Bill Goldberg | |||||||||
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.jpg) Goldberg in 2021 | |||||||||
| Born | William Scott Goldberg (1966-12-27)December 27, 1966 (age 58) | ||||||||
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1990–1995 (football) 1997–2004; 2016–2025 (wrestling) 1998–present (acting) | ||||||||
| Spouse | |||||||||
| Children | 1 | ||||||||
| Professional wrestling career | |||||||||
| Ring name(s) | Bill Gold[1] Bill Goldberg[2] Goldberg | ||||||||
| Billed height | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm)[3][4] | ||||||||
| Billed weight | 285 lb (129 kg)[3][4] | ||||||||
| Billed from | Atlanta, Georgia[3] Dawsonville, Georgia[5][6] Parts Unknown[5][6] | ||||||||
| Trained by | DeWayne Bruce[1] WCW Power Plant[2][3] | ||||||||
| Debut | June 23, 1997[2][7] | ||||||||
| Retired | July 12, 2025 | ||||||||
| Football career | |||||||||
| No. 73, 71[8] | |||||||||
| Position | Defensive tackle | ||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||||
| Weight | 272 lb (123 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| High school | Edison (Tulsa, Oklahoma) | ||||||||
| College | Georgia (1987–1989) | ||||||||
| NFL draft | 1990: 11th round, 301st overall pick | ||||||||
| Expansion draft | 1995: 36th round, 64th overall pick | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |||||||||
| Awards and highlights | |||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||
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William Scott Goldberg (born December 27, 1966), often knownmononymously asGoldberg, is an American retiredprofessional wrestler andfootball player. As a wrestler, he is best known for his tenures inWorld Championship Wrestling (WCW) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
One of the most popular figures of the professional wrestlingboom during the late 1990s and early 2000s,[9] Goldberg rose to fame in WCW witha lengthy undefeated streak in singles competition from 1997 to 1998, became the highest paid WCW wrestler, and led the company as itsfranchise player and public face until it was sold to WWE in 2001. During his time with WCW, he became a one-timeWCW World Heavyweight Champion, a two-timeWCW United States Heavyweight Champion, and a one-timeWCW World Tag Team Champion (withBret Hart). Along with Hart, he is thefifth WCW Triple Crown winner.
Following WCW's closure in 2001, Goldberg wrestled forAll Japan Pro Wrestling between 2002 and 2003 and for WWE between 2003 and 2004, becoming a one-timeWorld Heavyweight Champion (2002–2013 version) in the latter. After 12 years away from wrestling, he returned to WWE in 2016, winning theWWE Universal Championship for the first time in 2017 and a second time in 2020. He has headlined multiple WCW and WWEpay-per-view events, including WCW's premier annual eventStarrcade (in1998 and1999). He headlined theWWE Hall of Fame in2018, and is recognized as a four-time world champion in his career between WWE and WCW. He is also the only wrestler to have won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, the 2002–2013 version of WWE's World Heavyweight Championship, and the WWE Universal Championship, as well as the only wrestler to win a world championship after being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, which happened with his second Universal Championship win. He had hisretirement match atSaturday Night's Main Event XL on July 12, 2025, inAtlanta, Georgia, a losing effort againstGunther for WWE's newerWorld Heavyweight Championship (introduced in 2023).
Before he became a professional wrestler, Goldberg was a professional American football player. Following his first retirement from wrestling in 2004, he began working as a commentator for themixed martial arts promotionElite Xtreme Combat before it closed down. He hosted 26 episodes ofGarage Mahal on theDIY Network from 2009 to 2011 and has acted in various films and television shows, includingUniversal Soldier: The Return andNCIS: Los Angeles.
