By John Christopher Aquino
Wrestling legend Bill Goldberg returned on television to challenge for Gunther’s World Heavyweight Championship in the latest episode of “Monday Night Raw”.
The 58-year-old made his surprise return as Gunther was addressing the crowd, while also calling out “Money in the Bank” winner Seth Rollins.
“Since I’m a target, I want to make it very easy for you, I am right here,” Gunther stated, in reference to the “Money in the Bank” clause where Rollins can challenge for a title at any time.
Instead of Rollins, the drum beats of Goldberg’s theme played as the former Universal Champion came out to stake his claim.
The two heavyweights are set to battle for the title on “Saturday Night’s Main Event” on July 12, according to a World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) post on X.
Gunther won the belt last week against Jey Uso, reclaiming the championship he lost to Uso a few months ago during “Wrestlemania 41”.
“You’re next, Gunther”
Before addressing Gunther, Goldberg expressed gratitude to the crowd, who all cheered for him and continuously chanted his name.
“Don’t be confused, Gunther, it’s all good! Because tonight is your night.”
“Tonight, I’m here to celebrate you winning the World Heavyweight Championship because I’ve been there before. I understand how proud you must feel,” he told Gunther.
Goldberg then made reference to an incident last year where Gunther provoked and taunted both him and his family who were all in the audience during the “Bad Blood” event in October.
“You’re mine, because you’re next,” Goldberg stated, challenging the Austrian for his championship.
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Retirement match
The WWE hall-of-famer had previously announced that he was to have his retirement match this year.
However, he mentioned during a podcast that he is having physical issues during preparations for his in-ring return.
“I hurt myself a couple times in the past three months.”
“But, I pulled back and it’s really tough to have the mentality I do but to have the body that I do now, with the mileage on it and then go into the Muay Thai gym and hit the pads and not go crazy and then blow (your) shoulder out and blow your bicep out and pull your hamstring from throwing a high kick,” Goldberg stated.
“There’s a huge balance. I’ve been in the ring a couple times. I’m gonna get in the ring again today and it’s just tough, man.”
“Me doing that right there, that was the first day that I felt really good.”
Goldberg made a name for himself during his late 90s stint at World Championship Wrestling, considered WWE’s competitor at the time.
He was known for holding an undefeated streak that went over 160 wins without getting pinned.
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