Gunther defeats Goldberg in emotional retirement match
- The 40th edition of WWE Saturday Night's Main Event took place on July 12, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia.
- Goldberg faced Gunther in what was billed as his retirement match, but he lost and officially retired.
- The event also featured matches including Randy Orton vs. Drew McIntyre and LA Knight vs. Seth Rollins, with implications for future storylines.
On July 12, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia, WWE held its 40th edition of Saturday Night's Main Event, featuring a significant match for wrestling icon Goldberg, who faced Gunther in his retirement match. This event not only marked Goldberg's last bout but also served as a key stop on the road to the SummerSlam. The event was part of a stacked card that also included notable matches like Solo Sikoa versus Jimmy Uso and Drew McIntyre against Randy Orton. Throughout the event, fans witnessed the culmination of Goldberg’s illustrious career. Gunther, known for his formidable presence in the ring, successfully defended the World Heavyweight Championship. The match saw a series of intense sequences, culminating in Gunther's strategic use of Goldberg's own knee brace as a weapon after evading a spear. Goldberg, despite showing moments of resilience, ultimately succumbed to a sleeper hold, leading to his defeat. This outcome had been largely expected by the WWE creative team, who had long-term plans for Gunther's reign. In addition to the main event, the card featured other competitive matches. Randy Orton, with Jelly Roll in his corner, faced Drew McIntyre, with Logan Paul backing him. Orton secured the victory, furthering his storyline while leaving room for potential tag-team matches in the future involving Jelly Roll and Logan Paul. Another noteworthy moment came from the match between LA Knight and Seth Rollins. In a surprising turn, Knight pinned Rollins, who appeared to have suffered a knee injury during the match. This potentially jeopardizes Rollins's status going forward, added an unpredictable element to the evening's events. Overall, the event captured intense encounters and set the stage for future storylines within the WWE universe.