William Scott Goldberg was born on December 27, 1966 inTulsa, Oklahoma into aReform Jewish family,[10][2] the son of classical violinist, Ethel andOB-GYN, Jed Goldberg. He is ofRussian-Jewish andRomanian-Jewish descent, with his Romanian-born great-grandfather having relocated to the U.S. fromBucharest throughEllis Island.[11] His father was a graduate of bothHarvard andJohns Hopkins University. His parents later divorced, and his father died in late 2006.[12] His mother breeds flowers and created an award-winninghybridorchid in 2000, which she named after Goldberg.[13] He has two brothers.[14] Goldberg had hisBar Mitzvah atTemple Israel, a Reformsynagogue in his hometown.[15] He attendedTulsa Edison High School.[16] He acquired a love forfootball early in his life, and due to his large stature, began working as a nightclubbouncer at the age of 16.[17]
Goldberg earned a scholarship to attend theUniversity of Georgia and playcollege football for theGeorgia Bulldogs as adefensive tackle. He was a four-yearletterman for the Bulldogs from 1986 to 1989, and earnedAssociated Press first-teamAll-SEC honors in 1989.[8][18] He was selected by theLos Angeles Rams in the 11th round, with the 301st overall pick, of the1990 NFL draft.[19] He signed with the Rams on July 11, 1990, but was later released on August 29, 1990, before the start of the regular season.[20] After being a free agent for the entire 1990 regular season, Goldberg signed with the Rams again on March 18, 1991.[20] However, he was released again on August 19, 1991.[20] He was then signed to thepractice roster of theBC Lions of theCanadian Football League on September 11, 1991.[21][20] On October 19, 1991, he was released by the Lions.[22]
On February 4, 1992, Goldberg was selected by theSacramento Surge of theWorld League of American Football (WLAF) in the seventh round, with the 68th overall pick, of the 1992 WLAF draft.[23] He played in all ten games for the Surge during the1992 WLAF season and recorded three sacks.[8] The Surge finished the season with an 8–2 record and advanced toWorld Bowl '92, where they defeated theOrlando Thunder by a score of 21–17.[24] Goldberg became a free agent after the 1992 WLAF season and signed with theAtlanta Falcons of the NFL.[25][20] He was released on August 25, 1992, and signed to the Falcons' practice squad on September 1.[20] He was promoted to the active roster on December 1 and made his NFL debut on December 3, 1992, wearing jersey number #71.[20] Overall, Goldberg played in four games, starting one, for the Falcons during the 1992 season and posted two tackles.[26] He became close withDeion Sanders during this time.[27] The next year, Goldberg was released on September 6, 1993, but signed to the practice squad the next day.[20] He was promoted to the active roster again on November 10, 1993, and appeared in five games for the Falcons during the 1993 season, totaling eight tackles.[20][26] Goldberg played in five games again in 1994 and made one solo tackle.[26] In 1995, he was selected by the new expansion team theCarolina Panthers in the1995 NFL expansion draft.[28] On April 20, 1995, he was cut by the Panthers; becoming the first player ever released by the team.[20][29] Goldberg's NFL career ended when he "tore his lower abdomen off his pelvis". He explained that he hoped to return to the league after rehabilitation but was not considered a major asset due to his lack of success. The NFL was "a mixed emotional experience" for him because he did not attain the level of success on the field that he desired, despite reaching the goal of simply playing in the league.[17]
Following the end of his professional football career, Goldberg began training inpowerlifting andmixed martial arts as part of his rehabilitation. During this period, he was approached byWCW performersLex Luger andSting, who encouraged him to consider a transition into professional wrestling.[30] Although initially unfamiliar with the industry, Goldberg viewed it as a viable career path and began training at WCW'sPower Plant, the company's official developmental facility.
Competing under the ring name Bill Gold, he wrestled in severaldark matches during the summer of 1997. He made his in-ring debut on June 23, defeatingBuddy Lee Parker in a dark match prior to an episode ofMonday Nitro inMacon, Georgia.[31] On July 8, he suffered his only recorded dark match loss, toChad Fortune, at aWCW Saturday Night taping inJackson, Tennessee.[32]
Goldberg made his televised debut on the September 22 episode ofMonday Nitro, where he defeatedHugh Morrus in what would be the first of a long series of victories. Over the following months, he was booked to win matches in dominant fashion, often defeating opponents in under two minutes. These quick and decisive victories helped build momentum for Goldberg, who was promoted as a powerhouse with exceptional strength and agility. His in-ring persona was characterized by silent intensity, explosive offense, and a distinctive entrance that featured him walking through backstage corridors to the ring.
Goldberg made his first pay-per-view appearance atHalloween Havoc on October 26, assistingAlex Wright in defeatingSteve McMichael. The following month, he faced McMichael in his first pay-per-view match atStarrcade on December 28, emerging victorious.[10] Goldberg defeatedBrad Armstrong atSuperBrawl VIII on February 22, 1998, and Perry Saturn atSpring Stampede on April 19. Around this time, WCW began officially referring to him solely as “Goldberg”,[33] and began tallying his consecutive victories on television broadcasts.
On the April 20 episode ofNitro, Goldberg defeatedRaven to win theWCW United States Heavyweight Championship. Raven had captured the title the night before at Spring Stampede, but was unable to hold off Goldberg despite interference from members of his faction,the Flock.[34] Two days later onThunder, Goldberg made his first successful title defense againstMike Enos. He later retained the championship against Saturn atSlamboree on May 17,Konnan atThe Great American Bash on June 14, andCurt Hennig on subsequent programming.[10] Around this time, he began using the catchphrase “Who’s next?” in reference to his ongoing winning streak.[35][36]
Goldberg's rise continued throughout the summer, eventually positioning him as a contender for theWCW World Heavyweight Championship held byHollywood Hogan, the leader of theNew World Order (nWo). A title match between the two was announced for the July 6 episode ofNitro, held at theGeorgia Dome inAtlanta. Before facing Hogan, Goldberg was required to first defeat Hogan's nWo allyScott Hall in an impromptu match. Goldberg won both contests, capturing the WCW World Heavyweight Championship in front of over 40,000 fans in his hometown. As a result, he vacated the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship.
