GUNTHER Explains Differences Between Retiring John Cena & Goldberg In WWE

Published: Dec 17, 2025 by Jamie Toolan | Last Updated: Dec 18, 2025 by Jamie Toolan

Jamie has been covering the world of wrestling for four years and currently holds the position of Assistant Editor of WrestleTalk.com. During his time working for WrestleTalk.com he has written and published over 4,000 news and feature articles covering events and happenings from WWE, AEW, TNA and a variety of international and independent wrestling promotions.

GUNTHER has explained the differences between retiring John Cena and retiring Goldberg in WWE this year.

At the December 13 edition of WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, GUNTHER did what he promised to do during the build to his match with John Cena, and forced the 17-time world champion to tap out for the first time in two decades.

The win ensured that GUNTHER finishes 2025 with two legend’s careers under his belt, having already retired WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg at the July 12 edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Speaking with TMZ Sports, GUNTHER was asked what was different about his match with Cena compared to his one with Goldberg.

Admitting that it’s hard to compare the two situations, GUNTHER said:

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“Goldberg was way more limited than John was, and John was just a better wrestler over his whole career. It’s not like a dig to Goldberg, he didn’t get famous by putting on in-ring master classes, that was never his thing. It was a very different situation.

“But also the magnitude of it. Obviously Goldberg is a big name but it’s not comparable to what John Cena represents, or the following he has and what he carries with him (and) the connection that people have to him, so it’s hard to compare.”

If you use this transcription or any portion of it please credit WrestleTalk.com and link to this page.

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In the same interview, GUNTHER also detailed the “tense” backstage atmosphere at Saturday Night’s Main Event before he faced off with Cena in his last match – click here for full details.

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