Goldberg Returning To WWE Imminently, Likely Facing Gunther In Retirement Match (WWE News)

WrestleVotes is reporting that "multiple WWE sources" tell them none other than Bill Goldberg's name has been "floated internally over the past week". This is the first time that's happened backstage since the ex-WCW legend appeared in a segment alongside Triple H and Gunther at Bad Blood on 5 October 2024.

There, Goldberg hopped the barricade during a Crown Jewel Championship reveal by 'The Game'. Gunther was present for that, and the-then World Heavyweight Champ insulted Bill's parenting skills. Of course, this was all done to tease an in-ring showdown between the pair, but they didn't come to blows in Atlanta.

That could change soon. WrestleVotes also noted that it "feels like [Goldberg's] inevitable return is nearing".

This report was corroborated by Fightful Select too. They discussed Bill's potential return to action on Patreon, and said a match with Gunther "has absolutely been discussed for this year and is on the table". That won't be music to the ears of those who believe WWE should move on from Goldberg for good; the iconic ex-squash match machine did confirm last year that his retirement match would happen in 2025 though.

Previously, Goldberg had been scheduled to appear on the 27 January edition of flagship show Raw, but that appearance was cancelled shortly beforehand. In the media, Bill has also been very self-critical of his old work in both WCW and WWE by saying he "was a mark for [himself]".

The Match Probably Won't Happen In Saudi Arabia As Expected

Initially, most wrestling fans out there would've had Saudi Arabia down as the likely destination for a Gunther vs. Goldberg scrap. After all, Bill became a semi-regular attraction on those international cards years ago, and his retirement match seemed like something Hunter would rather book for Saudi than anywhere else.

There's no guarantee on that. WWE's current PPV/PLE schedule certainly doesn't leave much scope for a Saudi jaunt. At time of writing, the promotion isn't expected to push another PLE in Saudi Arabia until next year's Royal Rumble 2026, and it's surely unlikely they'd hold off on booking this match until then.

That also wouldn't fit into Goldberg's claim that he'll retire in 2025.

It's all conjecture and fan guesswork, but...when will Gunther vs. Goldberg actually happen then? SummerSlam runs across two nights this year on 2 and 3 August, so that'd be a safe bet. Failing that, others shows like Money In The Bank on 7 June or twin Saturday Night's Main Event specials on 24 May and 12 July could be other options.

Fightful did also note that they "haven’t heard specifics on the match". The only thing known for sure right now is that WWE top brass has chewed over it and they're keen to make Gunther vs. Goldberg a reality ASAP.