Following his title win, Goldberg defeated several nWo members in abattle royal atRoad Wild on August 8.[10] He retained the WCW World Heavyweight Championship againstDiamond Dallas Page atHalloween Havoc on October 25 in a match that was praised by fans and later cited by Goldberg as his personal favorite.[37][unreliable source] His undefeated streak culminated atStarrcade on December 27, where he lost the WCW World Heavyweight Championship toKevin Nash. The match ended Goldberg's reign at 175 days, and the company promoted the loss as breaking his 173–0 undefeated record. Nash was assisted by Scott Hall, who interfered while disguised as a security guard and used a taser to incapacitate Goldberg.[10][3][38] Goldberg would later avenge the loss by defeating Hall in aladder match involving a taser atSouled Out the following month.[10]
While WCW officially billed Goldberg's streak as 173 consecutive victories, the actual number of matches won during the period was significantly lower.[39][40][41] Wrestling media outlets and Goldberg's peers, includingChris Jericho andJimmy Hart, have noted that the win count was exaggerated for promotional purposes.[42][43][44] The inflation of his record was eventually noticed by fans, leading to skepticism and a decline in the storyline's credibility. Homemade signs tracking Goldberg's record became common at events, with some fans removing them after inconsistencies became apparent.[40]
AtSpring Stampede on April 11, 1999, Goldberg defeated Kevin Nash, avenging his first career loss from the previous year. The following month atSlamboree on May 9, he was written off television after an on-screen attack byRick and Scott Steiner. During this hiatus, Goldberg began filming his role in the action filmUniversal Soldier: The Return alongsideJean-Claude Van Damme. He returned to in-ring competition atRoad Wild on August 14, defeatingRick Steiner.[10][45]
Goldberg resumed a feud with Diamond Dallas Page and his allies in theJersey Triad, culminating in a victory over Page atFall Brawl on September 12. He then turned his attention toSid Vicious, targeting Vicious's undefeated streak and the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship.[10] The rivalry culminated atHalloween Havoc on October 24, where Goldberg defeated Vicious via referee stoppage to capture the title for a second time.[46]
Later that same night, Goldberg accepted an unsanctioned open challenge from WCW World Heavyweight ChampionSting and won, appearing to become a double champion.[47] However, on the following episode ofNitro, WCW commissionerJ.J. Dillon voided the result, ruling the match unofficial. Due to Sting's disqualification during the event, the title was declared vacant, and a 32-man tournament was announced to determine a new champion. Goldberg participated but was eliminated in the first round byBret Hart, following interference from Sid Vicious and theOutsiders, which also cost him the United States Championship.[10]
Goldberg continued his feud with Vicious, defeating him in an"I quit" match atMayhem on November 21.[10] Later that month, he teamed with Hart to win theWCW World Tag Team Championship fromCreative Control, though they dropped the titles a week later to the Outsiders.[48] AtStarrcade on December 19, Goldberg challenged Hart for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. During the match, Goldberg delivered a kick that legitimately caused Hart a concussion and a neck injury. Despite this, the match continued and ended when special guest refereeRoddy Piper awarded the victory to Hart via submission, although Goldberg had not tapped out.[10] Hart vacated the title the following night, offering Goldberg a rematch, which Goldberg again lost following interference from Hall and Nash. Hart subsequently turned on Goldberg and joined Hall, Nash, andJeff Jarrett to reform the New World Order.[49]
On the December 23 episode ofThunder, Goldberg sustained a serious injury while performing a scripted segment in which he attempted to break the windows of a limousine. During the segment, he punched through a real window with his forearm, severing an artery. He was taken to a hospital for emergency surgery and was sidelined for several months, missing a scheduled appearance atNew Japan Pro-Wrestling’sTokyo Dome event in January 2000.
Goldberg returned to WCW on the May 29, 2000, episode ofNitro, interfering in ahandicap match involving Kevin Nash. AtThe Great American Bash on June 11, he turned heel for the first time in his career by attacking Nash during a WCW World Heavyweight Championship match and aligning with theNew Blood faction. The alliance was short-lived due to another injury, after which Goldberg returned as a face once again. He defeated Nash atBash at the Beach on July 9 with assistance fromScott Steiner and later faced both men in a number one contender’s match atNew Blood Rising on August 13. Goldberg walked out midway through the match after refusing to take Nash’s finishing move, an action that was scripted to reflect tensions between Goldberg and WCW head writerVince Russo. He subsequently feuded with Steiner, culminating in ano-disqualification match loss atFall Brawl on September 17 following outside interference.[10]
In October, WCW management—represented on-screen by Russo—introduced a storyline ultimatum: Goldberg would be forced to retire if he suffered another loss before matching his previous 173-match undefeated streak. He continued winning matches under this stipulation, including a handicap elimination match againstKroniK atHalloween Havoc on October 29 and a feud withLex Luger. Goldberg defeated Luger atMayhem on November 26, and again atStarrcade on December 17, although he was attacked post-match by Luger’s associateBuff Bagwell. The two formed a tag team called “Totally Buffed” and continued to feud with Goldberg into early 2001.[10]
AtSin on January 14, 2001, Goldberg teamed with his trainerDeWayne Bruce in a no-disqualification tag team match against Totally Buff. The match ended in defeat after a planted ringside spectator usedmace on Goldberg, leading to his first loss since the undefeated streak reset and triggering the retirement clause of the storyline.[10] The loss was intended to write Goldberg off television for shoulder surgery.
