendance, Goldberg ultimately succumbed to GUNTHER’s sleeper hold[1]. Nash praised Goldberg’s training regimen, which included sessions with a mixed martial arts coach focusing on bag work and striking drills to sharpen his fight readiness[1].
Nash reflected on the mental and physical challenges wrestlers face as they age: “In your mind, you still think you got it, then you get out there and it’s like, ‘Wow, I don’t remember running on this canvas equating to running on the beach’”[1]. His candid insight underscores how regenerative treatments like stem cell therapy can be a game-changer for veteran wrestlers attempting to extend their careers or experience a dignified exit.
Sources close to Goldberg confirmed that the stem cell therapy played a pivotal role in allowing him to perform at a high level, especially given the accumulated damage to his shoulders, knees, and neck. Fightful reported that Goldberg’s ongoing rehabilitation and preparation with stem cells were well underway months before his announced retirement match[2].
This development highlights a growing trend within professional wrestling and sports in general, where regenerative medicine and novel therapies are becoming integral for athlete longevity and career sustainability. The WWE has long acknowledged the physical sacrifices wrestlers endure, and the availability of therapies like those at BioXcellerator and CPI represent promising avenues to help athletes manage their health post-retirement.
In conclusion, Nash’s recommendation and Goldberg’s embrace of stem cell therapy illustrate how former wrestlers are turning to advanced medical treatments to manage pain and rehabilitation. As Goldberg bids farewell to WWE, his journey underscores the evolving relationship between sports medicine and professional wrestling.
Quotes sourced from “Kliq This” podcast and interviews reported by Wrestling Inc. and Fightful.com.