WWE icon defends Goldberg retirement match despite fans' health concerns
Goldberg is set to retire at WWE Saturday Night's Main Event, with his last ever match getting underway in a matter of hours.
The 58-year-old legend is challenging GUNTHER for the World Heavyweight Championship later tonight, and fellow WWE Hall of Famer Booker T is 'loving' that Goldberg is getting one final moment in the ring.
Speaking exclusively to Metro, Booker said: 'I'm not surprised one bit, and I'm loving it because Bill Goldberg has been talking about having his last match.
'And one thing about us professional wrestlers, we always talk about it, man, 'I got one more run, and I got one last run'. And for Goldberg to be able to come back and finish it like this, with GUNTHER, it's not going to get any bigger than that.'
Booker – who is a coach on WWE LFG (Legends and Future Greats) on US network A&E – acknowledged that not everyone is happy with him getting a title match just 17 months before his 60th birthday.
The current NXT commentator argued: 'I know you got your your critics and your pundits out there, your armchair quarterbacks, talking about Goldberg. 'Why Goldberg, when you got all these other guys in line it could have been?'
'Well, those [younger] guys are going to be there, they're going to be there for a shot later on down the line after Goldberg come back – because this is show business.'
He insisted that anyone thinking otherwise is 'missing the boat' on the point of the wrestling game.
'You're missing the boat on what we're doing in this business. If I got a chance as a promoter to use Goldberg on my show just one last time, it's his final run, I'm gonna do it,' he added.
Some fans have also been concerned about Goldberg's physical state, as he appears to have been struggling with his movement in recent weeks, and has been open about the injuries he's suffered in recent months.
In a new interview with CBS Sports, Goldberg confessed his 'old body' isn't in the best shape, as he's having issues with his knee.
However, he added: 'I'm not going to miss the opportunity to put a stamp on my career, on my terms. It's a privilege, it truly is.'
With Goldberg clearly willing and ready to go one more time, Booker insisted anyone in charge would 'do the same damn thing' as Paul 'Triple H' Levesque, given the chance to put on this match.
'If I got a chance to use The Rock, I'm gonna do it. If I got a chance to use Kurt Angle, you know I'm going to do it. That's the promoter's mentality,' he told us.
'And when I hear this armchair quarterbacks talking about 'why Goldberg?' They would do the same damn thing if they were in that position. Trust me. Trust me on that.'
For all his critics, Goldberg has always had a special something for fans to latch onto, whether it's his intensity or his signature moves. More Trending
Stars like Stephanie Vaquer – who is appearing at WWE Evolution this weekend – and LA Knight are doing that in their own way, and Booker T thinks the rookies on WWE LFG need to find what makes them stand out, while it's his role as a commentator to give them that boost.
'Sometimes they need a little bit of something extra. Back in the day, when I was a young guy coming up, doing the Spinneroonie and Mark Madden goes, 'Spinneroonie! Spinneroonie!' It becomes famous, it becomes a household deal, you know? I think you need that. And I'm just happy to be a part of the business still today.'
View More »
WWE Saturday Night's Main Event airs live on YouTube tomorrow (July 12) at 1am. US fans can watch WWE LFG on A&E.
Got a story?
If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
MORE: You can finally binge the crime show 'the internet should be screaming about'
MORE: 24 years ago South Park crossed a line and was never the same again
MORE: 'Wildly entertaining' sci-fi series with 97% Rotten Tomatoes score gets second season
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
30 minutes ago
- Metro
Larry Lamb, 77, retires from acting after emotional Gavin and Stacey finale
After a 'very fortunate career', TV icon Larry Lamb is unlikely to return to our screens as he retires from acting following Gavin and Stacey's farewell. The last ever Gavin and Stacey episode aired at Christmas, dubbed The Finale, and proved an emotional one as we said goodbye to the beloved characters. However, it turns out fans will have to let go of more than just the Shipmans, as Larry, 77, admitted that it will be his last major TV role. Focusing on his new novel, the EastEnders legend revealed he would consider small roles just to 'keep my face in' but he's stepping firmly out of the spotlight. Speaking of his time as Mick Shipman, father to central character Gavin and a fan favourite, Larry told the MailOnline: You get so involved with these characters that they become your favourite at that time. 'They are the focus of your life, but to finish up in my 70s playing a character like Mick who is beloved by millions of people, you have to give the writers credit… at this stage in my career Mick is the closest to my heart.' During the sitcom's run, Larry was praised for his natural, playful chemistry with on-screen wife Alison Steadman (Pam) as well as iconic moments — who could forget when Mick was 'on the telly'. Written by Ruth Jones and James Corden, the sitcom became a cultural icon and ran in total from 2007 to 2024, with extended breaks between specials. Gavin and Stacey ran for 22 episodes, comprised of three series and three Christmas specials, with each member of the core cast appearing in every single one. The show was set against the backdrop of a long-distance romance between Gavin (Mathew Horne), who lived in Essex and Barry Island's Stacey (Joanna Page). However, it quickly developed into far more than this as a complex relationship between Nessa (Ruth) and Smithy (James) became the central thread. From mysterious fishing trips to unforgettable neighbours — both in the form of Pete (Adrian Philip Scarborough) and Dawn (Julia Davis), as well as the late Margaret John as Doris — the show was bursting with laughs. A mind-boggling 12.3 million viewers tuned in on Christmas Day to watch the end of this 20-year journey, breaking its own 2019 viewership record. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Alongside his role as Mick, Larry is well known for his turn in EastEnders as the devious Archie Mitchell and numerous other TV appearances over six decades. More Trending 'I have had a very fortunate career; I've done so much that I am really proud of that maybe not so many people know,' he continued. 'If you have been through a life in entertainment and people don't all know you to suddenly where pretty much everybody knows you as a character… I find it's a reward, it's better to be known than unknown as far as I'm concerned. 'Particularly if you are known as a character that people really love… what a way to finish your working life.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: Clarkson's Farm sparks shock upset after beating The Traitors for major award MORE: Ruth Jones TV return confirmed after Gavin and Stacey with 'irresistible' period drama MORE: Ruth Jones announces split from husband who confirms his new relationship
