Goldberg’s final bell rings in US, not Tel Aviv

Jewish WWE Hall of Famer hoped to retire in Israel, but security concerns forced a change of plans.

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg had long hoped to honor his Jewish heritage by holding his retirement match in Israel, making the event a deeply personal and symbolic tribute. Now 58 years old, Goldberg had planned to end his wrestling career with one final bout in Tel Aviv.

But due to the ongoingconflict between Gaza and Israel – along with a recent escalation involving Iran – security concerns made it impossible to guarantee the safety of the event. As a result, the highly anticipated match was ultimately canceled and relocated.

Goldberg’s athletic journey began on the football field in his hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he stood out as a high school star. He went on to play college football at the University of Georgia as a defensive tackle, earning recognition for both his strength and work ethic. After graduating, he signed with the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL, appearing in 14 games. However, his football career was cut short when a severe pelvic injury ended his time on the gridiron prematurely.

Following the injury, Goldberg transitioned to work as a personal trainer. It was during this time that his physical presence caught the attention of Larry Sharpe, a well-known professional wrestling trainer. Sharpe saw potential in Goldberg’s raw power and athleticism and encouraged him to pursue wrestling.

Goldberg took the advice to heart and enrolled at Sharpe’s famed Monster Factory wrestling school, where he began training in earnest.

His rise was meteoric. In the late 1990s, Goldberg became a household name in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he achieved an unprecedented kayfabe winning streak of 173–0. Known for his explosive style and intensity, he quickly became one of the most dominant forces in the business. Goldberg joined WWE in 2003 and further cemented his legacy, becoming one of the company’s marquee stars. In 2018, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

Dashed football dreams opened the door to wrestling

Though his football dreams were derailed by injury, they ultimately opened the door to the career that defined him – professional wrestling.

After decades in the ring, multiple comebacks, and countless marquee matches, Goldberg decided to hang up his boots for good. Throughout his wrestling career, he has been outspoken about his Jewish heritage, often expressing pride in his identity and faith.

As a meaningful tribute to that heritage, Goldberg had hoped to hold his final match in Israel. But due to escalating regional tensions – including a recent war with Iran – security issues made the event impossible to host. The match was instead relocated to Atlanta, where Goldberg lives.

Speaking on The Claw Podcast, Goldberg said: “I’ll do anything for my faith. Truth be told, my dream was to have my retirement match in Israel. Quite obviously, because of the surroundings right now and over the past five years, it just hasn’t been the right place to do it. I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that I was sorely disappointed that I couldn’t do something in Israel, but retired doesn’t mean dead.”

Though Goldberg’s dream of ending his legendary career in Israel couldn’t come to fruition, his legacy transcends geography. His journey – from football fields in Georgia to wrestling arenas around the world – is a story of resilience, reinvention, and deep-rooted identity. While his final match ultimately took place in Atlanta on July 12 – a losing effort against Gunther for WWE’s newer World Heavyweight Championship – his message was clear: his connection to his Jewish heritage remains unshaken.

As Goldberg steps away from the ring, his story continues – not just as an athlete, but as a symbol of strength, faith, and perseverance. Whether through future projects, community work, or simply one day standing proudly in Tel Aviv as he always hoped, Goldberg’s presence and message will endure far beyond wrestling.