Bill Goldberg

American professional wrestler, actor, and former football player (born 1966)

Bill Goldberg

Goldberg in 2021

Born|

William Scott Goldberg

(1966-12-27) December 27, 1966 (age 58)

Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.

Occupations|

* Professional wrestler
* actor
* football player

Years active| 1990–1995 (football)
1997–2004; 2016–present (wrestling)
1998–present (acting)
Spouse|

Wanda Ferraton

(m. 2005)​

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]

American football player

* * *

American 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 pick
Expansion draft:| 1995: 36th round, 64th pick
Career history

* Los Angeles Rams (1990–1991)*
* BC Lions (1991)*
* Sacramento Surge (1992)
* Atlanta Falcons (1992–1994)
* Carolina Panthers (1995)*

* Offseason and/or practice squad member only

Career highlights and awards

* World Bowl champion (II)
* First-team All-SEC (1989)

Career NFL statistics
| Games played:| 14

|

Games started:| 1
Total tackles:| 11
Stats at Pro Football Reference

William Scott Goldberg (born December 27, 1966), often known mononymously as Goldberg, is an American professional wrestler, actor and former American football defensive tackle. He is signed to WWE, where he is set to retire in 2025. He is best known for his tenure in World Championship Wrestling (WCW).

One of the most popular figures of the professional wrestling boom during the late 1990s and early 2000s,[9] Goldberg rose to fame in WCW with a lengthy undefeated streak in singles competition from 1997 to 1998, became the highest paid WCW wrestler, and led the company as its franchise player and public face until it was sold to WWE. During his time with WCW, he became a one-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, two-time WCW United States Heavyweight Champion, and one-time WCW World Tag Team Champion (with Bret Hart). Along with Hart, he is the fifth WCW Triple Crown winner.

Following WCW's closure in 2001, Goldberg wrestled for All Japan Pro Wrestling between 2002 and 2003 and for WWE between 2003 and 2004, becoming a one-time World Heavyweight Champion in the latter. After 12 years away from wrestling, he returned to WWE in 2016, winning the WWE Universal Championship for the first time in 2017 and a second time in 2020. He has headlined multiple WCW and WWE pay-per-view events, including WCW's premier annual event Starrcade (in 1998 and 1999). He headlined the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018 and is a five-time world champion in his career between WWE and WCW, with WWE counting his world title win at the 1999 Halloween Havoc.[10] He is also the only wrestler to have won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, WWE's World Heavyweight Championship, and the WWE Universal Championship.

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 the mixed martial arts promotion Elite Xtreme Combat before it closed down. He hosted 26 episodes of Garage Mahal on the DIY Network from 2009 to 2011 and has acted in various films and television shows, including Universal Soldier: The Return and NCIS: Los Angeles.

## Early life

[edit]

William Scott Goldberg was born into a Reform Jewish family[11] in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on December 27, 1966,[2] the son of classical violinist Ethel and OB-GYN Jed Goldberg. He is of Russian-Jewish and Romanian-Jewish descent, with his Romanian-born great-grandfather having relocated to the U.S. from Bucharest through Ellis Island.[12] His father was a graduate of both Harvard and Johns Hopkins University. His parents later divorced, and his father died in late 2006.[13] His mother breeds flowers and created an award-winning hybrid orchid in 2000, which she named after Goldberg.[14] He has two brothers.[15] Goldberg had his Bar Mitzvah at a Reform synagogue, Temple Israel, in his hometown.[16] He attended Tulsa Edison High School.[17] He acquired a love for football early in his life and, due to his large stature, began working as a nightclub bouncer at the age of 16.[18]

## Football career

[edit]

Goldberg earned a scholarship to attend the University of Georgia and play college football for the Georgia Bulldogs as a defensive tackle. He was a four-year letterman for the Bulldogs from 1986 to 1989, and earned Associated Press first-team All-SEC honors in 1989.[8][19] He was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the 11th round, with the 301st overall pick, of the 1990 NFL draft.[20] He signed with the Rams on July 11, 1990, but was later released on August 29, 1990, before the start of the regular season.[21] After being a free agent for the entire 1990 regular season, Goldberg signed with the Rams again on March 18, 1991.[21] However, he was released again on August 19, 1991.[21] He was then signed to the practice roster of the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League on September 11, 1991.[22][21] On October 19, 1991, he was released by the Lions.[23]

On February 4, 1992, Goldberg was selected by the Sacramento Surge of the World League of American Football (WLAF) in the seventh round, with the 68th overall pick, of the 1992 WLAF draft.[24] He played in all ten games for the Surge during the 1992 WLAF season and recorded three sacks.[8] The Surge finished the season with an 8–2 record and advanced to World Bowl '92, where they defeated the Orlando Thunder by a score of 21–17.[25] Goldberg became a free agent after the 1992 WLAF season and signed with the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL.[26][21] He was released on August 25, 1992, and signed to the Falcons' practice squad on September 1.[21] He was promoted to the active roster on December 1 and made his NFL debut on December 3, 1992, wearing jersey number #71.[21] Overall, Goldberg played in four games, starting one, for the Falcons during the 1992 season and posted two tackles.[27] He became close with Deion Sanders during this time.[28] The next year, Goldberg was released on September 6, 1993, but signed to the practice squad the next day.[21] 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.[21][27] Goldberg played in five games again in 1994 and made one solo tackle.[27] In 1995, he was selected by the new expansion team the Carolina Panthers in the 1995 NFL expansion draft.[29] On April 20, 1995, he was cut by the Panthers; becoming the first player ever released by the team.[21][30] 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.[18]

## Professional wrestling career

[edit]

### World Championship Wrestling (1997–2001)

[edit]

#### Training and matches (1997)

[edit]

Following the end of his professional football career, Goldberg began training in powerlifting and mixed martial arts as part of his rehabilitation. During this period, he was approached by WCW performers Lex Luger and Sting, who encouraged him to consider a transition into professional wrestling.[31] Although initially unfamiliar with the industry, Goldberg viewed it as a viable career path and began training at WCW's Power Plant, the company's official developmental facility.

Competing under the ring name Bill Gold, he wrestled in several dark matches during the summer of 1997. He made his in-ring debut on June 23, defeating Buddy Lee Parker in a dark match prior to an episode of Monday Nitro in Macon, Georgia.[32] On July 8, he suffered his only recorded dark match loss, to Chad Fortune, at a WCW Saturday Night taping in Jackson, Tennessee.[33]

#### Undefeated streak (1997–1998)

[edit]

Main article: Goldberg win streak

Goldberg made his televised debut on the September 22, 1997, episode of Monday Nitro, where he defeated Hugh 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 at Halloween Havoc in October 1997, assisting Alex Wright in defeating Steve McMichael. The following month, he faced McMichael in his first pay-per-view match at Starrcade, emerging victorious.[11] Early in 1998, he defeated Brad Armstrong at SuperBrawl VIII and Perry Saturn at Spring Stampede. Around this time, WCW began officially referring to him solely as “Goldberg”,[34] and began tallying his consecutive victories on television broadcasts.

On April 20, 1998, Goldberg defeated Raven to win the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship on an episode of Nitro. 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.[35] Two days later on Thunder, Goldberg made his first successful title defense against Mike Enos. He later retained the championship against Saturn at Slamboree, Konnan at The Great American Bash, and Curt Hennig on subsequent programming.[11] Around this time, he began using the catchphrase “Who’s next?” in reference to his ongoing winning streak.[36][37]

Goldberg's rise continued throughout the summer, eventually positioning him as a contender for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship held by Hollywood Hogan, the leader of the New World Order (nWo). A title match between the two was announced for the July 6, 1998, episode of Nitro, held at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Before facing Hogan, Goldberg was required to first defeat Hogan’s nWo ally Scott 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 United States Heavyweight Championship.

