Goldberg announces 2025 WWE retirement: 3 Superstars who could retire the Hall Of Famer

It is official, WWE Hall Of Famer Goldberg is set to retire from in-ring action in 2025! The Attitude Era star made the massive announcement during his appearance on the SEC Nation show on ESPN as a guest analyst for the Florida vs Georgia College Football grudge match. No specific date or opponent was named, leaving space for much speculation as to how many bouts he has left.

The Icon last appeared in the Stamford-based promotion at Bad Blood in a segment that ended with Triple H raising his hand. There hasn't yet been any follow-up to that segment, and it is unknown whether he will return for a one-off retirement match or a tour culminating in a final match a la John Cena. Thus, it is uncertain who his final opponent will be.

Let's look at three men who could potentially be Goldberg's final WWE opponent in 2025.

---

#3: Brock Lesnar is Goldberg's greatest WWE rival

Most legends of the business, when retiring, often choose to go out by "putting over" a newer, younger star. However, this is not always the case, with some icons opting to have their final match against a great career rival instead. Such was the case with the likes of Dave Bautista and Shawn Michaels, whose WWE careers ended against Triple H and The Undertaker respectively.

Goldberg could go this route, handpicking someone like Brock Lesnar for his final battle. The Beast Incarnate has been arguably the 57-year-old's greatest rival in the Stamford-based promotion and would be a fitting choice for a full-circle retirement moment. This, of course, all depends on Lesnar being cleared to return to the ring.

---

#2: Rising WWE star Bron Breakker has been compared to the Hall Of Famer

Bron Breakker is the reigning WWE Intercontinental Champion. The 27-year-old possesses a frightening combination of speed, power and explosiveness that he wields with an aggression that many have compared to Goldberg's early days. Those qualities served The Icon well in WCW, helping him to a legendary undefeated streak and the world championship.

Breakker has had no such streak, but he is also one of the most dominant rising stars of his generation. He uses the spear, a move popularized by Da Man, as his finisher and even has a Goldberg-themed tattoo on his arm. If the Big Bad Booty Nephew is to emulate or even surpass the man he idolized as a child, retiring the WCW legend would be a big step in that direction.

The Unpredictable Badass is a very popular choice to be his fellow Atlanta native's final opponent inside a WWE ring, and there is a very compelling story to tell

---

#1: Gunther vs Goldberg was already teased at WWE Bad Blood 2024

As mentioned before, Da Man appeared at Bad Blood 2024. The Icon was one of a number of legends at ringside, accompanied by his son Gage at the PLE in his hometown. Everything was going well until Gunther decided to provoke the Atlanta native by questioning his abilities as an in-ring performer and father.

The four-time world champion jumped the barricade, but security and Triple H stopped him from getting his hands on The Ring General. It's far from over between the duo, and the same was hinted at during Goldberg's SEC Nation appearance. Gunther is almost certain to be the legendary powerhouse's next opponent, but he could also be his last, given that the 57-year-old announced a retirement MATCH, not a retirement RUN or TOUR.