Big E has expressed his disappointment that he will not be the one to compete against Goldberg in what is expected to be the legend’s retirement match. The WWE star admitted he had long hoped for that opportunity, a possibility now considered “off the table.”
The sentiment follows events from the June 16 episode of WWE RAW, where Goldberg made his return. Following a segment where Gunther celebrated reclaiming the World Heavyweight Championship from Jey Uso, Goldberg appeared and confronted the champion. A match between the two was subsequently confirmed for Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12 in Atlanta, Georgia, which is anticipated to be Goldberg’s final in-ring performance.
During an appearance on the Raw Recap, Big E, who has been sidelined with an injury, detailed his personal connection to the former WCW Champion and his desire to have been his last opponent.
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“Look, it was like I was 13 years old once again. It was like, I hearken back to him winning the title at the Georgia Dome. I met this man at a Walmart signing like 25 years ago. Like we got to do a Hot Ones together. This man, my wrestling fandom is so deeply connected to this man. My most famous promo of all time has to do with that man. I wanted his retirement match. That’s obviously off the table,” Big E stated.
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Despite his personal wishes, Big E acknowledged that Gunther facing Goldberg presents a unique scenario. He explained the value for Gunther in competing against a competitor from a different era.
“I will say, if this is indeed it, Gunther is so intriguing. I love the clash of eras. I think, and this is, I want to see, obviously, seeing Jey not have the title is disappointing. But I want to see Gunther be in the ring with the biggest fish,” he said.
Big E elaborated on how facing legends enhances a modern competitor’s resume, even if some fans question the booking.
“When you look back, look, I think a lot of our hardcore fans might roll their eyes and say, why Goldberg? But if you’re a Gunther fan, I think when it’s all said and done, you want to look at the list of names on his resume that he’s beaten and it’s going to have guys from who had their heyday 20 years ago guys now younger guys who are going to be future world champions so I think it’s such a great test for Gunther,” Big E added.
He also described the genuine surprise and enjoyment the unexpected announcement provided.
“My fianceé was asking me, who do you think is up next for Gunther? I had forgotten about the whole Goldberg thing and I didn’t know that we were just quick balling, and when his music hit, it was like, oh. That’s so fun. Yeah. That’s what I love about our industry is you get to make these matches and these moments that a lot of times you would never expect,” he explained.
Big E has not competed since March 11, 2022. He suffered a neck injury on an episode of SmackDown during a tag team match after taking a belly-to-belly suplex from Ridge Holland at ringside.
READ MORE: Ridge Holland Blasts Fan Who Suggested He Should Be Fired Over Big E’s Injury