Diamond Dallas Page performing a diamond cutter on Goldberg

Following his title win, Goldberg defeated several nWo members in a battle royal at Road Wild.[11] He retained the world title against Diamond Dallas Page at Halloween Havoc in a match that was praised by fans and later cited by Goldberg as his personal favorite.[38][unreliable source] However, Goldberg was not featured in matches at Fall Brawl or World War 3, despite still holding the championship during those events. His undefeated streak culminated at Starrcade in December 1998, where he lost the WCW World Heavyweight Championship to Kevin 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.[11][3][39] Goldberg would later avenge the loss by defeating Hall in a ladder match involving a taser at Souled Out the following month.[11]

While WCW officially billed Goldberg's streak as 173 consecutive victories, the actual number of matches won during the period was significantly lower.[40][41][42] Wrestling media outlets and Goldberg's peers, including Chris Jericho and Jimmy Hart, have noted that the win count was exaggerated for promotional purposes.[43][44][45] 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.[41]

#### Championship pursuits and final feuds (1999–2001)

[edit]

Goldberg posing with a fan in 1998

At Spring Stampede in April 1999, Goldberg defeated Kevin Nash, avenging his first career loss from the previous year. The following month at Slamboree, he was written off television after an on-screen attack by Rick and Scott Steiner. During this hiatus, Goldberg began filming his role in the action film Universal Soldier: The Return alongside Jean-Claude Van Damme. He returned to in-ring competition at Road Wild in August, defeating Rick Steiner.[11][46]

Goldberg resumed a feud with Diamond Dallas Page and his allies in the Jersey Triad, culminating in a victory over Page at Fall Brawl. He then turned his attention to Sid Vicious, targeting Vicious’s undefeated streak and the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship.[11] The rivalry culminated at Halloween Havoc, where Goldberg defeated Vicious via referee stoppage to capture the title for a second time.[47]

Later that same night, Goldberg accepted an unsanctioned open challenge from WCW World Heavyweight Champion Sting and won, appearing to become a double champion.[48] However, on the following episode of Nitro, WCW commissioner J.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 by Bret Hart, following interference from Sid Vicious and the Outsiders, which also cost him the United States Championship.[11]

Goldberg continued his feud with Vicious, defeating him in an "I quit" match at Mayhem.[11] Later that month, he teamed with Hart to win the WCW World Tag Team Championship from Creative Control, though they dropped the titles a week later to the Outsiders.[49] At Starrcade, 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 referee Roddy Piper awarded the victory to Hart via submission, although Goldberg had not tapped out.[11] 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, and Jeff Jarrett to reform the New World Order.[50]

On the December 23 episode of Thunder, 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 at New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s Tokyo Dome event in January 2000.

Goldberg returned to WCW on the May 29, 2000, episode of Nitro, interfering in a handicap match involving Kevin Nash. At The Great American Bash, he turned villain for the first time in his career by attacking Nash during a WCW World Heavyweight Championship match and aligning with the New Blood faction. The alliance was short-lived due to another injury, after which Goldberg returned as a fan favorite. He defeated Nash at Bash at the Beach with assistance from Scott Steiner and later faced both men in a number one contender’s match at New Blood Rising. 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 writer Vince Russo. He subsequently feuded with Steiner, culminating in a no-disqualification match loss at Fall Brawl following outside interference.[11]

In October 2000, 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 against KroniK at Halloween Havoc and a feud with Lex Luger. Goldberg defeated Luger at Mayhem, and again at Starrcade, although he was attacked post-match by Luger’s associate Buff Bagwell. The two formed a tag team called “Totally Buffed” and continued to feud with Goldberg into early 2001.[11]

At Sin in January 2001, Goldberg teamed with his trainer DeWayne Bruce in a no-disqualification tag team match against Totally Buff. The match ended in defeat after a planted ringside spectator used mace on Goldberg, leading to his first loss since the undefeated streak reset and triggering the retirement clause of the storyline.[11] The loss was intended to write Goldberg off television for shoulder surgery.

In March 2001, WCW was sold to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Goldberg, who was still recovering from surgery, did not join the WWF roster. His contract with WCW, held by AOL 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.[11] 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.[51]

### All Japan Pro Wrestling (2002–2003)

[edit]

Goldberg had suffered an arm injury during the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race at the Long Beach Grand Prix in April 2002. In August 2002, he returned to the ring in Japan. He initially joined All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), defeating Satoshi Kojima and Taiyō Kea. He went on to defeat Rick Steiner in a match for the W-1 promotion and teamed with Keiji Mutoh to defeat KroniK. His success in Japan led to the WWF – now renamed World Wrestling Entertainment – to begin contract negotiations with him.[48]

### World Wrestling Entertainment (2003–2004)

[edit]

#### Debut and various feuds (2003)

[edit]

After leaving Japan, Goldberg signed a one-year contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in March 2003. A promo video announcing his arrival aired during WrestleMania XIX. He debuted the next night on the March 31 episode of Raw and started a feud with The Rock by performing a spear on him.[52] Their rivalry intensified when The Rock held a segment entitled The Rock Concert, where he taunted Goldberg along with Gillberg, but Goldberg defeated The Rock in his debut match at Backlash on April 27, following three spears and a Jackhammer.[53] Goldberg went undefeated over the subsequent half-year, defeating 3-Minute Warning in his first match on Raw on May 5.[2] Goldberg defeated Christian the following week on Raw in a steel cage match.[54] Goldberg next began a feud with Chris Jericho, culminating in a match between the two at Bad Blood on June 15, which Goldberg won.[55]

#### World Heavyweight Championship reign and departure (2003-2004)

[edit]

In August 2003, Goldberg began a rivalry with Triple H over the World Heavyweight Championship. At SummerSlam on August 24, he participated in the Elimination Chamber match, eliminating Randy Orton, Shawn Michaels, and Chris Jericho before being pinned by Triple H, who used a sledgehammer provided by Ric Flair to retain the title.[56] The feud continued, leading to a Title vs. Career match at Unforgiven on September 21, where Goldberg defeated Triple H to win the championship.[57][58]

Following his title win, Triple H offered a $100,000 bounty to anyone who could sideline Goldberg. Several wrestlers attempted to collect, but it was Batista, Triple H's Evolution stablemate, who succeeded on the October 20 episode of Raw by attacking Goldberg during a title defense against Shawn Michaels, injuring his ankle in kayfabe. Despite the injury and interference from Evolution members, Goldberg retained the championship against Triple H at Survivor Series on November 16.[59] The rivalry culminated in a triple threat match at Armageddon on December 14, where Goldberg lost the championship to Triple H also involving Kane after interference from Evolution, ending his reign at 84 days.[60]

In early 2004, Goldberg entered a feud with Brock Lesnar. At the Royal Rumble event on January 25, Lesnar interfered in the Royal Rumble match, leading to Goldberg's elimination by Kurt Angle.[48] Goldberg would then interfere in Lesnar's WWE Championship defense against Eddie Guerrero at No Way Out on February 15, costing him the title.[61] This animosity led to a match between Goldberg and Lesnar at WrestleMania XX on March 14, with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin as the special guest referee. Goldberg won the match; both he and Lesnar subsequently received Stone Cold Stunners from Austin.[62] Following this event, Goldberg left WWE.

