Goldberg Reveals WWE Speech Censorship: “I Wasn’t Thrilled

Goldberg Expresses Disappointment with WWE Retirement Match Execution

WWE Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg, days after his retirement match against World Heavyweight Champion Gunther, has revealed his dissatisfaction with how his final WWE appearance was handled. While grateful for the opportunity, Goldberg described the execution as “a little less than to be desired.”

The iconic wrestler faced Gunther in the main event of WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12. The match,substantially cut for time on the broadcast,led to an emotional in-ring speech by Goldberg in Atlanta. He was joined by his family and fellow WCW legends during this farewell.

“Can’t Say I Was Too Thrilled”

Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Goldberg disclosed that plans for his final bout against Gunther had been in advancement since late last year. However, he voiced his displeasure with the decision to stage the match on a live television event like Saturday Night’s Main Event on NBC, citing the inherent time constraints.

“I mean, the Saturday Night’s Main Event and live TV in Atlanta,” Goldberg stated. “You always have your dreams of how you’re going to do things, and ultimately to have a little bit more control over the time and the space would have been much more preferred. Let’s just put it that way… I mean, I can’t say that I was too thrilled about part of that… Freaking 20 seconds with the microphone in my hand, for God’s sakes.”

“A Little Less Than To Be desired”

goldberg reiterated his honor at being granted a final match but made it clear that the overall experience did not align with his expectations. He also hinted at further comments on the matter in the near future.

“The entire rundown, from the inception of the idea to its delivery. It was a little less than to be desired, but for the again, I’m not going to complain, as nobody, not many people, get that opportunity… I get two weeks, man, I get two weeks before I can really, you know, spill the beans and, you know, make my feelings kind of known about the entire rundown.”

He elaborated, “Let’s just say I’m pissed off at the way I went out. I put so much into it and I don’t feel as though the effort was reciprocated to put a stamp on what I’ve accomplished. I think it could have been done a little bit differently. That’s all. I’m happy with my performance. I’m happy with the setting, you know, but could it have been better? Absolutely. It can always be better.”

How does goldberg’s experience with WWE scripting compare to his previous experiences in wrestling promotions like WCW?

The Backlash & Initial Reports of Scripting

recent reports and now, direct confirmation from WWE legend Bill Goldberg, point to a concerning trend within the wrestling giant: increased scripting and censorship of wrestler’s promos. The initial rumblings began circulating within the WWE Universe following several instances were seemingly spontaneous reactions from performers were cut short or altered during live broadcasts. Fans quickly took to social media,using hashtags like #WWEscripting and #FreeThePromo,expressing their dissatisfaction with what they perceived as a stifling of authentic expression. These concerns centered around the idea that WWE storylines were becoming overly controlled, diminishing the impact of individual personalities.

Goldberg’s Direct Account: A Frustration with Control

Speaking on a recent podcast appearance (July 14, 2025), Goldberg directly addressed the issue, stating, “I wasn’t thrilled.” He elaborated, detailing an experience during a recent appearance where pre-approved talking points were heavily emphasized, limiting his ability to improvise or speak freely.

Here’s a breakdown of key points from Goldberg’s statement:

Limited Creative Freedom: Goldberg emphasized the feeling of being “muzzled,” unable to deliver lines in his own style or react naturally to the crowd.

Emphasis on Brand Messaging: The focus, he explained, was less on compelling storytelling and more on delivering a specific, pre-steadfast brand message.

Impact on Authenticity: Goldberg believes this level of control ultimately harms the authenticity of the product, alienating long-time fans who appreciate unscripted moments.

Comparison to Past Eras: He contrasted the current environment with his previous runs in WWE and WCW, where performers were given more latitude to develop their characters and connect with the audience.

this isn’t the first time concerns about WWE creative control have surfaced.Veteran performers like Chris Jericho and Mick Foley have previously alluded to similar issues, though rarely with such direct criticism.

Why the Shift Towards Increased Scripting?

Several factors are likely contributing to this shift within WWE.

Television Ratings & Viewership: Declining television ratings are a major concern for WWE, and executives may believe tighter scripting leads to more predictable and “safe” content, appealing to a broader audience.

Social Media Management: The need to control the narrative on social media is also a driving force. Pre-approved talking points minimize the risk of controversial statements or missteps that could damage the WWE brand.

Corporate Influence: Increased corporate oversight and a focus on maximizing revenue might potentially be prioritizing brand consistency over creative risk-taking.

New Talent Advancement: some argue that newer performers,lacking extensive experience,benefit from more structured guidance. Though, critics contend this approach stifles their growth and prevents them from developing their own unique voices.

The Impact on Wrestler Morale & Performance

The increased censorship isn’t just impacting the fan experience; it’s also reportedly affecting wrestler morale. Several sources within WWE (speaking anonymously) have indicated that performers feel undervalued and creatively stifled. This can lead to:

Decreased Enthusiasm: When wrestlers feel they can’t express themselves authentically, their passion for the product diminishes.

Reduced Improvisation: The ability to think on one’s feet and react to the crowd is a hallmark of great wrestling, but this skill is being eroded by the emphasis on scripting.

Potential for Burnout: The constant pressure to adhere to strict guidelines can be emotionally draining for performers.

Difficulty Building Character Depth: Without the freedom to explore their characters organically, wrestlers struggle to connect with the audience on a deeper level.

The Future of WWE Promos: A Balancing Act?

The situation presents a notable challenge for WWE. While the need to maintain brand control and appeal to a broad audience is understandable, sacrificing authenticity and creative freedom could ultimately prove detrimental. Finding a balance between structure and spontaneity will be crucial.

Potential solutions include:

Collaborative Scripting: involving performers in the scripting process, allowing them to contribute ideas and personalize their lines.

Designated Improvisation Segments: Incorporating moments where wrestlers are given more freedom to speak off-script.

Investing in Talent Development: Providing performers with the training and support they need to develop their own unique characters and promo skills.

Listening to Fan Feedback: Paying attention to the concerns of the WWE Universe and responding accordingly.

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