In March, WCW was sold to theWorld Wrestling Federation (WWF). Goldberg, who was still recovering from surgery, did not join the WWF roster. His contract with WCW, held byAOL Time Warner, was not among those acquired by the WWF, as it included a significant financial payout. Goldberg remained under contract until May 2002, when he reached a buyout agreement.[10] At the time of the WCW closure, he was one of the company's highest-paid performers, alongside Bret Hart, earning $2.5 million annually with a clause that would have increased his salary to $3.5 million in the contract's final year.[50]
Goldberg had suffered an arm injury during theToyota Pro/Celebrity Race at theLong Beach Grand Prix in April 2002. In August 2002, he returned to the ring in Japan. He initially joinedAll Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), defeatingSatoshi Kojima andTaiyō Kea. He went on to defeat Rick Steiner in a match for the W-1 promotion and teamed withKeiji Mutoh to defeat KroniK. His success in Japan led to the WWF – now renamed World Wrestling Entertainment – to begin contract negotiations with him.[47]
After leaving Japan, Goldberg signed a one-year contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in March 2003. A promo video announcing his arrival aired duringWrestleMania XIX. He debuted the next night on the March 31 episode ofRaw and started a feud withThe Rock by performing aspear on him.[51] Their rivalry intensified when The Rock held a segment entitledThe Rock Concert, where he taunted Goldberg along with Gillberg, but Goldberg defeated The Rock in his debut match atBacklash on April 27, following three spears and aJackhammer.[52] Goldberg went undefeated over the subsequent half-year, defeating3-Minute Warning in his first match onRaw on May 5.[2] Goldberg defeatedChristian the following week onRaw in asteel cage match.[53] Goldberg next began a feud withChris Jericho, culminating in a match between the two atBad Blood on June 15, which Goldberg won.[54]
In August 2003, Goldberg began a rivalry withTriple H over theWorld Heavyweight Championship. AtSummerSlam on August 24, he participated in theElimination Chamber match, eliminatingRandy Orton,Shawn Michaels, and Chris Jericho before being pinned by Triple H, who used a sledgehammer provided by Ric Flair to retain the title.[55] The feud continued, leading to a Title vs. Career match atUnforgiven on September 21, where Goldberg defeated Triple H to win the championship.[56][57] Following his title win, Triple H offered a $100,000 bounty to anyone who could sideline Goldberg. Several wrestlers attempted to collect, but it wasBatista, Triple H'sEvolution stablemate, who succeeded on the October 20 episode ofRaw by attacking Goldberg during a title defense against Shawn Michaels, injuring his ankle inkayfabe. Despite the injury and interference from Evolution members, Goldberg retained the championship against Triple H atSurvivor Series on November 16.[58] The rivalry culminated in a triple threat match atArmageddon on December 14, where Goldberg lost the championship to Triple H also involvingKane after interference from Evolution, ending his reign at 84 days.[59]
In early 2004, Goldberg entered a feud withBrock Lesnar. At theRoyal Rumble event on January 25, Lesnar interfered in theRoyal Rumble match, leading to Goldberg's elimination byKurt Angle.[47] Goldberg would then interfere in Lesnar'sWWE Championship defense againstEddie Guerrero atNo Way Out on February 15, costing him the title.[60] This animosity led to a match between Goldberg and Lesnar atWrestleMania XX on March 14, with"Stone Cold" Steve Austin as the special guest referee. Goldberg won the match, after which both he and Lesnar subsequently receivedStone Cold Stunners from Austin.[61] Following this event, Goldberg left WWE.
