Goldberg's WWE Return May Be Closer Than Fans Think
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Talk surrounding WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg's anticipated final match has significantly intensified following a new report indicating renewed internal discussions about the legend.
According to WrestleVotes Radio via Sportskeeda's Backstage Pass Patreon on May 8, 2025, Goldberg's name has recently surfaced within WWE creative and marketing circles.
This development marks the first substantial internal mention of Goldberg since his memorable appearance last fall. The timing fuels speculation that plans for his promised farewell bout in 2025 might finally be taking shape.
For context, Goldberg has publicly stated his intention to have one last match this year. This stems from a reported agreement with WWE CCO Paul "Triple H" Levesque to provide a proper retirement match, as Goldberg felt his last official bout against Roman Reigns in 2022 was not a fitting conclusion to his storied career.
While absent from WWE programming for much of 2024, Goldberg made a significant appearance at the Bad Blood premium live event in his hometown of Atlanta on October 5, 2024. Attending ringside with his wife and son, he became the target of verbal jabs from the dominant then-World Heavyweight Champion, GUNTHER.
The situation escalated when GUNTHER mentioned Goldberg's family, provoking the Hall of Famer to jump the security barricade. A tense confrontation ensued before officials separated the two massive competitors.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 5: Bill Goldberg poses in the ring with Triple H during Bad Blood at State Farm Arena on October 5, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 5: Bill Goldberg poses in the ring with Triple H during Bad Blood at State Farm Arena on October 5, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.
WWE/Getty Images
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The WrestleVotes report directly addresses this history and the current internal climate. "Following direct outreach from contacts, we can report that Goldberg's name has been discussed both creatively and within WWE's marketing division over the past week," the report stated. "Usually, this indicates a television appearance is in the works."
The report continued, tying the discussion to recent events and rumors: "Goldberg has previously announced he will have one final match this year; his last WWE appearance to date took place at Bad Blood in Atlanta during an interaction with GUNTHER. Rumors and speculation have circulated for days suggesting Goldberg might get involved somehow in the upcoming GUNTHER vs. Pat McAfee match [at Backlash]."
WrestleVotes elaborated on the potential logic behind such a scenario. "Now, if you boil it down, why might they be doing this? He's got the history with GUNTHER already. He has said he's doing one more match."
The report also noted a connection between Goldberg and GUNTHER's current opponent. "If you want to bring someone in, you might as well do it where there is existing background. Obviously, Pat McAfee is also a former football player, much like Bill Goldberg, providing another connection."
However, WrestleVotes was careful to clarify the current situation regarding this weekend's event. "So, if this is the direction they choose... However, we are not reporting that Goldberg is confirmed for Backlash. We don't have that for sure. What we're reporting is Goldberg's name has surfaced in Stamford and throughout the company. This suggests that if a return doesn't happen this weekend, it could be soon."
"Let me just state: the fact that Goldberg is wrestling one more match isn't the mystery. The mystery is, who might it be? And all signs now indicate that it's looking like GUNTHER."
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