WWE Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg is gearing up for one final match. The 58-year-old legend returned to Monday Night RAW on June 16, 2025, shocking fans and setting the stage for a true clash of eras.
After months of rumors, Goldberg’s final match is now real. His goal is clear: go out on top, in front of his home crowd, against one of WWE’s most dominant champions.
Here’s everything we know about Goldberg’s retirement bout.
Surprise Return on RAW
Goldberg returned to WWE during Monday Night RAW in Green Bay. The show aired on June 16, 2025. He interrupted Gunther, the reigning World Heavyweight Champion.
Fans exploded with cheers. Goldberg didn’t waste time. He pointed to the title and challenged Gunther directly. The crowd knew—this was the final run.
When and Where?
Goldberg’s last match is scheduled for July 12, 2025. It will take place at Saturday Night’s Main Event XL in Atlanta, Georgia. This is a symbolic choice. Atlanta was Goldberg’s home during his WCW run.
WWE has not officially confirmed the date, but multiple sources report that plans are locked in.
The Opponent: Gunther
Goldberg has chosen to face Gunther, the dominant powerhouse. Gunther insulted Goldberg months ago during a promo at Bad Blood 2024. He also took jabs at Goldberg’s son.
This sparked tension. WWE has been slowly building this rivalry. Now, it all leads to a final showdown—legend vs current champion.
It’s being billed as a “Clash of Generations.”
Goldberg Confirms the Match
Goldberg has spoken about this match several times. In late 2024, he revealed that Triple H gave him the green light.
On his CarCast podcast, he said the date is set. He also noted that he wanted to retire on his own terms. “This is my way to give fans a true goodbye,” he said.
His Physical Condition
At 58, Goldberg is no longer in peak condition. He’s had past injuries—shoulder, knee, and neck. He recently revealed he had knee inflammation and shoulder pain during training.
To stay ready, Goldberg has worked with MMA coaches at Black Diamond Martial Arts in Texas. He’s also used stem-cell therapy to speed recovery.
He admits he can’t go long in matches now. But he’s preparing to give everything in one final burst.
What This Match Means
Goldberg is a WCW icon and former WWE Universal Champion. He built a legacy on dominance and short matches. His streak in WCW was legendary—173 wins before his first loss.
This retirement match marks the end of that era. It’s not just about winning or losing. It’s about closure.
Gunther, on the other hand, is rising fast. A win over Goldberg could elevate him even more. WWE fans know: this is a passing of the torch.
WWE’s Creative Build-Up
WWE is building the match carefully. They’re using Goldberg in short bursts. Promos and interviews will carry the story forward.
There’s talk of a video package on Goldberg’s legacy airing on SmackDown and RAW. WWE wants this to feel big—like the end of a chapter in wrestling history.
The match will likely be short. But the drama will be high. WWE wants it to feel emotional and memorable.
Reactions from the Wrestling World
The reaction has been huge. Fans online have praised WWE for giving Goldberg a proper send-off.
Big E, a former champion, called the match “a huge moment for both generations.” He also said it’s a “dream scenario” to see Goldberg fight one last time.
Gunther, meanwhile, has embraced the villain role. He posted online: “I’ll send the old man packing.”
What If Plans Change?
There’s always risk. At his age, Goldberg could get injured in training. WWE has a backup plan in case that happens.
If the match is postponed, it could be moved to SummerSlam 2025. But for now, all signs point to July 12 as the confirmed night.
WWE is being cautious. They don’t want to repeat mistakes like Undertaker vs Goldberg in 2019, which was poorly received.
The Final Countdown
As the wrestling world counts down to July 12, the hype continues to grow. Goldberg is ready. Gunther is dangerous. The match will be short, but the impact will last forever.
This isn’t just another match. It’s a farewell to a man who smashed through opponents for over two decades.
Goldberg’s words on RAW say it best:
“One last match. One last spear. One last time.”