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Wimbledon slammed over change for Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner - 'Not right'
Wimbledon has delayed its traditional start time for the men's final and concerns have been expressed that the roof couldn't interrupt the clash between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner Jamie Murray admits he's concerned that the later starting time for the Wimbledon final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner could end up forcing the players to pause their match due to light which is "not right". The Spaniard and the Italian, the top two ranked seeds, will renew their rivalry at SW19 but their contest will begin later than usual. For years the Wimbledon final has began at 2pm, but it was confirmed that this year the finals would start at 4pm. However Murray has expressed concern given that the last Grand Slam final between Alcaraz and Sinner at the French Open lasted five hours and 29 minutes. The Spaniard staging an epic comeback from two sets down to retain his title in Paris. A repeat of that would be problematic at Wimbledon though with bad light likely halting the contest. It would require the roof to close, bringing the match to a stop for a period, before getting back underway. That wouldn't be an issue with a 2pm start time. The Scot, who was a mixed doubles winner at Wimbledon, concedes that the change will likely have been done to suit an American audience with the final starting at 11am in New York, but has aired issues that could affect the players. Murray told Metro: "They've obviously moved the final to 4pm for TV. I guess for the [United] States, I guess for the BBC getting a primetime audience or peak audience. That's a big change. I think what would be sad about that would be if they had to stop the match to close the roof because of light and stuff. It's not right that I don't think. But hopefully that doesn't happen." The women's final on Saturday also embraced the new start time but there was no issue as Iga Swiatek made light work of Amanda Anisimova to claim her first title. The Pole won 6-0, 6-0 to claim her first Wimbledon title in less than an hour on Centre Court. All England Club chief executive Sally Bolton has claimed that the time change is done "with players in mind" despite the possibility of Alcaraz and Sinner having to pause their match in what will likely be the latter stages of the final. She said: "We have adjusted the provisional schedule for the final weekend of The Championships with the ambition of improving the experience for all involved. The move has also been designed with players in mind. "The doubles players competing in the finals will have increased certainty over their schedule and fans will enjoy each day's play as it builds towards the crescendo of the ladies' and gentlemen's singles finals, with our champions being crowned in front of the largest possible worldwide audience."
Metro
2 hours ago
- Metro
Alcaraz vs Sinner Wimbledon final time, how to watch, head-to-head and odds
While British fans may have been hoping for a home favourite to reach the showpiece, it is the dream final for many as Carlos Alcaraz faces Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon men's singles final. Alcaraz is looking for his third straight Wimbledon title having beaten the legendary Novak Djokovic in the previous two finals. The brilliant 22-year-old has played five Grand Slam finals and won all of them, with one US Open and two French Open titles to his name. His most recent triumph at Roland Garros came thanks to a victory over Sinner in a classic final, one which will make excitement for Sunday's action all the more keenly felt. Sinner is the world number one, with three Grand Slam titles to his name, but he has been coming up short in his rivalry with Alcaraz of late. The 23-year-old is into his first Wimbledon final and has the chance to get a measure of revenge for the agony of Roland Garros earlier this year. The bookmakers cannot split the two men going into the showpiece between the two finest players on the planet. The men's singles final used to start at 2pm – but it's been pushed back two hours to 4pm at this year's Championships by the All England Club. It's because Wimbledon are keen to attract more of a worldwide audience, with the singles finals in SW19 now taking place at 11am New York time, although speaking to Metro, Jamie Murray has a concern over the move. The match will be shown on BBC One and streamed on both the BBC website and iPlayer. Alcaraz leads the personal head-to-head between the two players 8-4 and has won their last five meetings. The last time Sinner beat the Spaniard was in 2023 in Beijing, although he did win their only previous meeting at Wimbledon. Sinner was the last person to beat Alcaraz at Wimbledon, doing so in the fourth round in 2022, before the Spanish superstar won the next two editions of the event. 9/10 Alcaraz 9/10 Sinner Odds courtesy of Betfair Australian Open 2024 – Jannik Sinner – Jannik Sinner French Open 2024 – Carlos Alcaraz – Carlos Alcaraz Wimbledon 2024 – Carlos Alcaraz – Carlos Alcaraz US Open 2024 – Jannik Sinner – Jannik Sinner Australian Open 2025 – Jannik Sinner – Jannik Sinner French Open 2025 – Carlos Alcaraz MORE: John McEnroe urges Wimbledon bosses to impose new ban on finalists MORE: Amanda Anisimova breaks down in tears after most brutal Wimbledon final ever MORE: John McEnroe reacts to Amanda Anisimova losing 6-0 6-0 in Wimbledon final
