It was once thought that Bill Goldberg‘s wrestling career had ended, until his return to the WWE in 2016. After more than six years and 12 matches, the most recent coming at Elimination Chamber 2022, the WWE Hall of Famer has expressed his desire for one final match. However, without any matches left on his deal, it will take one more contractual dance to put the 56-year-old in a WWE ring again.
In an interview with Adam Carriker of 93.7 The Ticket, Goldberg said he deserves a proper retirement match on his terms.
“Nobody tells me when I’m done. Period. End of story,” Goldberg said. “When somebody tells me that, I kind of like to fight against it. I like to do things my own way. I go out my own way, and I certainly don’t go out under Roman Reigns three weeks after I have COVID and agreed to do a match.”
If not with WWE, he seems ready for alternatives, including a multi-match tour that he’s “leaning towards” promoting himself.
“Anything and everything is an option,” Goldberg said, referencing his character’s future send-off. “I’m very much leaning towards promoting it myself and doing a four-city world tour.”
While Goldberg didn’t name any wrestling companies, AEW president Tony Khan recently told Adrian Hernandez he would “keep an eye” on the WCW legend now that he’s a free agent. He may not need Goldberg, but if AEW plans on filling most of Wembley Stadium for All In, hiring one of wrestling’s most recognized names of the last 25 years makes sense.
No matter where he finishes, Goldberg wants to retire his way. Not every wrestler can do that, but after a decorated run across the highest level of professional wrestling, it’s only fitting for the man — and his fans — to see him compete one more time.