### Legends of Wrestling (2015–2016)

[edit]

Goldberg made his return to professional wrestling on June 7, 2015, at the Legends of Wrestling show at Citi Field in New York. While he was not scheduled to wrestle at the event, Goldberg came to the aid of Rob Van Dam after his match with Scott Steiner. He performed a spear on Steiner and a Jackhammer on Doc Gallows.[63]

On January 23, 2016, Goldberg made a second return for the Legends of Wrestling event in Miami, where he delivered another spear to Steiner after his match with Chavo Guerrero.[64]

### Return to WWE (2016–present)

[edit]

#### Universal Champion and Hall of Fame (2016–2020)

[edit]

On May 31, 2016, Goldberg was announced as the pre-order bonus for the upcoming WWE 2K17 video game.[65][66] Throughout the summer, Goldberg and WWE 2K17 cover star and former rival Brock Lesnar traded insults with each other through social media and WWE 2K events such as Gamescom.[67] Goldberg would also appear at the WWE 2K SummerSlam event the weekend before the pay-per-view event took place, fueling speculation he would be appearing at the event to confront Lesnar.[68] This led to Paul Heyman challenging Goldberg to face Lesnar on the October 10 episode of Raw,[67] with Heyman stating that Goldberg was the one blemish on Lesnar's WWE career, as Goldberg had defeated Lesnar at WrestleMania XX in 2004.[69] The following week on the October 17 episode of Raw, Goldberg returned to WWE for the first time in over 12 years, and accepting Heyman's challenge.[70] The match took place at Survivor Series, where Goldberg defeated Lesnar in 1 minute and 26 seconds giving Lesnar his first pinfall loss since April 2013.[71][72] Months later, Goldberg would participate in the Royal 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 eliminating Rusev and Luke Harper before being eliminated by The Undertaker.[73][74][75]

Lesnar then appeared on the following night's episode of Raw and challenged Goldberg to one final match at WrestleMania 33.[76] Goldberg would go on to accept Lesnar's challenge on the February 6 episode of Raw and, on the same episode, also earned a match against Kevin Owens for the WWE Universal Championship.[77] At Fastlane, Goldberg would defeat Owens for the Universal Championship.[78][79] 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 first clean singles loss in his entire career.[80][81] Goldberg appeared the following night on Raw Talk (which aired on the WWE Network after the Raw broadcast) to wish the fans farewell, but ultimately did not rule out a return in the future.[82]

Goldberg being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in April 2018

On January 15, 2018, ESPN announced that Goldberg would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. This was then confirmed on Raw when it was announced by WWE.[83] On March 25, Paul Heyman was announced to induct Goldberg into the Hall of Fame; the event occurred on April 6.[84] Despite his Hall of Fame induction, Goldberg continued to wrestle for WWE. His next match was against The Undertaker at the Super ShowDown event on June 7, 2019.[85] 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.[86][87] His next match was at SummerSlam, where he defeated Dolph Ziggler.[88]

After six months of inactivity, Goldberg returned to WWE on the February 7, 2020 episode of SmackDown, 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 for Super ShowDown.[89] 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.[90] During the following weeks, WWE scheduled a match between Goldberg and Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 36 for the Universal Championship,[91] but after Reigns opted to pull out amid concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Goldberg's opponent was changed to Braun Strowman.[92] At WrestleMania, Goldberg lost the Universal Championship to Strowman.[93][94]

#### Various feuds and final matches (2021–present)

[edit]

After a nine-month hiatus, Goldberg faced Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble on January 31, 2021, but was unsuccessful in winning the championship.[95] Goldberg returned on the July 19 episode of Raw, its first episode in front of a live audience in over a year, to confront WWE Champion Bobby Lashley, teasing a potential match between the two.[96] On the August 2 episode of Raw, Lashley would accept Goldberg's challenge, making their match at SummerSlam for the WWE Championship, official.[97] At SummerSlam, 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.[98]

On the August 30 episode of Raw, an interview with Goldberg was shown, during which he revealed needing surgery to his knee and vowed to return to get revenge on Lashley for attacking his son Gage.[99] On the September 27 episode of Raw, he appeared via satellite to again call out Lashley for having attacked his son, vowing that he would come after Lashley in retaliation.[100] On the October 4 episode of Raw, Goldberg would call out Lashley and in response, Lashley would challenge Goldberg to a no holds barred match at Crown Jewel.[101] At Crown Jewel, Goldberg defeated Lashley to end their feud.[102]

On the February 4, 2022, episode of SmackDown, Goldberg would make his return to challenge Universal Champion Roman Reigns to a match at Elimination Chamber, a match that had originally been planned for WrestleMania 36 two years prior. At Elimination Chamber, Goldberg lost to Reigns via technical submission.[103]

On October 5, 2024, at Bad Blood, Goldberg and Gage were in the audience. When Gunther came out and insulted him and Gage, Goldberg tried to attack him, but was held back by security guards.[104]

During the podcast at SEC Network, Goldberg announced that he will be returning to WWE for his retirement match at some point in 2025.[105]

## Legacy, parodies, and reception

[edit]

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin described Goldberg as one of the strongest wrestlers in history.[106] 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.[107] WWE describes Goldberg as "one of the most dominant Superstars to ever set foot inside the squared circle".[108] WWE Hall of Famer and industry veteran Arn Anderson likened Goldberg's popularity at his late 1990s peak to that of Hulk Hogan, The Rock, and Austin, saying that he "was as hot as anybody has ever been in the history of this business".[109] Diamond Dallas Page and Bobby Lashley also claimed that Goldberg was the most popular wrestler at one point in time.[110][111] Kevin Owens has said that Goldberg was the "figurehead" and "poster boy" of WCW,[112] while Sports Illustrated noted that he "reached the highest point of popularity in pro wrestling".[113] He has been named as the favorite wrestler of figures such as Big E,[114] Randy Orton,[115] Madcap Moss,[116] and Bron Breakker.[117]

Due to his extremely masculine wrestling character, Goldberg has been credited with battling Jewish stereotypes, especially the "nice Jewish boy" stereotype which sees Jewish men portrayed as weak and effeminate.[118][119] In 1999, Jewish News of Northern California stated that he had "turned the notion of Jew as victim on its head".[119] 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."[119] In a 2005 interview with the San 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 remember Koufax or aren't into baseball and don't follow the career of Shawn Green. [...] [Being Jewish] doesn't mean I have to read the Torah 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."[118]

Goldberg's rapid rise to popularity in WCW led the WWF to parody him during the Attitude Era with longtime jobber Duane Gill being repackaged as Gillberg. 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 on Raw in 2003, in which Goldberg quickly dispatched Gillberg.[120]

Trying to replicate WCW's success with Goldberg, WWE began pushing Ryback in 2012 in a similar manner to Goldberg, leading to the portmanteau of "Ryberg" to be devised by fans and commentators for Ryback.[121][122] In October 2012, after Ryback used Goldberg's Jackhammer move during a match against Kofi Kingston, Goldberg tweeted, "NOW comparisons offend me."[123] Spectators at WWE 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".[124] In response to Chael 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 character over as Ryback.[125] Goldberg would return to WWE 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 a losing streak such as with the aforementioned Gillberg as well as Curt Hawkins. In 2014, Ring of Honor started a gimmick for R. D. Evans, where he began gloating about his win streak, which he dubbed the "New Streak",[126] although all of his wins came over jobbers or by disqualification over serious wrestlers like Michael Elgin and Roderick Strong.[127][128] 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."[129] Goldberg's later career run has also been criticized; former WCW executive Eric Bischoff stated it is due to his lack of in-ring talent,[130] although Bischoff further said that he viewed only Goldberg and The Rock as legitimate box office draws in 2020.[131] WWE wrestler Riddle has been critical of Goldberg's Universal Championship run and accused him of steroid use.[132] However, he later said that he "would love to work with Goldberg," and that he thought it would be "great for business."[133] In response to fans complaining about Goldberg being put over younger talent, Goldberg responded, "They can complain all they want. I was brought in for a reason. I'm a relief pitcher." He reiterated that he is just a performer and does not book the matches.[134]

## Other media

[edit]

Goldberg in 2009

### Film and television

[edit]

Goldberg at the 2015 Magic City Comic Con

Goldberg began acting while working for WCW in 1999. His appearance in Universal Soldier: The Return corresponded with him being featured in the music video.[135] He was a special guest star on Hulk 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 the Speed Channel show Bullrun.

