'Treat Everyone With Respect': Goldberg's Instant Classic Retirement Speech | Watch

Last Updated:July 13, 2025, 12:50 IST

The 58-year-old wrestler's retirement speech was cut short by broadcaster NBC due to timing issues after his defeat to Gunther.

WWE legend Goldberg. (X)

Legendary wrestler Goldberg called time on his illustrious career as he pulled the curtains on his in-ring tenure with his final bout against WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther at the Saturday Night Main Event.

The 58-year-old wrestler went down to Gunther in his final match-up. And in a manner of adding insult to injury, the legend’s retirement speech was cut short by broadcaster NBC due to timing issues.

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"First off, I don’t think I’ve ever lost here in Atlanta, so I do apologise for going out a little subpar," Goldberg said following the conclusion of his final fight.

“I’ve got over a hundred friends and family that came over from all over the world," he continued.

“The fans in Atalanta have been absolutely wonderful. I love you, I couldn’t have done it without you," the 58-year-old said.

“Everytime I step into this ring, it is because of every one of you. All these kids, they are the reason why I did what I did," Goldberg stated.

Goldberg pad homage to his football roots ahead of switching to wrestling and touched up on some of his favourite sporting moments.

“I grew up wanting to be a professional football player. I was lucky enough to play for University of Georgia, Go Bulldogs! And I was lucky enough to play for the Atlanta Falcons," he said.

“And I was lucky enough to beat Hogan in front of 45,000 of you all," Goldberg added.

Respect And Helping Hand

Goldberg added that he never thought of the moment of retirement but thanked hi friends and family, who were present beside him in the ring, in addition to all the fans.

“I’ve never thought about this moment, cause I never thought it would come. But, I couldn’t have done it without you. Each one of you," he revealed.

“And these people who are in the ring with me, my friends and family, I don’t know what to say, but it has been one hell of a ride."

“There ain’t going to be another Goldberg, except for the boy here," he said pointing to his son.

“Treat everyone like you would like to be treated. Black, green, purple, Christian, Jewish. I don’t give a damn."

“You treat every single human being with respect, and if I did anything in my career, I honoured that and tried to pass that down. And everyone in the ring with me, that is their character too," he said.

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Tributes And Heirlooms

Goldberg went on to thank everyone who helped out during the time of need to those affected by the flood in America.

“It has been one hell of a ride, but that doesn’t mean I’m going anywhere. I ain’t going off the plane by any stretch of imagination. This ain’t goodbye, I’ll be doing other stuff and I’ve just begun," he said.

He thanked his wife for her support throughout and paid a tribute to her late father before concluding with an iconic micdrop.

“But I thank you all from the bottom of my heart and the one person who is with me, is my beautiful wife," he said.

“This goes out to my father-in-law, who passed away last week. This goes out to all the flood victims in North Carolina and everyone affected, and if there is anything I have learnt, it is that you are never too good to lend a helping hand," Goldberg added.

“I am damn proud of all my neighbours who went North, South, East and West to lend a helping hand," the wrestler said.

“Treat everybody with respect. This can be a very crappy world if you let it. But if you stand up and put your foot down and lead by example it is going to be one heck of a ride," Goldberg added.

“And I want every one of you to take that ride with me. Micdrop," the icon signed off.

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