Goldberg cleared the air about his displeasure with his WWE retirement match and wishes that he could run it back with Gunther one more time.
Post his retirement match at Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12, Goldberg’s farewell speech was cut short with the live feed abruptly going off the air. This caused the WCW legend to go on a tirade about the same later.
In a now-viral interview with Ariel Helwani, the WWE Hall of Famer expressed his frustrations about certain things that he felt tarnished his last outing in the ring.
Fans and WWE officials shared their displeasure about his comments. However, Goldberg has now stepped forward to clear the air.
Goldberg Clarifies Frustration With WWE Retirement Match, Says Wrestling Gunther “Was An Honor And Privilege”
Speaking to the Boston Herald, the 58-year-old grappler shared that going up against the World Heavyweight Champion Gunther was an honor for him.
He said that the match felt so gratifying that he wishes they could run it back again. Da Man also added that he meant no offense when he laughed off The Ring General’s famed chops during a spot in the bout, stating that it was merely a reaction to the fun he was having, which he confessed was rare.
Wrestling Gunther was an honor and a privilege,” said Goldberg. “Don’t let my displeasure in any way, shape, or form reflect upon my opponent. I wish I could do it again. That’s how much fun it was.
I always say that I never bask in the moment – but that’s exactly what happened when I laughed after Gunther chopped me. It wasn’t because I wanted to step on his offense – it’s just that I was having fun. It was just a reactionary thing. I normally don’t have that much fun.”
The former WWE Universal Champion also said that while that match was successful in some places and not so in other areas, he was appreciative of the fact that people liked his performance. Speaking about his displeasure, he indicated that the reason was the high standards he sets for himself and added that he feels that he must always outdo his previous efforts.
I’m greatly appreciative that so many people were happy with what they saw,” said Goldberg. “It was a long road leading up to it and a lot of sacrifices were made. In some ways it was a success, in other ways it was a failure.
My job is to be better than I was the time before, and you should never be satisfied with your performance. If I didn’t always think that things could be better, then I wouldn’t be who I am. That’s my take, and I’m sticking to it.”
[H/T: Justin Barrasso of the Boston Herald]
While his retirement had its low points, the Hall of Famer did put up a solid performance, which fans appreciated. Goldberg seems to have found some closure in the same, and it was great to see him give a positive take on the entire situation.