Just days after his retirement match against World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER, WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg has revealed that while he was grateful for the opportunity, the execution of his final bow was “a little less than to be desired.”
Goldberg was defeated by GUNTHER in the main event of WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12. Following the match, which was cut for time on the broadcast, he gave an emotional in-ring speech to the live crowd in Atlanta, where he was joined by his family and fellow WCW legends.
“I Can’t Say That I Was Too Thrilled”
On The Ariel Helwani Show, Goldberg confirmed that the plan for his match against GUNTHER in Atlanta had been in the works since late last year. However, he admitted he was not entirely pleased with the decision to have it on WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on NBC, primarily due to the time constraints of live television.
“I mean, the Saturday night’s Main Event and live TV in Atlanta. I mean, you always have your dreams of how you’re going to do things, and ultimately to have a little bit more control over the time and the space would have been much more preferred. Let’s just put it that way… I mean, I can’t say that I was too thrilled about part of that… Freaking 20 seconds with the microphone in my hand, for God’s sakes.”
“A Little Less Than To Be Desired”
While Goldberg repeatedly stated he was honored to be given the opportunity for a final match, he made it clear that the overall experience did not fully meet his expectations. He also teased that he will have more to say on the matter in the near future.
“The entire rundown, from the inception of the idea to its delivery. It was a little less than to be desired, but for the again, I’m not going to complain, because nobody, not many people, get that opportunity… I get two weeks, man, I get two weeks before I can really, you know, spill the beans and, you know, make my feelings kind of known about the entire rundown.”
He added, “Let’s just say I’m pissed off at the way I went out. I put so much into it and I don’t feel as though the effort was reciprocated to put a stamp on what I’ve accomplished. I think it could have been done a little bit differently. That’s all. I’m happy with my performance. I’m happy with the setting, you know, but could it have been better? Absolutely. It can always be better.”
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit Ariel Helwani Show with an h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