On January 4, 2004, Goldberg wrestled a single match for the JapaneseHustle promotion in the main event of its inaugural pay-per-view, HUSTLE 1, facingNaoya Ogawa in theSaitama Super Arena.[62] Goldberg won the match by pinfall afterGiant Silva interfered, attacking Ogawa.[63]
Goldberg made his return to professional wrestling on June 7, 2015, at the Legends of Wrestling show atCiti Field in New York. While he was not scheduled to wrestle at the event, Goldberg came to the aid ofRob Van Dam after his match withScott Steiner. He performed a spear on Steiner and aJackhammer onDoc Gallows.[64] On January 23, 2016, Goldberg made a second return for the Legends of Wrestling event inMiami, where he delivered another spear to Steiner after his match withChavo Guerrero.[65]
On May 31, 2016, Goldberg was announced as the pre-order bonus for the upcomingWWE 2K17 video game.[66][67] Throughout the summer, Goldberg andWWE 2K17 cover star and former rivalBrock Lesnar traded insults with each other through social media andWWE 2K events such asGamescom.[68] Goldberg would also appear at the WWE 2K SummerSlam event the weekend before thepay-per-view event took place, fueling speculation he would be appearing at the event to confront Lesnar.[69] This led toPaul Heyman challenging Goldberg to face Lesnar on the October 10 episode ofRaw,[68] with Heyman stating that Goldberg was the one blemish on Lesnar's WWE career, as Goldberg had defeated Lesnar atWrestleMania XX in 2004.[70] The following week on the October 17 episode ofRaw, Goldberg returned to WWE for the first time in over 12 years, and accepting Heyman's challenge.[71] The match took place atSurvivor Series, where Goldberg defeated Lesnar in 1 minute and 26 seconds giving Lesnar his first pinfall loss sinceApril 2013.[72][73] Months later, Goldberg would participate in theRoyal Rumble match on January 29, 2017, where he entered at number 28 and eliminated Lesnar following a brief confrontation and a spear, as well as eliminatingRusev andLuke Harper before being eliminated byThe Undertaker.[74][75][76]
Lesnar then appeared on the following night's episode ofRaw and challenged Goldberg to one final match atWrestleMania 33.[77] Goldberg would go on to accept Lesnar's challenge on the February 6 episode ofRaw and, on the same episode, also earned a match againstKevin Owens for theWWE Universal Championship.[78] AtFastlane, Goldberg would defeat Owens for the Universal Championship.[79][80] This led to a match against Lesnar at WrestleMania where Goldberg put his title on the line. At WrestleMania, Goldberg lost the title to Lesnar in what was also his firstclean singles loss in his entire career.[81][82] Goldberg appeared the following night onRaw Talk (which aired on theWWE Network after theRaw broadcast) to wish the fans farewell, but ultimately did not rule out a return in the future.[83]
On January 15, 2018,ESPN announced that Goldberg would be inducted into theWWE Hall of Fame. This was then confirmed onRaw when it was announced by WWE.[84] On March 25, Paul Heyman was announced to induct Goldberg into the Hall of Fame; the event occurred on April 6.[85] Despite his Hall of Fame induction, Goldberg continued to wrestle for WWE. His next match was against The Undertaker at theSuper ShowDown event on June 7, 2019.[86] During the match, Goldberg suffered a concussion a few minutes into the match, which severely affected his performance, botching several moves, including the failed Jackhammer on The Undertaker, until The Undertaker finally won the match.[87][88] His next match was atSummerSlam, where he defeatedDolph Ziggler.[89]
After six months of inactivity, Goldberg returned to WWE on the February 7, 2020 episode ofSmackDown, when he appeared via satellite and challenged"The Fiend" Bray Wyatt to a match for the Universal Championship, which Wyatt accepted, setting up a match between the two forSuper ShowDown.[90] At Super ShowDown on February 27, Goldberg defeated The Fiend to win the Universal Championship for the second time, becoming the first wrestler to win a world championship after being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.[91] During the following weeks, WWE scheduled a match between Goldberg andRoman Reigns atWrestleMania 36 for the Universal Championship,[92] but after Reigns opted to pull out amid concerns surrounding theCOVID-19 pandemic, Goldberg's opponent was changed toBraun Strowman.[93] At WrestleMania, Goldberg lost the Universal Championship to Strowman.[94][95]
After a nine-month hiatus, Goldberg facedDrew McIntyre for theWWE Championship at theRoyal Rumble on January 31, 2021, but was unsuccessful in winning the title.[96] Goldberg returned on the July 19 episode ofRaw, its first episode in front of a live audience in over a year, to confront WWE ChampionBobby Lashley, teasing a potential match between the two.[97] On the August 2 episode ofRaw, Lashley would accept Goldberg's challenge, making their match atSummerSlam for the WWE Championship, official.[98] At SummerSlam on August 23, Goldberg lost due to not being able to continue after incurring a knee injury. When Lashley continued to attack him after the end of the match, Goldberg's son Gage intervened but ended up being attacked himself.[99] On the October 4 episode ofRaw, Goldberg would call out Lashley and in response, Lashley would challenge Goldberg to ano holds barred match atCrown Jewel.[100] At Crown Jewel, Goldberg defeated Lashley to end their feud.[101] On the February 4, 2022, episode ofSmackDown, Goldberg would make his return to challenge Universal ChampionRoman Reigns to a match atElimination Chamber, a match that had originally been planned for WrestleMania 36 two years prior. At Elimination Chamber, Goldberg lost to Reigns via technical submission.[102]
