Bill Goldberg has officially retired after his defeat at Saturday Night's Main Event to WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther. Rather than toasting a legacy spanning decades, Goldberg finished his career in disappointment and with criticism leveled straight at WWE.

In an eye-opening interview with The Ariel Helwani Show, Goldberg revealed that his departure did not have the respect and hype he believed it was due, referring to the company's behavior as hasty, uncouth, and ultimately not befitting his contributions to the business.

Goldberg Desired a Better Departure

Goldberg Slams WWE for Disrespectful Retirement Sendoff Following His Loss Goldberg Slams WWE for Disrespectful Retirement Sendoff Following His Loss
WWE/YouTube

According to CBS Sports, Goldberg made it clear he had envisioned a much different ending to his career. Ideally, WWE would have announced his retirement match months in advance, giving him time to build anticipation and honor his legacy. Instead, the company booked it with just three weeks' notice, a move Goldberg called disappointing.

The 58-year-old said he would be remiss in thinking the "meal" would be different. For Goldberg, it's a shame to expect something bigger will happen, but it just ended up with a poor sendoff.

Before this dream retirement match, he said last week that Vince McMahon did not deliver his promise to the superstar.

Goldberg's WWE Run

Goldberg originally had his debut in 1997, tearing through WCW with his now-notorious (but overstated) 173-match winning streak. He was both the United States and World Heavyweight Champion, fast becoming the star of WCW before the company collapsed.

He made his WWE debut in 2003, had a warm-up stint, then returned in 2016 and was more successful. He won the Universal Championship, fought in big-name bouts, and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018.

Nevertheless, even with all of his success, Goldberg's last WWE moments weren't worthy of a Hall of Famer.

Farewell Speech Cut Short

The greatest sting for Goldberg came not in the match itself, but afterwards. His goodbye remarks were cut off in mid-sentence as the program ended. He described it as a tacky gesture that left a bad taste.

"In six months. You know, they cut me off 30 seconds into my speech, bro. You don't do that. But it's all good. It's all good. I know it is what it is, the match might have gone long, and this and that and whatever it is. But I just think it could have been a little classier prepared than it was. I'll just say that's a mild understatement. Come on, man."

Despite his anger, Goldberg stated he was pleased with how he performed and thankful for the experience, particularly as someone who gained fame beyond WWE.

Actually, Goldberg was also thankful for Gunther and called him an "unbelievable guy to work with." Aside from praising Gunther's talent, he apologized because he laughed at his chops. He thought it was going to hurt more, but it's not.