In 2005, Goldberg also starred in the Happy Madison produced Adam Sandler movie The Longest Yard, as an inmate, along with fellow wrestlers Kevin Nash, The Great Khali and Stone Cold Steve Austin, as well as actors Chris Rock and Burt Reynolds among others. In the same year he was also the host of The History Channel documentary series Auto-Maniac and later starred in the movie Santa'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 film Half Past Dead 2 alongside rapper Kurupt.[136]

In March 2010, Goldberg appeared on the ninth season of Donald Trump's reality series The Celebrity Apprentice and was eliminated in the sixth episode.[137] In 2016, Goldberg starred in the documentary film Nine Legends alongside other notable wrestlers, former boxing star Mike Tyson and UFC fighter Randy Couture.[138]

In 2017, Goldberg made his first appearance in the fifth season of The Goldbergs as Coach Nick Mellor, the brother of recurring character Coach Rick Mellor.[139] The show is based on childhood memories of Adam F. Goldberg but the two Goldbergs are of no relation.

In 2018, Goldberg started hosting a knife-based reality show called Forged in Fire: Knife or Death on the History Channel. He appeared in Season 10 Episode 7 ("One of Us") of NCIS: Los Angeles as Special Agent Lance Hamilton.[140]

He also starred in the film American Satan (2017) as the tour manager/bodyguard for a heavy metal band called The Relentless.[141]

On July 17, 2022, Goldberg was the subject of the Biography: WWE Legends.

### Video games

[edit]

Goldberg is a playable character in numerous video games, including WCW Nitro,[142] WCW/nWo Revenge,[143] WCW/nWo Thunder,[144] WCW Mayhem,[145] WCW Backstage Assault,[146] WWE WrestleMania XIX, WWE Raw 2,[147] WWE SuperCard, WWE Champions, Fire Pro Wrestling,[148] WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain,[149] WWE 2K14,[150] WWE 2K17 (for which he was the pre-order bonus),[151] WWE 2K18,[152] WWE 2K19.[153] WWE 2K20, WWE 2K Battlegrounds, WWE 2K22 and WWE 2K23.

### Mixed martial arts color commentary

[edit]

Goldberg in 2005

In August 2002, during his professional wrestling tenure in Japan, Goldberg served as color commentator in mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion Pride Fighting Championship. He also participated in MMA training sessions, though without intention to compete himself.[154] Around this time, Goldberg was challenged by Bob Sapp to either a professional wrestling match or a mixed martial arts fight, but nothing came from it.[154] On July 22, 2006, Goldberg served again as color commentator, this time in World 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 the EliteXC organization during their inaugural event. The event, EliteXC Destiny, was broadcast live on Showtime, on February 10, 2007. He continued in this role through all of EliteXC's showcase and combined cards, including Dynamite!! USA, Strikeforce Shamrock vs. Baroni, EliteXC: Renegade and EliteXC: Street Certified, until the organization was defunct in 2008.

### Other

[edit]

Goldberg sponsored the Monster Jam truck "Goldberg", which was driven by Tom Meents from 2000 to 2001 as part of a deal between WCW and FELD Motorsports. The truck was very successful winning the Monster Jam World Finals Racing championship in both 2000 and 2001 and the Freestyle championship in 2001. The partnership ended after WCW was bought by WWE 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 autobiography I'm Next: The Strange Journey of America's Most Unlikely Superhero.[155]

In 2014, Goldberg started his own podcast entitled Who's Next?! With Bill Goldberg, which includes weekly guest interviews.

Since 2022, Goldberg has appeared multiple times on the "UnsubscribePodcast".

## Personal life

[edit]

Goldberg during his tour of the USS Ronald Reagan in May 2005

Goldberg has been noted for being open about his Jewish background, which was uncommon in the professional wrestling world, especially during his prime.[118] He famously refused to wrestle on Yom Kippur.[156] He celebrates the Jewish 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".[118] Despite this, he added, "I guarantee when my girlfriend and I get married, I'll have a rabbi marry us and I'll be breaking the glass right next to her."[118]

On April 10, 2005, Goldberg married Wanda Ferraton, a stunt double he had met while filming Santa's Slay.[157] From 2001 to 2019, they lived in Bonsall, California, before moving to Boerne, Texas. Their son, Gage, was born in 2006.[158]

Goldberg co-owns the Extreme Power Gym Muay Thai and amateur boxing training facility in Oceanside, California.[159] He also owns over 25 vintage cars, including a Plymouth Barracuda, AC Cobra, and Boss 429 Mustang.[118]

Goldberg owned one of the biggest MMA gyms in the world during the early 90s where he trained MMA with the likes of Mark Coleman, Randy Couture, Kevin Randleman, and Don Frye, among others, but after realizing how much money they made in MMA, he chose to follow a pro-wrestling career.[160] He still actively practices Muay Thai and holds the rank of black belt in jiu-jitsu.[161]

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.[162] 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 biceps.

### Charity work

[edit]

In January 2016, Goldberg and entertainment impresario Uncle Louie started a joint venture with disabled Air 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 the Wounded Warriors' South Florida branch.[163]

A long-time animal welfare advocate and an American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) spokesman, Goldberg addressed Congress in 1999 to raise awareness of illegal animal fighting.[119]

Goldberg regularly participated in the now-defunct Jimmy V Golf Classic, a golf tournament with the profits going towards cancer research,[164][165] and often visits children in hospitals who are undergoing cancer treatment.[166][167][168]

## Filmography

[edit]

Goldberg signing autographs in 2010 Film  Year  | Title  | Role

|
|

1999 | The Jesse Ventura Story | Luger
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
2010 | Kill Speed | Big Bad John
Holly, Jingles and Clyde 3D | Gus
2015 | Wrestling Isn't Wrestling | Himself
2016 | Nine Legends | Himself
2017 | Check Point | T.J.
American Satan | Hawk
2018 | Con Man | Sax
Television  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"
1999 | E! True Hollywood Story | Himself | Episode: "Hulk Hogan"
2000 | The Man Show | Himself | Episode: "Holiday Show 2"[169]
2002 | Yes, Dear | Big Guy | Episode: "Walk Like a Man"
2002 | Family Guy | Angry bus passenger | Episode: "Family Guy Viewer Mail 1"
2002 | Arliss | Himself | Episode: "In with the New"
2002 | 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"
2005 | Desperate Housewives | Inmate | Episode: "My Heart Belongs to Daddy"
2005 | Biker Build-Off | Host | [170]
2005 | Automaniac | Host | [171]
2005 | The Contender | Himself | Episode: "Who's Playing The Game?"
2006 | Pros vs. Joes | Himself | 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"
2008 | Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? | Himself / Contestant | Ep. 3.15[172]
2009–2011 | Garage Mahal | Host | with Brian Corsetti[173][174]
2010 | The Celebrity Apprentice | Himself / Contestant |
2017, 2019 | The Goldbergs | Nick Mellor | 8 episodes
2018 | The Grand Tour | Himself | Celebrity guest
2018 | 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"

## Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

* Pro Wrestling Illustrated
* Comeback of the Year (2016)[175]
* Inspirational Wrestler of the Year (1998)[175]
* Rookie of the Year (1998)[175]
* Ranked No. 2 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 1998[176]
* Rolling Stone
* Ranked No. 5 of the 10 best WWE wrestlers of 2016[177]
* World Championship Wrestling
* WCW World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[178]
* WCW United States Heavyweight Championship (2 times)[179]
* WCW World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Bret Hart[49]
* Fifth WCW Triple Crown Champion
* Wrestling Observer Newsletter
* Rookie of the Year (1998)[180]
* WWE/World Wrestling Entertainment
* World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
* WWE Universal Championship (2 times)
* WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2018)[83]

## See also

[edit]

* List of gridiron football players who became professional wrestlers
* List of Jewish football players
* List of Jewish professional wrestlers

## References

[edit]

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133. ^ "Former major WWE superstar wants to face Bill Goldberg on AEW show | DAZN News US". DAZN. January 10, 2024.
134. ^ "Goldberg Doesn't Care About Your Hate". FOX Sports.
135. ^ Fin Martin and Antohy Evans (August 2003). "Know their Roles". Power Slam Magazine. Lancaster, Lancashire, England: SW Publishing Ltd. pp. 26–31\. 109.
136. ^ Goldman, Eric (March 13, 2007). "IGN Interview: Bullrun's Bill Goldberg". IGN.
137. ^ ""Celebrity Apprentice:" Goldberg Eliminated". CBS News. April 19, 2010.
138. ^ Werner, Barry (January 30, 2016). "Mike Tyson, Bill Goldberg and Bret Hart are among the legends in 'Nine Legends.'". foxsports.com. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
139. ^ "'The Goldbergs': Former WWE Champ Bill Goldberg on His Guest Appearance". TV Insider. October 10, 2017. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
140. ^ Levine, Daniel (November 11, 2018). "'NCIS: LA': Former WWE Star Goldberg Guest Stars in New Episode".
141. ^ "American Satan Movie: Showtimes, Review, Trailer, Posters, News & Videos | eTimes". The Times of India. Retrieved December 3, 2020.
142. ^ "WCW Nitro Character Roster". mobygames. Retrieved December 13, 2015.
143. ^ Bassave, Roy (November 19, 1998). "Wrestling's Real Deal". The Buffalo News.
144. ^ "WCW/NWO Thunder review (PlayStation)". cnet. December 23, 1998. Retrieved August 19, 2013.
145. ^ "WCW Mayhem review (PlayStation)". cnet. September 24, 1999. Retrieved August 19, 2013.
146. ^ "EA Begins The Assault... WCW Backstage Assault ships for the PlayStation with Nintendo 64 to follow". spong.com. December 13, 2000. Retrieved August 19, 2013.
147. ^ Genno, Ryan (October 28, 2003). "WWE Raw 2". Retrieved August 19, 2013.
148. ^ "Wrestling Games « Goldberg « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". Archived from the original on October 17, 2020.
149. ^ "WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain Announced Exclusively For Playstation 2". gameinfowire.com/. July 21, 2003. Archived from the original on April 14, 2014. Retrieved August 19, 2013.
150. ^ Orry, James (August 19, 2013). "WWE 2K14 roster revealed". videogamer.com. Retrieved August 19, 2013.
151. ^ Makuch, Eddie (May 31, 2016). "WWE 2K17 Preorders Come With Two Versions of Bill Goldberg". GameSpot. Retrieved June 1, 2016.
152. ^ Artus, Matthew (September 27, 2017). "WWE 2K18 roster: Meet the Superstars joining the list of playable characters". WWE. Retrieved November 4, 2017.
153. ^ Elfring, Mat (October 11, 2018). "WWE 2K19 Roster Full List: 200+ Confirmed Wrestlers & DLC Superstars". GameSpot. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
154. ^ a b "August 2002 News Archive". Ichiban Puroresu. August 2002. Retrieved December 30, 2018.
155. ^ Bill Goldberg, Steve Goldberg (2000) I'm Next: The Strange Journey of America's Most Unlikely Superhero (Crown Publishers)
156. ^ Reilly, Rick "Wrestling with Their Son's Career Archived September 3, 2009, at the Wayback Machine", Sports Illustrated
157. ^ As stated in the film's DVD audio commentary.
158. ^ "IGN Interview: Bullrun's Bill Goldberg". IGN. March 13, 2007. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
159. ^ "Muay Thai Training San Diego". Extreme Power Gym. Retrieved October 18, 2016.
160. ^ ""A lot of people have no idea what I've done!" - Bill Goldberg rates his MMA skills". Sportskeeda. January 30, 2021.
161. ^ "Goldberg (from wrestling) a JJJ Blackbelt". www.e-budo.com. Retrieved July 1, 2022.
162. ^ I'm Next: The Goldberg Autobiography
163. ^ "Goldberg, Uncle Louie, Rey Horday three-man tag to support Wounded Warriors of South Florida". Miami Herald. January 19, 2016. Retrieved October 18, 2016.
164. ^ "Celebrities tee it up at Pinehurst for V Foundation - USATODAY.com". USA Today. Retrieved March 13, 2017.
165. ^ "Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic a Great Success! • V Foundation". jimmyv.org. August 21, 2009. Archived from the original on March 14, 2017. Retrieved March 13, 2017.
166. ^ "Goldberg: Bad Ass with A Big Heart". likethedew.com. March 5, 2010. Archived from the original on March 14, 2017. Retrieved March 13, 2017.
167. ^ RaleighLifestyleTV (August 25, 2010). "Bill Goldberg Interview". Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved March 13, 2017 - via YouTube.
168. ^ "10 Things You Didn't Know About Goldberg". cbslocal.com. September 5, 2014. Retrieved March 13, 2017.
169. ^ Adam's The Man Show (May 31, 2016). "Man Show - Hanukkah With Goldberg". Archived from the original on April 27, 2020. Retrieved October 30, 2017 - via YouTube.
170. ^ Leatherman, Benjamin (July 18, 2014). "Wrestling Legend Bill Goldberg on What It Takes to Be a Real Man These Days". phoenixnewtimes.com. Retrieved October 30, 2017.
171. ^ Johnson, Davey G. (April 21, 2005). "Goldberg Gets Gangsta: History Channel's New Automaniac to Profile Famous Rides of the Past". jalopnik.com. Retrieved October 30, 2017.
172. ^ "Goldberg on "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader"". wwe.com. Retrieved October 30, 2017.
173. ^ "Goldberg, Duggan, Simmons, Snuka among wrestling legends for Comic Con in Miami". miamiherald.com. Retrieved October 30, 2017.
174. ^ "Carter: Bill Goldberg to host DIY's 'Garage Mahal'". espn.com. Retrieved October 30, 2017.
175. ^ a b c "PWI Awards". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Kappa Publishing Group. Archived from the original on January 21, 2016. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
176. ^ "Internet Wrestling Database - Goldberg: Pro Wrestling Illustrated Ratings".
177. ^ Herzog, Ken (December 21, 2016). "10 Best WWE Wrestlers of 2016". Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
178. ^ "Goldberg's first WCW World Heavyweight Championship reign". WWE. Archived from the original on June 3, 2012. Retrieved June 3, 2012.
179. ^ "WWE United States Championship". Retrieved May 25, 2020.
180. ^ Meltzer, Dave (January 26, 2011). "Biggest issue of the year: The 2011 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Issue". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, CA: 1–40\. ISSN 1083-9593.

Other sources

* Goldberg, Bill and Goldberg, Steve (2000) I'm Next: The Strange Journey of America's Most Unlikely Superhero, ISBN 0-609-60780-4.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bill Goldberg.

