WWE fans have slammed NBC for abruptly cutting of entertainment legend Goldberg in the middle of his farewell speech.
Goldberg, 58, officially retired after nearly 30 years in professional wrestling at Saturday Night’s Main Event at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Goldberg retired from wrestling during Saturday Night’s Main Event at State Farm Arena[/caption]
Goldberg enjoyed a near 30-year career in wrestling[/caption]
The wrestling icon stepped in the ring for the final time as he challenged GUNTHER for the World Heavyweight Championship.
As many fans expected, the Ring General beat Goldberg to continue his run and defend his crown for the second time.
And former three-time WWE world champ Goldberg continued the wrestling tradition of retiring with a loss.
It was hometown farewell for former Atlanta Falcons Defensive Tackle Bill Goldberg.
But some timing issues with NBC meant his post-match retirement speech didn’t go to plan.
The broadcaster cut to an ad break, returning to Goldberg in the ring with other legends, family and friends, as Michael Cole handed him the microphone.
However, after just a few words, the final credits appeared on screen and the show was taken off air.
NBC were likely behind due the injury suffered by Seth Rollins in the night’s penultimate match.
NBC were likely behind due the injury suffered by Seth Rollins in the night’s penultimate match[/caption]
Rollins appeared to injure his knee after a pair of springboard moves in his match against LA Knight.
The Freakin remained on the ground in the corner while his knee was being looked at. He was supposed to win the match, but ended up losing.
The event finished when it was meant to, but fans were livid that there wasn’t an overrun on NBC to give Goldberg his full moment.
Goldberg Jackhammer’s GUNTHER during Saturday Night’s Main Event[/caption]
One raged on X: “There’s no way they just cut off while Goldberg was giving his farewell speech?! What an absolute disgrace.”
Another fumed: “That was complete injustice for Goldberg. Cut off during his final speech to the crowd. Absolutely disgusted.”
Goldberg’s speech had began with: “First off, I don’t think I’ve ever lost here in Atlanta, so I do apologise for going out a little sub par.
“I’ve got over a hundred friends and family that came over from all over the world.
“The fans in Atalanta have been absolutely wonderful. I love you, I couldn’t have done it without you!”
Unfortunately for viewers watching at home, NBC’s feed cut him off middle way through his next sentence.
In the weeks ahead of WWE SNME, Goldberg addressed the toll that training to wrestle at 58 years old put on his body.
While a lot of major stars wrestled for both WWE and WCW, Goldberg represents a unique case.
There’s very little question he was a “WCW guy.” He never worked for WWE until they had bought out WWE.
He enjoyed his meatiest WWE reign for a roughly three-month span in 2003, before two short spells with the Universal Championship in 2017 and 2020.
His signature move the Goldberg’s spear was part of his identity since his WCW debut in 1997, usually followed by a Jackhammer and a three-count.
Goldberg played in the NFL for four years, from 1990 to 1994. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1990, but later played for the Falcons.
