Once upon a time, a clash between Goldberg and The Undertaker was a dream match for wrestling fans around the globe. However, when these two legends finally collided at WWE Super ShowDown 2019 in Saudi Arabia, the bout turned into a nightmare. The match, fraught with errors and near-miss injuries, left a lasting impression on both the fans and the performers backstage. Matt Hardy, a member of the WWE roster at the time, recently shed light on the backstage reaction to the infamous match.
On “The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy” podcast, Hardy vividly recalled the atmosphere as the bout unfolded. “I remember watching it beside Randy Orton; it was a locker room sellout,” he said. “I just remember that deal where ‘Taker came down on his head, just the looks in between people like, people were pretty shocked by it. I think a lot of talent were worried that the match was going to be what it ended up being as opposed to like, being able to get through something that was solid but quick and impactful. Unfortunately, I think there were a lot of people that thought it would end up being like it was, and it ended up being that way.”
The match is now infamous, primarily remembered for the moments where both legends narrowly avoided serious injury. The Undertaker himself has been candid about how close the bout came to being catastrophic. He noted that Goldberg likely suffered a concussion early in the match, which affected his performance and led to several dangerous spots. One of the most alarming moments was when The Undertaker attempted a Tombstone Piledriver, only for Goldberg to land awkwardly on his head, causing visible concern among the backstage talent.
Goldberg, reflecting on his performances in Saudi Arabia, admitted that he doesn’t have the best track record in those shows. Despite being one of the most dominant wrestlers of his era, the physical toll and the pressure of performing on such grand stages have led to less-than-stellar outcomes in his recent matches. Goldberg has expressed his regrets over the match, acknowledging that it did not live up to the expectations of the fans or the performers involved.
The Undertaker, who has since retired from in-ring competition, has no plans to return to the squared circle. His retirement marks the end of an era, with the Goldberg match serving as a poignant reminder of the physical demands and risks associated with professional wrestling. Despite the disappointing match, The Undertaker’s legacy remains untarnished, celebrated for his decades-long career and his contributions to the industry.
Goldberg, on the other hand, remains open to more matches outside of WWE. However, fans should not expect to see him in AEW. Earlier this year, Goldberg dismissed the idea of joining Tony Khan’s promotion, calling AEW “too cheesy” for his tastes. This statement effectively rules out a late-career stint with AEW, leaving fans to wonder where and when they might see the powerhouse perform again.
The 2019 Super ShowDown match between Goldberg and The Undertaker will go down in history for all the wrong reasons. It stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of live sports entertainment, where even the most seasoned veterans can have an off night. The backstage reaction, as recounted by Matt Hardy, highlights the genuine concern and camaraderie among the wrestlers, who understand better than anyone the risks involved every time they step into the ring.