• Goldberg Not Retiring On Saturday Night’s Main Event?
WWE recently announced in a press release that Goldberg’s match against Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship on Saturday Night’s Main Event in Atlanta on July 12th will be his final match. However, during yesterday’s SummerSlam Kickoff press conference at Fanatics Fest, Michael Cole said this match “could be” Goldberg’s final bout. Cole made it sound like that wasn’t confirmed. Now, AEW star Jeff Jarrett is saying that Goldberg’s won’t be retiring next month, and that he’s back for one last run, and not just one last match. Here’s what Double J said on his My World podcast:
“I don’t think it’s gonna be his last match in Atlanta. I think he’s coming back for a run, if you will. Timing, as we’ve said so many times in this business, Bill entered at the right time with the right streak, with the right company like WCW, he would have never had that kind of run of undefeated streak somewhere else. And Hogan was at the right position and felt that the ticket sales… just timing, timing, timing, timing. Timing really lined up for him. In a lot of ways getting over during that time frame is still paying big dividends.”
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• WWE Stars In Danger? Fans Panic After Iran’s Alarming Threat
As the clock ticks down to June 28, the wrestling world is gearing up for WWE’s highly anticipated Night of Champions premium live event, set to take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Featuring blockbuster matches such as John Cena defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against CM Punk, the event promises to be a spectacle. However, the escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, triggered by recent U.S. military actions against Iran, are casting a shadow over the proceedings, raising serious concerns about the safety of WWE performers, staff, and fans. The tension flared following U.S. air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, including Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan, which have now entered their ninth day. Iranian state television responded with a stark warning, declaring that “every American citizen or military personnel in the region is now a target.” This rhetoric has sent shockwaves through the region, with Saudi Arabia—a key U.S. ally and the host of the WWE event—potentially caught in the crosshairs of this escalating conflict. The timing could not be worse for WWE, as the company prepares to bring its global entertainment brand to a nation already navigating a complex geopolitical landscape.
Saudi Arabia and Iran, despite restoring diplomatic relations in March 2023 through Chinese-Iraqi mediation, maintain a fraught relationship marked by historical rivalries and proxy conflicts. While direct hostilities have subsided, the current U.S.-Iran standoff could destabilize the region, especially given Saudi Arabia’s recent $142 billion arms deal with the United States, signed in May 2025. This agreement aims to modernize Saudi military capabilities and enhance interoperability with U.S. forces, further aligning Riyadh with Washington and potentially making it a target for Iranian retaliation. For WWE, this raises the specter of the event becoming a high-profile target amid heightened security risks. The situation has sparked a heated debate among fans and observers on social media, with many echoing the concerns raised by journalists.
Stamford, we have a problem….. https://t.co/mXbNX6kG9t
— Jim Cornette (@TheJimCornette) June 22, 2025
WWE’s partnership with Saudi Arabia, part of a lucrative 10-year deal signed in 2018, has long been a cornerstone of its international expansion. The Night of Champions event, marking its second iteration in the kingdom, features not only the Cena-Punk showdown but also the finals of the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments. However, the current crisis could force the company to reconsider its plans. Relocating to a different venue has been floated as a viable alternative, with some fans advocating for a move to neutralize the risks. Others argue that Saudi Arabia remains secure, given its robust security apparatus and the UAE’s recent demonstration of resilience during regional instability, as noted in travel advisories.
The potential impact on WWE is multifaceted. A cancellation or relocation could disrupt storylines, affect revenue from the Saudi deal—estimated at over $50 million per event—and damage the company’s reputation if safety concerns are ignored. Conversely, proceeding amid a security threat could jeopardize the lives of participants and attendees, inviting backlash from fans and sponsors alike.
Below is the match-card for Night of Champions:
– Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena (c) vs. CM Punk
– King Of The Ring Tournament Final: Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes OR Jey Uso
– Queen Of The Ring Tournament Final: Asuka vs. Jade Cargill OR Roxanne Perez
– United States Championship: Jacob Fatu (c) vs. Solo Sikoa
– Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. AJ Styles
The SmackDown before Night of Champions will also take place in Saudi Arabia. Below are the advertised matches:
– Last Woman Standing Match For The WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Nia Jax
– Women’s United States Championship: Zelina Vega (c) vs. Giulia
– WWE Tag Team Championship: The Street Profits (c) vs. Wyatt Sicks (Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy)
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