With their World Heavyweight Championship match just one day away, GUNTHER has issued a final, definitive statement to his opponent, Goldberg. The two are scheduled to collide at Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12, in what will be Goldberg’s retirement match. This week, the champion took to social media with a clear message for the Hall of Famer.
“Your career ends where my legacy continues,” GUNTHER wrote on Instagram.
The animosity traces back to Bad Blood in October 2024, when GUNTHER made disparaging comments about Goldberg and his son. The issue was reignited on the June 16 episode of WWE RAW, when Goldberg made his return to confront the champion and lay down the challenge for a final match, citing the disrespect shown to his family.
In an interview this week, Goldberg made his own motivations clear, stating his goal is to “beat some respect” into the champion. He explained that GUNTHER put himself in this position by “opening his mouth negatively” about his family.
The conflict turned physical on this past Monday’s episode of WWE RAW. Following weeks of verbal attacks from the champion, Goldberg entered the ring and dropped him with a single punch after GUNTHER attempted a cheap shot.
This final encounter carries an extra layer of significance for Goldberg, as it takes place in Atlanta, the city where he played for the Atlanta Falcons and won his first WCW world title. The lead-up, however, has been marked by significant adversity for the 58-year-old. He revealed this week has been “tumultuous,” dealing with the recent passing of his father-in-law and devastating floods in his Texas community.
Adding to the personal hardship, Goldberg is entering his last match with multiple injuries, including a compromised left knee and a “jacked-up” shoulder, which impact his ability to execute his signature Spear and Jackhammer.