* Goldberg on WWE.com
* Goldberg's profile at Cagematch.net , Wrestlingdata.com , Internet Wrestling Database
* Bill Goldberg at IMDb

Links to related articles

* v
* t
* e

WWE Hall of Fame inductees

1990s

| 1993|

* André the Giant

|

1994|

* Arnold Skaaland
* Bobo Brazil
* Buddy Rogers
* Chief Jay Strongbow
* Freddie Blassie
* Gorilla Monsoon
* James Dudley

1995|

* Antonino Rocca
* Ernie Ladd
* The Fabulous Moolah
* George Steele
* Ernie Roth
* Ivan Putski
* Pedro Morales

1996|

* Jimmy Snuka
* Johnny Rodz
* Killer Kowalski
* Lou Albano
* Mikel Scicluna
* Pat Patterson
* Valiant Brothers
* Jimmy Valiant
* Johnny Valiant
* Vince McMahon Sr.

2000s

| 2004|

* Big John Studd
* "Superstar" Billy Graham
* Bobby Heenan
* Don Muraco
* Greg Valentine
* Harley Race
* Jesse Ventura
* Junkyard Dog
* Sgt. Slaughter
* Tito Santana

| Celebrity|

* Pete Rose

|

2005|

* Bob Orton Jr.
* Hulk Hogan
* The Iron Sheik
* Jimmy Hart
* Nikolai Volkoff
* Paul Orndorff
* Roddy Piper

2006|

* The Blackjacks
* Blackjack Mulligan
* Blackjack Lanza
* Bret Hart
* Eddie Guerrero
* Gene Okerlund
* Sherri Martel
* Tony Atlas
* Verne Gagne

| Celebrity|

* William Perry

|

2007|

* Dusty Rhodes
* Jerry Lawler
* Jim Ross
* Mr. Fuji
* Curt Hennig
* Nick Bockwinkel
* The Sheik
* Wild Samoans
* Afa Anoa'i
* Sika Anoa'i

2008|

* The Brisco Brothers
* Gerald Brisco
* Jack Brisco
* Eddie Graham
* Gordon Solie
* Mae Young
* Peter Maivia
* Ric Flair
* See also: 2012
* Rocky Johnson

2009|

* Bill Watts
* The Funk Brothers
* Terry Funk
* Dory Funk Jr.
* Howard Finkel
* Koko B. Ware
* Ricky Steamboat
* Stone Cold Steve Austin
* Von Erich family
* Chris Von Erich
* David Von Erich
* Fritz Von Erich
* Kerry Von Erich
* Kevin Von Erich
* Mike Von Erich

2010s

| 2010|

* Antonio Inoki
* Gorgeous George
* Maurice Vachon
* Stu Hart
* Ted DiBiase
* Wendi Richter

| Celebrity|

* Bob Uecker

|

2011|

* Abdullah the Butcher
* Bob Armstrong
* Jim Duggan
* Road Warriors
* Road Warrior Hawk
* Road Warrior Animal
* Paul Ellering
* Shawn Michaels
* Sunny

| Celebrity|

* Drew Carey

|

2012|

* Edge
* The Four Horsemen
* Arn Anderson
* Barry Windham
* J. J. Dillon
* Ric Flair
* Tully Blanchard
* Mil Máscaras
* Ron Simmons
* Yokozuna

| Celebrity|

* Mike Tyson

|

2013|

* Bob Backlund
* Booker T
* Bruno Sammartino
* Mick Foley
* Trish Stratus

| Celebrity|

* Donald Trump

|

2014|

* Carlos Colón
* Jake Roberts
* Lita
* Paul Bearer
* Scott Hall
* The Ultimate Warrior

| Celebrity|

* Mr. T

|

2015|

* Alundra Blayze
* The Bushwhackers
* Bushwhacker Butch
* Bushwhacker Luke
* Kevin Nash
* Larry Zbyszko
* Randy Savage
* Rikishi
* Tatsumi Fujinami

| Celebrity|

* Arnold Schwarzenegger

|

Warrior|

* Connor Michalek

2016|

* Big Boss Man
* Fabulous Freebirds
* Michael Hayes
* Buddy Roberts
* Jimmy Garvin
* Terry Gordy
* The Godfather
* Jacqueline
* Stan Hansen
* Sting

| Celebrity|

* Snoop Dogg

|

Warrior|

* Joan Lunden

Legacy|

* Ed Lewis
* Frank Gotch
* George Hackenschmidt
* Lou Thesz
* Mildred Burke
* Pat O'Connor
* Sailor Art Thomas

2017|

* Beth Phoenix
* Diamond Dallas Page
* Kurt Angle
* Rick Rude
* Rock 'n' Roll Express
* Ricky Morton
* Robert Gibson
* Theodore Long

| Warrior|

* Eric LeGrand

|

Legacy|

* Bearcat Wright
* Dr. Jerry Graham
* Haystacks Calhoun
* Judy Grable
* June Byers
* Luther Lindsay
* Martin Burns
* Rikidōzan
* Toots Mondt

2018|

* Dudley Boyz
* Bubba Ray Dudley
* D-Von Dudley
* Goldberg
* Hillbilly Jim
* Ivory
* Jeff Jarrett
* Mark Henry

| Celebrity|

* Kid Rock

|

Warrior|

* Jarrius "JJ" Robertson

Legacy|

* Boris Malenko
* Cora Combs
* Dara Singh
* Hiro Matsuda
* Jim Londos
* Lord Alfred Hayes
* Rufus R. Jones
* El Santo
* Sputnik Monroe
* Stan Stasiak

2019|

* Brutus Beefcake
* D-Generation X
* Shawn Michaels
* Triple H
* Chyna
* Road Dogg
* Billy Gunn
* Sean Waltman
* Harlem Heat
* Booker T
* Stevie Ray
* Hart Foundation
* Bret Hart
* Jim Neidhart
* The Honky Tonk Man
* Torrie Wilson

| Warrior|

* Sue Aitchison

|

Legacy|

* Bruiser Brody
* Buddy Rose
* Hisashi Shinma
* Jim Barnett
* Joseph Cohen
* Luna Vachon
* Primo Carnera
* Professor Tanaka
* S. D. Jones
* Wahoo McDaniel

2020s

| 2020|

* The Bella Twins
* Nikki Bella
* Brie Bella
* Davey Boy Smith
* John "Bradshaw" Layfield
* Jushin Liger
* New World Order
* Hulk Hogan
* Kevin Nash
* Scott Hall
* Sean Waltman

| Celebrity|

* William Shatner

|

Warrior|

* Titus O'Neil

Legacy|

* Baron Michele Leone
* Brickhouse Brown
* Gary Hart
* Ray Stevens
* Steve Williams

2021|

* Eric Bischoff
* The Great Khali
* Kane
* Molly Holly
* Rob Van Dam

| Celebrity|

* Ozzy Osbourne

|

Warrior|

* Rich Hering

Legacy|

* Buzz Sawyer
* Dick the Bruiser
* Ethel Johnson
* Paul Boesch
* Pez Whatley

2022|

* Sharmell
* Steiner Brothers
* Rick Steiner
* Scott Steiner
* The Undertaker
* Vader

| Warrior|

* Shad Gaspard

|

2023|

* The Great Muta
* Rey Mysterio
* Stacy Keibler

| Celebrity|

* Andy Kaufman

|

Warrior|

* Tim White

2024|

* Bull Nakano
* Paul Heyman
* Thunderbolt Patterson
* Lia Maivia
* U.S. Express
* Barry Windham
* Mike Rotunda

| Celebrity|

* Muhammad Ali

|

2025|

* Triple H
* Michelle McCool
* Lex Luger
* The Natural Disasters
* Earthquake
* Typhoon

| Immortal Moment|

* Bret Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania 13

|

Legacy|

* Kamala
* Dory Funk Sr.
* Ivan Koloff

* Category

* v
* t
* e

WCW World Heavyweight Champions

WCW|

| 1990s|

* Ric Flair
* Lex Luger
* Sting
* Big Van Vader
* Ron Simmons
* Hulk Hogan
* The Giant
* Randy Savage
* Goldberg
* Kevin Nash
* Diamond Dallas Page
* Bret Hart

|

2000s|

* Chris Benoit
* Sid Vicious
* Jeff Jarrett
* David Arquette
* Booker T
* Vince Russo
* Scott Steiner

