As the Attitude Era draws to a close, one of its most iconic figures is poised to exit the ring for good. Bill Goldberg, renowned for his formidable presence and an impressive undefeated streak of 173-0 while in WCW, is set to retire after nearly three decades of success in professional wrestling. The era overseen by Triple H promises to deliver a fitting farewell to this wrestling legend.
The recent announcement confirming Goldberg’s final year as an active competitor has sparked debate among fans regarding who should compete against him in his last match. While names like Gunther have emerged as potential opponents, many believe that Bron Breakker is the ideal choice for this historic occasion.
Understanding Goldberg’s Last Match Timeline
The Journey to His Final Match
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwHwEkS1p9ohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwHwEkS1p9o
Goldberg entered WWE in 2003 after WCW’s closure, having seen his previous contract with AOL Time Warner end in May 2002. His initial tenure in WWE included a victory for the inaugural World Heavyweight Championship, although it was characterized by both notable successes and frustrations. A return in 2016 allowed Goldberg to capture the WWE Universal Championship on two occasions while battling some of the top current WWE Superstars, thereby influencing the next generation of wrestlers.
His last match occurred in 2022 during the Elimination Chamber event against Roman Reigns, where he unfortunately fell short in his quest to reclaim the Universal Championship. At that time, Goldberg did not foresee that he was stepping out of the ring for the final time. His ongoing contract discussions have often been a hot topic among fans, further amplified by his expressed desire for a ceremonial retirement match, as mentioned on Steve & Captain Evil: The Podcast in 2023.
“I owe [Vince McMahon] everything, until we went to Saudi Arabia and he asked me to put Roman Reigns over, and I had COVID. I remember calling him from my house and said, ‘Listen, here is the deal. I’ll do it if you give me a retirement match.’ I did what he asked. As a performer, I was 56 years old. As a human being, you’re conscientious about how you look in a bathing suit, especially two months prior to being in that bathing suit. I put myself in a horribly s****y situation to get what I wanted to, but to satiate him and give him what he wanted.”
Spear vs. Spear: Why Bron Breakker is the Right Choice
Unleashing Vicious In-Ring Intensity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA-SYlI394Qhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA-SYlI394Q
Throughout his illustrious career, Goldberg has embodied strength and ferocity, traits that are mirrored by Bron Breakker, the current Intercontinental Champion and a symbol of the new generation in WWE. Breakker’s persona exudes the same intensity and raw power that fans once associated with Goldberg, making him a fitting choice to face the wrestling icon one last time.
In a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Goldberg elaborated on the similarities between himself and Breakker:
“We have a relationship that goes back 20 years, almost. Riding with his dad and uncle, I learned a lot in the business.. .. If it wasn’t for his respect for me and my respect for him, people have tried to get him to do more things that I kind of did…”
This potential match would not only reflect a nostalgic nod to Goldberg’s past but also showcase the future of WWE in the form of Breakker’s explosive style. The matchup is poised to be an electrifying addition to the inaugural two-night SummerSlam, ideally concluding Goldberg’s storied career on a high note.
Why Not Gunther for Goldberg’s Farewell?
Gunther’s Competing Commitments
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwcM9ZnpYgohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwcM9ZnpYgo
Initially, many fans believed Gunther would be the perfect candidate for Goldberg’s retirement match, especially after their heated exchange at the 2024’s Bad Blood in Atlanta, where Gunther’s provocations led to a physical confrontation. However, with Gunther currently set to face Jey Uso at WrestleMania 41, diverting his storyline towards Goldberg might disrupt his character’s progression at a crucial moment in his championship reign.
Gunther’s focus on his rivalry with Uso—and potentially with Cody Rhodes or John Cena for the WWE Undisputed Championship—aligns better with maintaining his trajectory as a formidable champion. Thus, opting for Bron Breakker allows for a storyline that acknowledges Goldberg’s legacy while simultaneously advancing Breakker’s career.
Our Perspective on Goldberg’s Retirement Match
Anticipation for Breakker vs. Goldberg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtxb_knhkEAhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtxb_knhkEA
Bill Goldberg’s legacy in professional wrestling is undeniable, and he rightfully deserves a grand farewell match. Showcasing this decorated athlete during a pivotal event like the first two-night SummerSlam provides fans with the opportunity to witness a true icon in action one last time.
The matchup against Bron Breakker holds immense appeal, as it not only pays tribute to Goldberg’s profound influence on the wrestling world but also sets the stage for a thrilling encounter filled with fervor and unpredictability. Breakker vs. Goldberg promises to deliver an unforgettable spectacle that celebrates both wrestling’s storied past and its exciting future.