Goldberg Declares 'Absolutely Not' to Wrestling Again

It's been 10 months since Goldberg lost his retirement match to Gunther at Saturday Night's Main Event XL.

Goldberg lost his World Heavyweight Championship match via technical submission to Gunther, who also retired A.J. Styles and John Cena. Of course, in the world of professional wrestling, it's not uncommon for a legend to come out of retirement for at least one more match.

'Stone Cold' Steve Austin ended a 19-year retirement to take on Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 38 in a winning effort. Shawn Michaels came out of retirement after eight years to team up with D-Generation X ally Triple H against Undertaker and Kane (the Brothers of Destruction) at Crown Jewel in 2018.

Is it possible that the 59-year-old Goldberg could feel the urge to come out of retirement and wrestle one more time? He was asked about getting back in the squared circle for a "sauce wrestling competition" at the Memphis In May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.

"Absolutely not," Goldberg said. "Absolutely not."

That sounds like someone who's committed to retirement. Then again, crazier things have happened in the WWE.

Goldberg Redeemed Himself With an Excellent Final WWE Run

Goldberg had a messy WWE exit following WrestleMania 20. He defeated Brock Lesnar in a highly anticipated match, with Steve Austin serving as the referee.

But with Goldberg (his contract was expiring) and Lesnar (pursuing a tryout with the Minnesota Vikings) both about to leave the WWE, the fans at MSG mercilessly booed the pair throughout the match.

Goldberg redeemed himself after returning to the WWE in 2016, though. He renewed his iconic rivalry with Lesnar, headlined multiple pay-per-views and enjoyed two Universal Championship Reigns. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018.

He re-wrote his WWE story and finished on a highly positive note. Thus, there's no reason for Goldberg to come out of retirement and wrestle again.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the Sports section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.

This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 12:16 PM.