WWF|

| 2000s|

* Kurt Angle
* The Rock
* Chris Jericho

|

* v
* t
* e

WCW World Tag Team Champions

MACW/JCP
(1975–1988)|

| 1970s|

* Minnesota Wrecking Crew (Gene Anderson and Ole Anderson)
* Paul Jones and Wahoo McDaniel
* Rufus R. Jones and Wahoo McDaniel
* Dino Bravo and Mr. Wrestling
* Greg Valentine and Ric Flair
* Dick Slater and Dusty Rhodes
* Paul Jones and Ricky Steamboat
* Baron von Raschke and Greg Valentine
* Jimmy Snuka and Paul Orndorff
* Baron von Raschke and Paul Jones
* Blackjack Mulligan and Ric Flair
* Jay Youngblood and Ricky Steamboat
* Greg Valentine and Ray Stevens

|

1980s|

* Jimmy Snuka and Ray Stevens
* The Masked Superstar and Paul Jones
* Ivan Koloff and Ray Stevens
* Ole Anderson and Stan Hansen
* Don Kernodle and Sgt. Slaughter
* Jack Brisco and Jerry Brisco
* Bob Orton Jr. and Don Kernodle
* Mark Youngblood and Wahoo McDaniel
* Don Kernodle and Ivan Koloff
* Dusty Rhodes and Manny Fernandez
* The Russians (Ivan Koloff and Nikita Koloff)
* The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson)
* The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton and Dennis Condrey)
* Manny Fernandez and Rick Rude
* Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard
* Barry Windham and Lex Luger
* The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane)
* Road Warriors (Animal and Hawk)

WCW
(1988–2001)|

| 1980s|

* The Varsity Club (Mike Rotunda and Steve Williams)
* Fabulous Freebirds (Jimmy Garvin and Michael Hayes)
* Steiner Brothers (Rick Steiner and Scott Steiner)

|

1990s|

* Doom (Butch Reed and Ron Simmons)
* Enforcers (Arn Anderson and Larry Zbyszko)
* Dustin Rhodes and Ricky Steamboat
* Arn Anderson and Bobby Eaton
* Terry Gordy and Steve Williams
* Barry Windham and Dustin Rhodes
* Ricky Steamboat and Shane Douglas
* Hollywood Blonds (Brian Pillman and Steve Austin)
* Arn Anderson and Paul Roma
* The Nasty Boys (Brian Knobbs and Jerry Sags)
* 2 Cold Scorpio and Marcus Bagwell
* Cactus Jack and Kevin Sullivan
* Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma)
* Stars and Stripes (Marcus Alexander Bagwell and The Patriot)
* Harlem Heat (Booker T and Stevie Ray)
* Bunkhouse Buck and Dick Slater
* American Males (Marcus Bagwell and Scotty Riggs)
* Sting and Lex Luger
* The Public Enemy (Johnny Grunge and Rocco Rock)
* The Outsiders (Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Syxx)
* The Giant and Lex Luger
* Kevin Nash and Sting
* The Giant and Scott Hall
* Kenny Kaos and Rick Steiner
* Barry Windham and Curt Hennig
* Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko
* Filthy Animals (Billy Kidman and Rey Misterio Jr.)
* Perry Saturn and Raven
* Jersey Triad (Bam Bam Bigelow, Diamond Dallas Page and Kanyon)
* Chris Benoit and Perry Saturn
* West Texas Rednecks (Barry Windham and Kendall Windham)
* Filthy Animals (Konnan and Rey Misterio Jr.)
* Filthy Animals (Billy Kidman and Konnan)
* Creative Control/The Harris Brothers (Gerald/Ron Harris and Patrick/Don Harris)
* Bret Hart and Goldberg

2000s|

* Crowbar and David Flair
* Mamalukes (Big Vito and Johnny the Bull)
* Buff Bagwell and Shane Douglas
* KroniK (Brian Adams and Bryan Clark)
* The Perfect Event (Chuck Palumbo and Shawn Stasiak)
* Dark Carnival (The Great Muta and Vampiro)
* Filthy Animals (Juventud Guerrera and Rey Misterio Jr.)
* Mark Jindrak and Sean O'Haire
* Misfits in Action (Corporal Cajun and Lieutenant Loco)
* Boogie Knights (Alex Wright and Disco Inferno)
* The Insiders (Diamond Dallas Page and Kevin Nash)
* Natural Born Thrillers (Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire)

WWF
(2001)|

* Brothers of Destruction (Kane and The Undertaker)
* Booker T and Test
* Hardy Boyz (Jeff Hardy and Matt Hardy)
* Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley)

* v
* t
* e

WWE United States Champions

MACW/JCP
(1975–1988)|

| 1970s|

* Harley Race
* Johnny Valentine
* Terry Funk
* Paul Jones
* Blackjack Mulligan
* Bobo Brazil
* Ric Flair
* Ricky Steamboat
* Mr. Wrestling
* Jimmy Snuka

|

1980s|

* Roddy Piper
* Wahoo McDaniel
* Sgt. Slaughter
* Greg Valentine
* Dick Slater
* Magnum T. A.
* Tully Blanchard
* Nikita Koloff
* Lex Luger
* Dusty Rhodes
* Barry Windham

WCW
(1988–2001)|

| 1980s|

* Michael Hayes

|

1990s|

* Stan Hansen
* Sting
* Rick Rude
* Dustin Rhodes
* Steve Austin
* Jim Duggan
* Big Van Vader
* Kensuke Sasaki
* One Man Gang
* Konnan
* Eddie Guerrero
* Dean Malenko
* Jeff Jarrett
* Steve McMichael
* Curt Hennig
* Diamond Dallas Page
* Raven
* Goldberg
* Bret Hart
* Scott Hall
* Scott Steiner
* David Flair
* Chris Benoit
* Sid Vicious

2000s|

* Lance Storm
* Gen. Hugh G. Rection
* Shane Douglas
* Rick Steiner
* Booker T

WWF/E
(2001, 2003–present)|

| 2000s|

* Chris Kanyon
* Tajiri
* Rhyno
* Kurt Angle
* Edge
* Big Show
* John Cena
* Carlito Caribbean Cool
* Orlando Jordan
* John "Bradshaw" Layfield
* Bobby Lashley
* Finlay
* Mr. Kennedy
* Montel Vontavious Porter
* Matt Hardy
* Shelton Benjamin
* Kofi Kingston
* The Miz

|

2010s|

* R-Truth
* Daniel Bryan
* Sheamus
* Dolph Ziggler
* Zack Ryder
* Jack Swagger
* Santino Marella
* Antonio Cesaro
* Dean Ambrose
* Rusev
* Seth Rollins
* Alberto Del Rio
* Kalisto
* Roman Reigns
* Chris Jericho
* Kevin Owens
* AJ Styles
* Baron Corbin
* Bobby Roode
* Randy Orton
* Jinder Mahal
* Jeff Hardy
* Shinsuke Nakamura
* Samoa Joe
* Rey Mysterio
* Ricochet
* Andrade

