Raw Recap with Sam Roberts and Megan Morant

Episode: What’s next? Gunther reacts to ending Goldberg’s career: Saturday Night’s Main Event Recap
Date: July 13, 2025
Podcast: WWE x Fanatics Podcasts

Episode Overview

This episode gives fans an insider’s view into the July 13, 2025, Saturday Night’s Main Event at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, highlighted by Goldberg’s last match against World Heavyweight Champion Gunther. Hosts Sam Roberts and Megan Morant break down key moments and matches from the event, offer their candid reactions, and speak with Gunther himself about retiring Goldberg and the reality he brings to WWE’s title scene. The show also recaps Solo Sikoa's US title defense and Jacob Fatu's rise, celebrity shenanigans with Jelly Roll, Logan Paul, Randy Orton, and Drew McIntyre, and previews for the upcoming Evolution 2 event.

Main Themes & Purpose

• Analysis of Goldberg’s storied final match and Gunther’s dominant reign
• Gunther’s mindset as the unflappable reality in a world of pro wrestling fantasy
• Shifts in WWE factions, particularly Solo Sikoa’s rise with the MFT group and Jacob Fatu’s impact
• Notable celebrity involvement blurring lines between WWE and pop culture
• Setting the stage for Evolution 2 and SummerSlam’s mounting storylines

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Goldberg’s Last Ride and the Gunther Era

(00:55–13:13)

• The Emotional Impact:
  Atlanta crowd erupts for Goldberg’s final bout in his hometown. Speculation abounded on whether Goldberg, at 58, could deliver a main event-caliber match—instead, he exceeded expectations with one of his longest WWE showings in years.

• Gunther: The Crushing Reality:

  • Sam frames Gunther as the “reality check” amidst WWE’s colorful storytelling:

    “He’s the reality… You put as many fantasy stories together as you want… Gunther shows up and he goes, what if I bring the real world to the wonderful world of professional wrestling?” – Sam Roberts (03:38)

  • Gunther methodically targets Goldberg’s leg throughout, never succumbing to emotion, ultimately winning with a sleeper hold.
  • Goldberg withstands Gunther’s signature chops, even spears Gunther through a barricade, and lands a jackhammer—a mirror to his 1998 title win over Hogan in the same city.

• Classic WCW Callbacks:

  • Atlanta show is replete with WCW nostalgia—Doug Dillinger returns for Goldberg’s entrance; Rick & Scott Steiner, DDP, and Ernest “The Cat” Miller in attendance.
  • Sam and Megan revel in seeing “the whole thing”—a testament to Goldberg’s cross-generational legacy.

• Charles Robinson Shenanigans:

  • Once again, ref Charles Robinson takes a major bump—this time a Goldberg spear—sparking tongue-in-cheek debate over his “insurance” and knack for being in the wrong (or right) place at the right time.

2. Gunther Interview: Post-Match Reflections & What’s Next

(17:04–27:57)

• On Facing Goldberg’s Aura:

  • Gunther confesses the first time he truly felt Goldberg’s legendary presence was the week prior, not during the match itself.

    “Last week when he appeared, stepped up to me… that was like the first time, like, I felt that aura, that power of Bill Goldberg.” – Gunther (18:42)

• Respect for Goldberg:

  • Despite retiring Goldberg, Gunther expresses admiration for Goldberg’s straightforward, impactful style—draws parallels to his own measured approach.

    “He’s not a Mount Rushmore wrestler of this business… but him as a character, as a brand… he is definitely… a Mount Rushmore personality in this business.” – Gunther (19:57)

• Becoming the Reality:

  • Gunther sees himself as a force that ends the swirling “fantasy booking” around big matches.

    “Regardless of how much people like me and Megan can fantasy book… you come in like this cold hand of reality, and every single time you go, or I could just put the guy to sleep and win.” – Sam Roberts (22:00)

  • Gunther’s own words:

    “As soon as, like, a championship [is] on the line… that’s when it turns into business… I do not give a damn who deserves what. I deserve this, and I deserve to hold this for as long as I possibly can.” – Gunther (23:40)

• On Locker Room Reception:

  • Still no celebration for him post-victory:

    “I don’t have friends around here… I come here to be the best. I come here to make money, and I take all of that home with me to my family.” – Gunther (24:29)

• Looking Forward (Contenders):

  • Gunther remains unfazed by the growing list of possible challengers (CM Punk, LA Knight, Penta, Jey Uso, Sami Zayn).

    “Everybody wants a ride on the Ring General’s coattail. That’s normal to me… That [CM Punk] will be addressed in the future. But for today, I achieved something far greater than Bill Goldberg ever achieved.” – Gunther (27:11)

3. Faction Wars: Solo Sikoa, The MFTs, and Jacob Fatu

(14:06–16:35 & 29:36–34:11)

• Solo Sikoa’s Evolution:

  • Sam and Megan chart Solo’s transformation from quiet enforcer to dominant US Champion and leader of a new, more personal group (“the MFTs”).