On October 5, 2024, atBad Blood, Goldberg and Gage were in the audience. WhenWorld Heavyweight ChampionGunther came out and insulted him and Gage, Goldberg tried to attack him, but was held back by security guards.[103] During the podcast at SEC Network, Goldberg announced that he would be returning to WWE for his retirement match at some point in 2025.[104] On the June 16, 2025 episode ofRaw, Goldberg returned and confronted Gunther over the incident at Bad Blood, subsequently challenging him to a match for the World Heavyweight Championship on July 12 atSaturday Night's Main Event XL in Atlanta, which was later made official.[105] At the event with his son Gage at ringside, Goldberg was defeated by Gunther in his retirement match, ending his 28-year career.[106]
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin described Goldberg as one of the strongest wrestlers in history.[107] Notably,Mark Henry—who himself is regarded as one of the world's strongest men—also described Goldberg as one of the strongest people in wrestling.[108] WWE describes Goldberg as "one of the most dominant Superstars to ever set foot inside thesquared circle".[109]WWE Hall of Famer and industry veteranArn Anderson likened Goldberg's popularity at his late 1990s peak to that ofHulk Hogan,The Rock, and Austin, saying that he "was as hot as anybody has ever been in the history of this business".[110]Diamond Dallas Page andBobby Lashley also claimed that Goldberg was the most popular wrestler in the world at one point in time.[111][112]Kevin Owens has said that Goldberg was the "figurehead" and "poster boy" of WCW,[113] whileSports Illustrated noted that he "reached the highest point of popularity in pro wrestling".[114] He has been named as the favorite wrestler of figures such asBig E,[115]Randy Orton,[116]Madcap Moss,[117] andBron Breakker.[118]
Due to his extremely masculine wrestling character, Goldberg has been credited with battlingJewish stereotypes, especially the "nice Jewish boy" stereotype which sees Jewish men portrayed as weak and effeminate.[119][120] In 1999,Jewish News of Northern California stated that he had "turned the notion of Jew as victim on its head".[120] He told the publication, "I wanted to give the Jewish public someone to hold onto, someone as a positive role model that didn't go out and cuss, didn't go out and cheat, someone to look up to."[120] In a 2005 interview with theSan Diego Jewish Journal, he said, "It's been a blessing to be a role model for those Jewish kids who never had a Jewish sports hero to look up to, especially those who were too young to rememberKoufax or aren't into baseball and don't follow the career ofShawn Green. [...] [Being Jewish] doesn't mean I have to read theTorah every day, but hell, I wrestled in front of millions of people and called myself by my real name. That's a testament to myself that I'm proud of."[119]
Goldberg's rapid rise to popularity in WCW led the WWF to parody him during theAttitude Era with longtimejobber Duane Gill being repackaged asGillberg. Goldberg was initially unhappy with the parody, but later embraced the character and was happy that Gill was able to have a more substantial run during his career. The two would eventually confront each other onRaw in 2003, in which Goldberg quickly dispatched Gillberg.[121]
Trying to replicate WCW's success with Goldberg, WWE began pushingRyback in 2012 in a similar manner to Goldberg, leading to theportmanteau of "Ryberg" to be devised by fans and commentators for Ryback.[122][123] In October 2012, after Ryback used Goldberg'sJackhammer move during a match againstKofi Kingston, Goldbergtweeted, "NOW comparisons offend me."[124] Spectators atWWE events had been chanting "Goldberg" during Ryback's matches from 2012, which Ryback said "never bothered [him] because fans were very loyal to Goldberg as Goldberg was the top star at WCW and also had a good run in WWE".[125] In response toChael Sonnen's confusion about Ryback's appeal in late 2014, former WWE writer Jon Piermarini noted on an episode of Sonnen's podcast that the creative staff were doing "essentially the exact same thing they did with the character when it did not work or catch on the first time" and would only continue to get Goldberg's characterover as Ryback.[126] Goldberg would return toWWE around the same time Ryback asked for and was granted his release from the company in 2016.
Many promotions would parody Goldberg's infamous streak, including WWE on multiple occasions, albeit with alosing streak such as with the aforementioned Gillberg as well asCurt Hawkins. In 2014,Ring of Honor started a gimmick forR. D. Evans, where he began gloating about his win streak, which he dubbed the "New Streak",[127] although all of his wins came overjobbers or by disqualification over serious wrestlers likeMichael Elgin andRoderick Strong.[128][129] His streak eventually ended later that year.
Bret Hart, has been highly critical of Goldberg's work and said, "His wrestling, his work rate, was 0 out of 10."[130] Goldberg's later career run has also been criticized; former WCW executiveEric Bischoff stated it is due to his lack of in-ring talent,[131] although Bischoff further said that he viewed only Goldberg andThe Rock as legitimate box office draws in 2020.[132] WWE wrestlerRiddle has been critical of Goldberg's Universal Championship run and accused him of steroid use.[133] However, he later said that he "would love to work with Goldberg," and that he thought it would be "great for business."[134] In response to fans complaining about Goldberg beingput over younger talent, Goldberg responded, "They can complain all they want. I was brought in for a reason. I'm arelief pitcher." He reiterated that he is just a performer and does not book the matches.[135]
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Goldberg began acting while working for WCW in 1999. His appearance inUniversal Soldier: The Return corresponded with him being featured in the music video.[136] He was a special guest star onHulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling. On the show he showed the contestants his various power moves and also how to hit an opponent with a steel chair. He went on to host three seasons of theSpeed Channel showBullrun.
