WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has shared his perspective on the recent controversy surrounding Bill Goldberg’s retirement match, stating that he believes WWE did a “great job” with the sendoff. Speaking on his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T defended both WWE’s handling of the situation and Goldberg’s legacy in the business.
While acknowledging Goldberg’s frustration with his post-match speech being cut short on network television, Booker T felt the moment was ultimately intended for the live crowd in Atlanta. “I thought the speech was meant for the Georgia fans,” he said. “I thought that would have been more for them than anything. I’m thinking, ‘all those guys, for that ride’… the intimacy with Georgia meant more for Bill Goldberg than the masses.”
A Fitting Sendoff
Booker T praised WWE for positioning Goldberg in the main event of a historic show like Saturday Night’s Main Event, arguing that it was a fitting tribute. “I couldn’t agree with you more. I think [they] did a great job. I thought it was a great sendoff,” he stated. “For him to actually be headlining something like that, that’s just like a pay-per-view… his sendoff was definitely better than a lot of guys. A lot of guys don’t get that. A lot of guys don’t get a last match.”
Defending Goldberg’s Legacy
The two-time Hall of Famer also pushed back on criticism of Goldberg’s contributions to the wrestling industry, emphasizing his proven ability as a major draw. “I know a lot of people talk down on Goldberg and what he did for the business, but Goldberg, he brought a lot to the table,” Booker T explained. “And for the guys who really don’t understand that, it’s about putting behinds in seats. Goldberg did that in his era… So you can only give that guy his props for what he did for the business.”
He concluded by saying, “I say this to anyone who was in that same position as Goldberg, and if they came to you and say, ‘Hey, man, we’re gonna give you millions of dollars to go out there and just be you,’ I think you would have done it as well.”
The controversy stems from Goldberg’s loss to Gunther at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, which was billed as his retirement match. In the days following the event, Goldberg expressed his disappointment with how the post-match segment was handled, leading to a wave of debate and commentary from figures like Dave LaGreca, Peter Rosenberg, and Bret Hart.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit The Hall of Fame with Booker T & Brad Gilmore with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