    “There’s a clear distinction between Solo Sikoa’s bloodline and this group of MFTs… Solo is not trying to be anybody else. He’s not trying to fill in anybody else’s shoes. This is truly his group.” – Sam Roberts (29:47)

• US Title Match & Aftermath:

  • Solo defeats Jimmy Uso in a bitter match, aided by his new faction.
  • Jacob Fatu debuts as a serious threat—taking down the entire MFT group and standing tall, with Megan and Sam both hoping for a Fatu vs. Talatanga clash.

    “It was Jacob Fatu who dog walked they ass tonight… Dog walked them all.” – Megan Morant (37:01, 37:09)

4. Celebrity Crossovers: Randy Orton, Jelly Roll, Logan Paul & Drew McIntyre

(44:22–52:02)

• Match Chaos:

  • Randy Orton (with Jelly Roll in his corner) faces Drew McIntyre (with Logan Paul).
  • Notable moment: Jelly Roll shoves Logan Paul, then later eats a full Claymore from McIntyre.

    “I did not have on my bingo card… Jelly Roll eats a Claymore… It wasn’t a celebrity Claymore either… It was, get out of my ring.” – Sam Roberts (49:24)

• Setting Up SummerSlam:

  • Post-match chaos leads to Orton & Jelly Roll (“RK Roll”) challenging Logan Paul & Drew McIntyre for SummerSlam.

5. Evolution 2 and the Women’s Division Spotlight

(38:24–43:41)

• Personal Stakes Trump History:

  • Looking ahead to Evolution 2, Sam and Megan highlight how matches have become deeply personal, specifically Jade Cargill vs. Naomi with Bianca Belair as special guest referee.

    “They are entering Evolution to end the timeline of their opponent… this very typical set of shots that WWE does… just erupts when Naomi attacks Jade Cargill.” – Sam Roberts (40:23)

• Bianca’s Role and Allegiances:

  • Debate over whether Bianca will side with Jade or Naomi; Megan guesses Naomi, foreseeing heartbreak for Jade.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Gunther’s Philosophy

"I do not give a damn who deserves what. I deserve this, and I deserve to hold this for as long as I possibly can."
— Gunther (23:41)

On Goldberg's Jackhammer in Atlanta

“Here we are 26, 27 years later and he is dropping Gunther with the same jackhammer. And had referee Bennett been a little bit quicker to get to the ring, maybe, just maybe, the result would have been different.”
— Sam Roberts (09:17)

On Gunther’s Aura

“He never needed to be like a good technical wrestler… Everything he did… is very straightforward. So that guy was not easy to handle for anybody he ever stepped in a ring with.”
— Gunther (19:57)

Jacob Fatu’s Impact

"It was Jacob Fatu who dog walked they ass tonight… Dog walked them all."
— Megan Morant (37:01, 37:09)

Post-Match Celebrity Chaos

“Jelly Roll, Grammy Award winning artist, knocks out Logan Paul. And… out of nowhere, Jelly Roll eats a claymore… Get out of my ring.”
— Sam Roberts (49:24)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Goldberg’s Final Match Recap & Atmosphere – 00:55–08:57
• Gunther’s Tactics, Robinson Speared, Nostalgia – 08:57–13:13
• Solo Sikoa Evolution & MFTs – 14:06–16:35, 29:36–34:11
• Gunther’s Backstage Interview (Philosophy, Respect for Goldberg, What’s Next) – 17:04–27:57
• Women’s Division / Evolution 2 Hype (Cargill, Naomi, Bianca Belair) – 38:24–43:41
• RK Roll vs. Logan Paul & Drew McIntyre Setup – 44:22–52:02
• Jacob Fatu Wipes Out MFTs / Factional Drama – 31:43–34:11

Additional Highlights

• Classic WCW Vibes: Atlanta’s show paid homage to Goldberg’s WCW roots, with special entrances and appearances by legendary names.
• Gunther as a “Dark Cloud of Reality”: Multiple segments emphasize how Gunther has replaced Goldberg as the “anything can happen” force—but with a ruthless, pragmatic edge.
• Locker Room Loneliness: Gunther’s lack of celebration despite two major wins underlines his pure “business over family” mindset, rare in WWE.
• Setting Up Future Contenders: The top title scene now includes LA Knight, Penta, Jey Uso, Sami Zayn, and looming conflict with CM Punk.

Episode Takeaways

• Goldberg is truly retired after a match befitting his legacy, thanks to Gunther’s calculated, dominant victory.
• Gunther steps into a new echelon, not only as a champion but as a singular figure—no warmth, no friends, just ruthless business.
• The US title and factional scene is volatile, with Solo Sikoa redefined and Jacob Fatu making a monstrous statement.
• SummerSlam and Evolution 2 are set up for major emotional and athletic confrontations, with evolving new stars, betrayals, and personal feuds.
• **WWE continues to blend nostalgia, realism, and celebrity—the “reality era” is in full swing, led by the likes of Gunther, Solo Sikoa, and a new guard.

For those who missed the show, this episode captures both the momentous end of the Goldberg era and the dawn of the Gunther “reality check” age, while stoking the fires for WWE’s next major events.