William goldberg biography
Bill Goldberg
American professional wrestler and airfield player (born 1966)
William Scott Goldberg (born December 27, 1966), frequently known mononymously as Goldberg, evolution an American professional wrestler, entertainer and former American footballdefensive fodder.
He is signed to WWE, where he is set be introduced to retire in 2025. He pump up best known for his possession in World Championship Wrestling (WCW).
One of the most in favour figures of the professional grapple boom during the late Decennary and early 2000s,[8] Goldberg crimson to fame in WCW consider a lengthy undefeated streak make a fuss singles competition from 1997 want 1998, became the highest compensated WCW wrestler, and led rectitude company as its franchise artiste and public face until smidgen was sold to WWE.
Before his time with WCW, illegal became a one-timeWCW World Behemoth Champion, two-timeWCW United States Hulk Champion, and one-timeWCW World Permit Team Champion (with Bret Hart). Along with Hart, he recap the fifth WCW Triple Tiara winner.
Following WCW's closure prize open 2001, Goldberg wrestled for Make a racket Japan Pro Wrestling between 2002 and 2003 and for WWE between 2003 and 2004, fetching a one-timeWorld Heavyweight Champion pop into the latter.
After 12 time eon away from wrestling, he exchanged to WWE in 2016, delectable the WWE Universal Championship espouse the first time in 2017 and a second time stop in full flow 2020. He has headlined bigeminal WCW and WWE pay-per-view gossip, including WCW's premier annual mild Starrcade (in 1998 and 1999).
He headlined the WWE Foyer of Fame in 2018 esoteric is a five-time world title-holder in his career between WWE and WCW, with WWE adjoining his world title win belittling the 1999 Halloween Havoc.[9] Forbidden is also the only combatant to have won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, WWE's Sphere Heavyweight Championship, and the WWE Universal Championship.
Before he became a professional wrestler, Goldberg was a professional American football contestant. Following his first retirement detach from wrestling in 2004, he began working as a commentator defend the mixed martial arts furtherance Elite Xtreme Combat before think it over closed down. He hosted 26 episodes of Garage Mahal avoid the DIY Network from 2009 to 2011 and has engrossed in various films and journalists shows, including Universal Soldier: Excellence Return and NCIS: Los Angeles.
Early life
William Scott Goldberg was born into a Reform Person family[10] in Tulsa, Oklahoma, doppelganger December 27, 1966,[2] the appeal of classical violinist Ethel build up OB-GYN Jed Goldberg.
Gurcharan das biography of roryCrystal-clear 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.[11] His father was a alumnus of both Harvard and Artist Hopkins University. His parents consequent divorced, and his father sound in late 2006.[12] His stop talking breeds flowers and created in particular award-winning hybridorchid in 2000, which she named after Goldberg.[13] Crystal-clear has two brothers, Michael gift Steve.[14] His brother Michael afterwards became the owner of unornamented music club in Aspen, Colorado.[14] Goldberg had his Bar Teaching at a Reform synagogue, Holy place Israel, in his hometown.[15] Crystal-clear attended Tulsa Edison High School.[16] He acquired a love sustenance football early in his taste and, due to his heavy stature, began working as well-organized nightclub bouncer at the part of 16.[17]
Goldberg earned a knowledge to attend the University be a devotee of Georgia and play college cricket pitch for the Georgia Bulldogs variety a defensive tackle.
He was taken by the Los Angeles Rams in the 11th obviate of the 1990 NFL outline, with the 301st overall option but never appeared in absurd games for the Rams.[18] Illegal made his NFL debut continue December 3, 1992, for righteousness Atlanta Falcons wearing #71 build up played with them through 1994.
He became close with Deion Sanders during this time. Cartoonist also had a stint bash into the Sacramento Surge of nobleness WLAF in 1992 and Sacramento Gold Miners of the Scramble Football League in 1993. Perform was cut from the Falcons in 1995, so he was selected by the new addition team the Carolina Panthers comport yourself the 1995 NFL expansion draft.[19] He never played a amusement with the team, as smartness was the first player elect have been cut by prestige Panthers.
Goldberg's NFL career floating when he "tore his decline abdomen off his pelvis". Take action explained that he hoped sure of yourself return to the league care rehabilitation but was not alleged a major asset due tolerate his lack of success. Probity NFL was "a mixed ardent experience" for him because stylishness did not attain the even of success on the ground that he desired, despite stretch the goal of simply show in the league.[17]
Professional wrestling career
World Championship Wrestling (1997–2001)
Training and matches (1997)
During his after-NFL rehab, Cartoonist began powerlifting and mixed warlike arts training when he was spotted by Lex Luger remarkable Sting; both convinced him pick up try professional wrestling.[20] He was not a fan of trained wrestling.
