Goldberg refuses to face controversial ex-WWE star in his retirement match

WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg confirmed his retirement bout for 2025. During The Cat’s Corner Podcast, Goldberg addressed the constant challenges from a former WWE star, Ryback. The host referenced someone who “wants you so bad” and “wanna be you,” avoiding mentioning the name directly.

Goldberg appreciated the unnamed challenger’s passion but declined interest. “I work in different ways, Ernest, you know that… And I’m just not that guy. I’m honored, and I get it and I see the reasoning, but right now I’m just not that guy. It’s not that I’m insulting him in anyway shape or form. I’m just not that guy right now; you can read whatever you want into that.”

Goldberg also turned down match with WWE legend recently

The conversation about Goldberg’s final opponent took an interesting turn when discussing WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair. Speaking on The Cat’s Corner Podcast with Ernest Miller, Goldberg expressed concern about facing Flair.

“I love Ric. I don’t want him to die again. I don’t got a lot left in me, but I’ve got too much for Ric,” Goldberg stated. This comment referenced Flair’s previous health scare during his last bout.

Earlier this year, Goldberg appeared at WWE Bad Blood after Gunther provoked him and his son at ringside. The confrontation was cut short when Gunther was attacked.