2020s|

* Apollo Crews
* Riddle
* Damian Priest
* Finn Bálor
* Austin Theory
* Logan Paul
* LA Knight
* Jacob Fatu (current)

* v
* t
* e

WWE Universal Champions

* Finn Bálor
* Kevin Owens
* Goldberg
* Brock Lesnar
* Roman Reigns
* Seth Rollins
* "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt
* Braun Strowman
* Cody Rhodes (unrecognized)

* v
* t
* e

Grand Slam and Triple Crown champions

Grand Slam
Championship|

| AEW|

* Kenny Omega

|

FCW|

* Seth Rollins
* Richie Steamboat

Stardom|

* Io Shirai
* Mayu Iwatani

IR|

* Tsukasa Fujimoto

TNA|

* Abyss
* A.J. Styles
* Austin Aries
* Eric Young
* Samoa Joe

ROH|

* Christopher Daniels
* Jay Lethal
* Matt Taven

NJPW|

* Jay White
* Hiroshi Tanahashi

WWE|

| Men|

* AJ Styles
* Big Show
* Booker T
* Chris Jericho
* Christian
* Eddie Guerrero
* Daniel Bryan
* Dean Ambrose
* Edge
* Finn Bálor
* Jeff Hardy
* John "Bradshaw" Layfield
* Kane
* Kevin Owens
* Kofi Kingston
* Kurt Angle
* Randy Orton
* Rey Mysterio
* Rob Van Dam
* Roman Reigns
* Seth Rollins
* Shawn Michaels
* The Miz
* Triple H

|

Women|

* Asuka
* Bayley
* Becky Lynch
* Charlotte Flair
* Iyo Sky
* Rhea Ripley
* Sasha Banks

|

Triple Crown
Championship|

| AAA|

* Fénix
* El Mesías

|

AAW|

* ACH
* Jimmy Jacobs
* Michael Elgin
* Penta el 0M

AEW|

* Kenny Omega

CW|

* John Walters
* Brian Black
* Donovan Dijak
* Christian Casanova
* Anthony Greene

CZW|

* Justice Pain
* Ruckus
* Drake Younger
* Drew Gulak
* BLK Jeez

ECW|

* Mikey Whipwreck
* Sabu
* Taz

EPW|

* Marcius Pitt

EVE|

* Nina Samuels

FIP|

* Erick Stevens
* Jon Davis

IR|

* Riho
* Miyako Matsumoto
* Tsukasa Fujimoto
* Maya Yukihi
* Satsuki Totoro

TNA|

| Men|

* Abyss
* A.J. Styles
* Alex Shelley
* Austin Aries
* Chris Sabin
* Eric Young
* Eddie Edwards
* Josh Alexander
* Kurt Angle
* Samoa Joe

|

Women|

* Jordynne Grace

|

ICW|

* B. T. Gunn

LU|

* Fénix
* Johnny Mundo

MCW|

* Jonah Rock
* Adam Brooks

NJPW|

* Tetsuya Naito
* Evil
* Kota Ibushi
* Hiroshi Tanahashi
* Jay White

NWA|

| Men|

* Jax Dane
* Thom Latimer
* Trevor Murdoch

|

Women|

* Kenzie Paige

|

OPW|

* Tigers Mask

OVW|

* Brent Albright
* CM Punk
* Idol Stevens
* Cody Runnels
* Mike Mondo
* Rob Terry
* Cliff Compton
* Jamin Olivencia
* Flash Flanagan
* Elijah Burke
* Jay Bradley

Progress|

* Big Damo

RevPro|

* Luke Jacobs
* Marty Scurll
* Michael Oku
* Will Ospreay

ROH|

* Eddie Edwards
* Roderick Strong
* Jay Lethal
* Christopher Daniels
* Matt Taven
* Jonathan Gresham
* Samoa Joe
* Adam Cole

Oz|

* Akino
* Kaori Yoneyama
* Mayumi Ozaki

Sendai|

* Millie McKenzie

TJPW|

* Rika Tatsumi
* Miu Watanabe

wXw|

* Axel Tischer
* Ilja Dragunov
* John Klinger
* Absolute Andy
* Marius Al-Ani
* Robert Dreissker
* Laurance Roman

WCW|

* Ric Flair
* Lex Luger
* Sting
* Diamond Dallas Page
* Goldberg
* Bret Hart
* Chris Benoit
* Scott Steiner
* Booker T

WWE|

| Men|

* Pedro Morales
* Bret Hart
* Diesel
* Shawn Michaels
* Stone Cold Steve Austin
* The Rock
* Triple H
* Kane
* Chris Jericho
* Kurt Angle
* Eddie Guerrero
* Chris Benoit
* Ric Flair
* Edge
* Rob Van Dam
* Booker T
* Randy Orton
* Jeff Hardy
* CM Punk
* John "Bradshaw" Layfield
* Rey Mysterio
* Dolph Ziggler
* Christian
* Big Show
* The Miz
* Daniel Bryan
* Dean Ambrose
* Roman Reigns
* Seth Rollins
* Kofi Kingston
* Braun Strowman
* Drew McIntyre
* AJ Styles
* Big E
* Cody Rhodes
* Jey Uso

|

Women|

* Bayley
* Alexa Bliss
* Asuka
* Sasha Banks
* Charlotte Flair
* Becky Lynch
* Rhea Ripley
* Ronda Rousey
* Bianca Belair
* Iyo Sky

|

Tag Teams|

* The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder)
* Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford)
* The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods)

|

NXT|

* Johnny Gargano
* Adam Cole

|

NXT UK|

* Tyler Bate

|

* v
* t
* e

World Heavyweight Champions

2000s|

* Triple H
* Shawn Michaels
* Goldberg
* Chris Benoit
* Randy Orton
* Batista
* Kurt Angle
* Rey Mysterio
* King Booker
* The Undertaker
* Edge
* The Great Khali
* CM Punk
* Chris Jericho
* John Cena
* Jeff Hardy

2010s|

* Jack Swagger
* Kane
* Dolph Ziggler
* Christian
* Mark Henry
* Big Show
* Daniel Bryan
* Sheamus
* Alberto Del Rio

* v
* t
* e

Los Angeles Rams 1990 NFL draft selections

* Bern Brostek
* Pat Terrell
* Latin Berry
* Tim Stallworth
* Kent Elmore
* Ray Savage
* Elbert Crawford
* Tony Lomack
* Steve Bates
* Bill Goldberg
* David Lang

* v
* t
* e

Sacramento Surge

* Founded in 1991
* Folded in 1992
* Based in Sacramento, California

Franchise|

* Franchise

Stadiums|

* Hughes Stadium
* Hornet Stadium

Important figures|

* David Archer
* Ben Bennett
* Eddie Brown
* Bill Goldberg
* Mike Jones
* Mike Pringle
* Michael Sinclair

Key personnel|

* Owner: Fred Anderson
* General Manager: Michael F. Keller
* Head Coach: Kay Stephenson
* Defensive Coordinator: Charlie Sumner (1991)
* Jim Haslett (1992)

World Bowl appearances (1)|

* 1992

League championships (1)|

* World Bowl II: Sacramento 21, Orlando Thunder 17 (at Montreal)

WLAF seasons (2)|

* 1991
* 1992

See also|

* Sacramento Gold Miners

Authority control databases

International|

* ISNI
* VIAF
* FAST
* WorldCat

National|

* Germany
* United States
* France
* BnF data
* Czech Republic
* Poland
* Israel

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