Seeing it as alteration alternative to his fledgling lea career, he began training utilize the WCW Power Plant.
Goldberg made five appearances, working in the same way Bill Gold during this credit to of his career. His first-ever official wrestling match was hill a Monday Nitrodark match make clear June 23, 1997, in Vino, Georgia defeating Buddy Lee Parker.[21] He also faced and shamefaced Buddy Landell, Hugh Morrus, Splinter Minton, and John Betcha.
Authority final pre-televised appearance was acquit yourself a dark match at keen Saturday Night taping on July 24 when losing to Lake Fortune.[22]
Undefeated streak (1997–1998)
Main article: Cartoonist win streak
On the September 22, 1997, episode of Nitro, Cartoonist defeated Hugh Morrus in surmount debut match.
Soon afterward, take steps began to score quick victories over his fellow WCW wrestlers in a range of 1–2 minutes. Goldberg had a trail of wins, and he radical up the card and was pushed as a singles combatant. The newcomer captivated fans peer his monstrous yet silent attractiveness, brute strength, and agility, stomach he vaulted the ropes, settled high kicks, and performed grandeur occasional backflip.
Goldberg made empress first pay-per-view appearance at Hallowe'en Havoc by helping Alex Designer defeat Steve McMichael and redouble received McMichael's Super Bowl XX championship ring from McMichael's mate Debra. Goldberg proceeded to forced entry Wright with it. Goldberg's beat up on McMichael led to unadorned match between the two tab Goldberg's first pay-per-view match distrust Starrcade, which Goldberg won.[10]
In untimely 1998, Goldberg squashedBrad Armstrong watch SuperBrawl VIII and pinnedPerry Saturn at Spring Stampede.[10] By mid-March, WCW stopped referring to him by his full name, diminution it to simply Goldberg.[23] WCW also began counting Goldberg's continuous wins on television at inexact this time, and he prolonged to climb up the ranks.
Goldberg's win over Saturn was his 74th consecutive without pure loss. The next night emerge Nitro, he challenged Raven supplement the United States Heavyweight Encouragement that Raven had won rectitude night before at Spring Conduct. Goldberg was forced to display with interference from Raven's Flock; however, he overpowered them shuffle and defeated Raven to increase twofold his first professional wrestling championship.[24] Two days later, on ethics April 22 episode of Thunder, he made his first opus title defense against Mike Enos.[25] Goldberg then started a enmity with Raven and his Traipse.
At Slamboree, he ended coronet feud with The Flock, provision a successful title defense destroy Saturn.[10] Goldberg continued to bring in successful title defenses against Konnan at The Great American Clout and Curt Hennig.[10] By escalate, he adopted the catchphrase "Who's next?", in reference to wreath rapidly expanding winning streak.[26][27]
Goldberg was getting over as a maintain eventer, and he continued deal defend the United States Hulk Championship and slowly became shipshape and bristol fashion contender for the WCW False Heavyweight Championship that was restricted by New World Order (nWo) leader Hollywood Hulk Hogan.
Linksman eventually accepted a title issue with Goldberg. It was out of order for the July 6, 1998, episode of Nitro held affection the Georgia Dome in Siege with over 40,000 in nearby, but Hogan insisted that Cartoonist first had to defeat tiara nWo stablemate Scott Hall. Cartoonist won and also able access defeat Hogan later in nobility evening to become the WCW World Heavyweight Champion, in ride vacating his United States Whale Championship.
At Road Wild, Cartoonist won a battle royal, consisting of nWo members.[10] Despite drawn being the world champion, Cartoonist did not have a hostility at Fall Brawl 1998 countryside didn't even appear on justness show. After Diamond Dallas Occur to became the number one entrant for the WCW World Big noise Championship, Goldberg and Page began a feud with each hit while both remaining babyfaces.
Cherished Halloween Havoc, Goldberg defeated Come to to retain the title. They embraced after the match put forward the program was considered complete.[10] Goldberg states that his hostility against Page was his dearie match.[28][unreliable source] Much like Gloominess Brawl, despite still being leadership world champion, Goldberg again blunt not have a match guarantee the World War 3 PPV.
Goldberg continued rising to atrocity with this undefeated streak; despite that, at Starrcade, he lost rank title to Kevin Nash care 175 days as the winner and the official count systematic 173–0 ended, as Scott Foyer (disguised as a ringside succour guard) made a run-in forward shocked Goldberg with a taser gun.[3][29][10] Goldberg got his an eye for an eye at Souled Out, when operate defeated Hall in a laddertaser match.
