Goldberg breaks silence on Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson: "It wasn't scripted"
WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg recently shared his thoughts on the exhibition boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul on Netflix. The highly anticipated bout took place at the AT&T Stadium in Texas on November 15, 2024.
The fight went the full eight rounds, with Paul emerging victorious through a unanimous decision. This unexpected outcome shocked the boxing world, showcasing El Gallo's impressive skills and The Baddest Man on the Planet's limitations at his advanced age of 58 years.
The former Universal Champion, who is currently 57 years old and is set to have his retirement match in WWE next year, broke his silence on Paul vs. Tyson on the CarCast podcast.
Bill Goldberg debunked scripted fight rumors and attributed Mike Tyson's performance to the inevitable physical decline with age, highlighting the immense pressure on the boxing legend. Da Man acknowledged Jake Paul's antics even though Iron Mike could have potentially inflicted serious harm.
"First and foremost, in my professional opinion, it wasn't scripted. I just think, at 58 years old, and this is me talking because I'm preparing for my final hurrah. The first thing that goes is your body; the last thing that goes is your mind. [Mike] Tyson may have wanted to do better and wanted to perform better and knock Jake Paul out and give a better impression of himself to the world, but there is only so much you can do," Goldberg said. [H/T: Fightful]
Listen to the entire podcast below:
WWE legend Goldberg heavily praises Jake Paul
The former two-time WWE Universal Champion surprisingly appreciated Jake Paul. Goldberg believes that despite the 27-year-old boxer's controversial persona, he demonstrated unexpected respect for Mike Tyson.
During the same interaction on the CarCast podcast, Bill Goldberg challenged the public perception of Logan Paul's brother, suggesting a more complex individual than the brash persona he often projects.
"I'm going to be perfectly honest with you, and it pains me to say this; I got respect for Jake Paul after. Not because of his ability to box, but because of his ability to be a human being. I don't care what he said afterward. Actions speak louder than words. If he would have shoveled up that uppercut and that overhand right, he probably would have hurt Tyson pretty bad. You can take away all the goofy sh*t Jake Paul brings to the table, the fact that he's playing a character like Conor McGregor so people hate him and he can draw more money; he showed he has a heart and respect for his elders. He couldn't do it. I don't think he could bring himself to do it. The piece of sh*t that he portrays to many people couldn't pull the trigger, and I commend him for that," Goldberg added. [H/T: Fightful]
Following the boxing match, Mike Tyson seemingly called out the former United States Champion. A recent report suggests that WWE is interested in booking a match between Iron Mike and The Maverick for WrestleMania 41.
It remains to be seen if fans will witness a blockbuster Mike Tyson vs. Logan Paul at next year's Showcase of the Immortals.