In 2005, Goldberg also starred in theHappy Madison producedAdam Sandler movieThe Longest Yard, as an inmate, along with fellow wrestlers Kevin Nash,The Great Khali and Stone Cold Steve Austin, as well as actorsChris Rock andBurt Reynolds among others. In the same year he was also the host ofThe History Channel documentary seriesAuto-Maniac and later starred in the movieSanta's Slay where he plays a homicidal Santa Claus who goes on a killing spree on Christmas. In 2007, Goldberg starred in the thriller/drama filmHalf Past Dead 2 alongside rapper Kurupt.[137]
In March 2010, Goldberg appeared on the ninth season ofDonald Trump's reality seriesThe Celebrity Apprentice and was eliminated in the sixth episode.[138] In 2016, Goldberg starred in the documentary filmNine Legends alongside other notable wrestlers, former boxing starMike Tyson andUFC fighterRandy Couture.[139]
In 2017, Goldberg made his first appearance in the fifth season ofThe Goldbergs as Coach Nick Mellor, the brother of recurring character Coach Rick Mellor.[140]The show is based on childhood memories ofAdam F. Goldberg but the two Goldbergs are of no relation.
In 2018, Goldberg started hosting a knife-based reality show calledForged in Fire: Knife or Death on the History Channel. He appeared in Season 10 Episode 7 ("One of Us") ofNCIS: Los Angeles as Special Agent Lance Hamilton.[141]
He also starred in the filmAmerican Satan (2017) as the tour manager/bodyguard for a heavy metal band called The Relentless.[142]
On July 17, 2022, Goldberg was the subject of theBiography: WWE Legends.
Goldberg is a playable character in numerous video games, includingWCW Nitro,[143]WCW/nWo Revenge,[144]WCW/nWo Thunder,[145]WCW Mayhem,[146]WCW Backstage Assault,[147]WWE WrestleMania XIX,WWE Raw 2,[148]WWE SuperCard,WWE Champions,Fire Pro Wrestling,[149]WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain,[150]WWE 2K14,[151]WWE 2K17 (for which he was the pre-order bonus),[152]WWE 2K18,[153]WWE 2K19.[154]WWE 2K20,WWE 2K Battlegrounds,WWE 2K22 andWWE 2K23.
In August 2002, during his professional wrestling tenure in Japan, Goldberg served ascolor commentator inmixed martial arts (MMA) promotionPride Fighting Championship. He also participated in MMA training sessions, though without intention to compete himself.[155] Around this time, Goldberg was challenged byBob Sapp to either a professional wrestling match or a mixed martial arts fight, but nothing came from it.[155] On July 22, 2006, Goldberg served again as color commentator, this time inWorld Fighting Alliance (WFA)King of the Streets's pay-per-view in Los Angeles, California. When asked whether he was interested in becoming a mixed martial artist, Goldberg stated, "I'd love to, especially if I was 21 or even 29, but these guys are so far ahead of me in terms of experience. I never say never, though. But I don't see myself stopping my movies, my shows, my commentating, or being a dad to do that". On June 2, 2007, Goldberg also commentated on K-1 Dynamite USA.
Goldberg became a color commentator for theEliteXCorganization during their inaugural event. The event,EliteXC Destiny, was broadcast live onShowtime, on February 10, 2007. He continued in this role through all of EliteXC's showcase and combined cards, includingDynamite!! USA,Strikeforce Shamrock vs. Baroni,EliteXC: Renegade andEliteXC: Street Certified, until the organization was defunct in 2008.
Goldberg sponsored theMonster Jamtruck "Goldberg", which was driven byTom Meents from 2000 to 2001 as part of a deal between WCW andFELD Motorsports. The truck was very successful winning theMonster Jam World Finals Racing championship in both 2000 and 2001 and the Freestyle championship in 2001. The partnership ended after WCW was bought byWWE and the truck was renamed to "Team Meents" which later became "Maximum Destruction".
In November 2000, Goldberg and his brother Steve co-authored Goldberg's autobiographyI'm Next: The Strange Journey of America's Most Unlikely Superhero.[156]
In 2014, Goldberg started his own podcast entitledWho's Next?! With Bill Goldberg, which includes weekly guest interviews.
Since 2022, Goldberg has appeared multiple times on the "UnsubscribePodcast".
