Goldberg: Wrestling Gunther at WWE SNME was ‘an honor and a privilege’
Goldberg had more to say regarding his match against Gunther in a new interview.
After expressing frustration with WWE’s handling of his retirement on The Ariel Helwani Show last week, Goldberg told the Boston Herald that his criticism was not directed at Gunther.
Goldberg said:
“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.“
He also addressed laughing after being chopped by Gunther during the match, something he says he apologized for backstage afterward.
“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.”
“I’m greatly appreciative that so many people were happy with what they saw,” Goldberg said of those who enjoyed the match. “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.”
Asked about Triple H, Goldberg responded:
“I couldn’t have done any of that on Saturday night without him,” he said. “That’s the truth, one thousand percent.”
The 58-year-old also reiterated that he’s retired.
“When you’re in the wrestling business, I don’t think you’re retired until you’re dead,” he continued. “But I’m completely content with what I’ve been able to accomplish. I’m not dead but, yes, I’m retired.”
On the Tuesday after Saturday Night’s Main Event, Goldberg told Helwani he was “pissed off at the way” he went out, upset that his post-match speech was cut off after just 20 seconds. The full segment was published to YouTube the following day.
Goldberg was also frustrated that the match was only announced three weeks in advance, despite having been decided on back in January, something he says made it difficult to invite people to be part of his walkout. Goldberg further expressed dissatisfaction with the limited television buildup the match received.
His full interview with The Boston Herald is available here, and his appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show from last week is here.