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Goldberg has been noted for being open about his Jewish background, which was uncommon in the professional wrestling world, especially during his prime.[119] He famously refused to wrestle onYom Kippur.[157] He celebrates theJewish holidays but has downplayed the religious aspects of his Jewish background, admitting in 2005 that he is "so far from religious it's not even funny".[119] Despite this, he added, "I guarantee when my girlfriend and I get married, I'll have arabbi marry us and I'll bebreaking the glass right next to her."[119]
On April 10, 2005, Goldberg married Wanda Ferraton, astunt double he had met while filmingSanta's Slay.[158] From 2001 to 2019, they lived inBonsall, California, before moving toBoerne, Texas. Their son, Gage, was born in 2006, and is currently aredshirted freshmanlinebacker for theColorado Buffaloes. Gage has also expressed interest in a professional wrestling career if he is unable to become a professional football player.[159]
Goldberg co-owns the Extreme Power GymMuay Thai andamateur boxing training facility inOceanside, California.[160] He also owns over 25vintage cars, including aPlymouth Barracuda,AC Cobra, andBoss 429 Mustang.[119]
Goldberg owned one of the biggest MMA gyms in the world during the early 90s where he trained MMA with the likes ofMark Coleman,Randy Couture,Kevin Randleman, andDon Frye, among others, but after realizing how much money they made in MMA, he chose to follow a pro-wrestling career.[161] He still actively practicesMuay Thai and holds the rank of black belt injiu-jitsu.[162]
Goldberg has a long scar on the right side of his torso from a tear suffered during a college football game that had required surgery to repair. He also acquired a scar on his right forearm from an altercation in WCW, which kept him out of action for an extended amount of time due to the surgery needed to fix it.[163] He has a large tribal tattoo on his left shoulder, which became his professional wrestling logo, and a skull tattoo on the inside of his right bicep.
In January 2016, Goldberg and entertainment impresarioUncle Louie started a joint venture with disabledAir Force veteran Reinaldo Horday called Combat Crate, which offers a crate of exclusive memorabilia with 100% of the profits from its inaugural crate going to theWounded Warriors' South Florida branch.[164]
A long-timeanimal welfare advocate and anAmerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) spokesman, Goldberg addressedCongress in 1999 to raise awareness of illegalanimal fighting.[120]
Goldberg regularly participated in the now-defunct Jimmy V Golf Classic, a golf tournament with the profits going towards cancer research,[165][166] and often visits children in hospitals who are undergoing cancer treatment.[167][168][169]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | The Jesse Ventura Story | Luger | Film debut |
| Universal Soldier: The Return | Romeo | ||
| 2000 | Ready to Rumble | Himself | |
| 2003 | Looney Tunes: Back in Action | Mr. Smith | |
| 2005 | The Longest Yard | Joey "Battle" Battaglio | |
| The Kid & I | Himself | ||
| Santa's Slay | Santa Claus | ||
| 2007 | Half Past Dead 2 | William Burke | Direct-to-video |
| 2010 | Kill Speed | Big Bad John | |
| Holly, Jingles and Clyde 3D | Gus | ||
| 2015 | Wrestling Isn't Wrestling | Himself | |
| 2016 | Nine Legends | ||
| 2017 | Check Point | T.J. | |
| American Satan | Hawk | ||
| 2018 | Con Man | Sax |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | The Love Boat: The Next Wave | Lou "The Pariah" Maguire | Episode: "Captain Courageous" |
| 1999 | Louis Theroux's Weird Weekends | Himself | Episode: "Wrestling" |
| E! True Hollywood Story | Episode: "Hulk Hogan" | ||
| 2000 | The Man Show | Episode: "Holiday Show 2"[170] | |
| 2002 | Yes, Dear | Big Guy | Episode: "Walk Like a Man" |
| Family Guy | Angry bus passenger | Episode: "Family Guy Viewer Mail 1" | |
| Arliss | Himself | Episode: "In with the New" | |
| Kim Possible | Pain King | Episode: "Pain King vs. Cleopatra" | |
| 2003 | Punk'd | Himself | Episode: "Beyonce and Lindsay Lohan" |
| 2004 | Monster Garage | Santa Claus | Episode: "Box-Truck Wrestling Ring" |
| 2005 | Modern Marvels | Himself | Episode: "Private Collections" |
| Desperate Housewives | Inmate | Episode: "My Heart Belongs to Daddy" | |
| Biker Build-Off | Host | [171] | |
| Automaniac | [172] | ||
| The Contender | Himself | Episode: "Who's Playing The Game?" | |
| 2006 | Pros vs. Joes | Episodes: "Can You PVJ Champ?" and "Can You Cover Jerry Rice?" | |
| 2007 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | Cupid | Episode: "Loophole" |
| 2007–2010 | Bullrun | Host | |
| 2008 | Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling | Himself | Episode: "In-Ring Psychology" |
| Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? | Himself / Contestant | Ep. 3.15[173] | |
| 2009–2011 | Garage Mahal | Host | withBrian Corsetti[174][175] |
| 2010 | The Celebrity Apprentice | Himself / Contestant | |
| 2017, 2019 | The Goldbergs | Nick Mellor | 8 episodes |
| 2018 | The Grand Tour | Himself | Celebrity guest |
| The Flash | Big Sir | 2 episodes | |
| 2018–2023 | NCIS: Los Angeles | Lance Hamilton | 6 episodes |
| 2018–2019 | Forged in Fire: Knife or Death | Host | 22 episodes |
| 2019 | Schooled | Nick Mellor | Episode: "Friendsgiving" |
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