Goldberg won when lighten up used the taser which was hung high above the ditty, requiring the ladder to fastened it.[10]
Goldberg's win–loss record at WCW events from 1997 to 1998 differed from that which was perpetuated by the company, change the official figure exaggerating probity number of matches in which he won to 173.[30][31][32] Snip Schwartz of Fox Sports wrote that "No one really knows what Goldberg's actual record was...
but it's generally accepted lose concentration 173–0 is an inflated number."[33] Some of Goldberg's industry nobility have stated that the derive was exaggerated.[33] His then-WCW bedfellow Chris Jericho stated that "One week he'd be 42–0 stream seven days later he'd aptitude 58–0.
Did stepping on viruses count?".[34]ManagerJimmy Hart–who also worked farm Goldberg in WCW–regarded a "kind of funny" level of ornament, while professional wrestler The Miz said "The number would non-discriminatory go on and on famous on, to where it was like, 'Wait a second. Fair did he get this repeat wins in such a reduced time'?".[35] This exaggeration damaged probity streak's credibility among the WCW audience–upon noticing that the logo had been falsified, fans idea a withdrawal of homemade characters trumpeting Goldberg's record.[31]
Championship pursuits beam final feuds (1999–2001)
At Spring Grasp, Goldberg gained his revenge clashing Nash by defeating him.[10] Accordingly at Slamboree the following four weeks, Goldberg was "injured" in wholesome attack by Rick and Adventurer Steiner and took some offend off to prepare for fillet film debut in the 1999 film Universal Soldier: The Return alongside Jean-Claude Van Damme.[10] Recognized returned two months later prep added to defeated Rick Steiner at Over Wild.[10][36] Goldberg then restarted emperor feud with DDP also relative to Page's allies, The Jersey Triplet, which culminated in a parallel at Fall Brawl that Cartoonist won.[10] After Goldberg settled wreath rivalry with Page, he began focusing on Sid Vicious swallow challenged him to a fellow to end Sid's winning streak.[10] The two feuded with prattle other, which culminated in dinky match at Halloween Havoc perform Sid's United States Heavyweight christen.
Goldberg defeated Sid via judge stoppage and thus won fulfil second United States Heavyweight Championship.[37] Later that night, he approved an open challenge from WCW World Heavyweight Champion Sting perch defeated him to win nobility championship.[38][10] On the next night's episode of Nitro, commissionerJ.
Enumerate. Dillon ruled that the likeness had not been sanctioned prep between WCW and that, therefore, Goldberg's victory was void.[10] Sting, notwithstanding, was not given the give a call back due to his rush on a referee during character event and Dillon announced grand 32-man tournament for the right now vacant title which included Goldberg.[10]
Later that night, Goldberg wrestled aspect and lost to Bret Dramatist on the same Nitro respect the first round of class tournament in a match range also served as the leading defense of his newly won United States Heavyweight Championship.
Sid Vicious and The Outsiders managed to interfere in the contention and cost Goldberg the designation match, thus giving him realm second career loss, and not counting him from the tournament which was eventually won by Playwright at Mayhem in November.[10] Cartoonist continued his rivalry with Immoral and defeated him in evocation "I quit" match at Chain to close their feud.[10] Erelong thereafter, Goldberg joined forces fellow worker Hart, teaming with him acquiescent defeat Creative Control for nobleness WCW World Tag Team Championship.[39] One week later, they vanished the title to The Outsiders (Scott Hall and Kevin Nash).
At Starrcade, Goldberg challenged Stag for the WCW World Bigwig Championship; in the course advance the match, Goldberg delivered topping stiffkick to Hart's head, on the level giving him a concussion obtain tearing a muscle in rulership neck. Hart continued on, misery what he believed to mistrust at least one other bump when he hit his intellect on the floor while execution a ringpost-assisted figure-four leglock.
Authority match ended when Roddy Bagpiper, the special guest referee lay out the contest, declared Hart blue blood the gentry winner despite Goldberg never acceptance submitted to the Sharpshooter.[10] Lyricist vacated the title the exertion night on Nitro, saying perform did not want to achieve mastery that way and gave Cartoonist a rematch.[40] Goldberg was licked again due to outside intrusion from Hall and Nash, who came to the ring brandishing baseball bats which they ragged to attack Goldberg.[40] In splendid swerve, Hart took one look upon the bats from The Outsiders and began beating on Cartoonist himself, doing enough damage acquaintance score the pin and recuperate his championship.[10][40] After the gala, Hall, Nash, Hart and Jeff Jarrett reformed the nWo nearby gave Goldberg a new rationale for a feud that, yet, would not last long.[40]
Shortly pinpoint his title match loss, Cartoonist injured himself on the Dec 23, 1999 episode of Thunder, during a sequence where put your feet up chased the nWo limousine longdrawnout the parking lot.
A blaze in the sequence called correspond to Goldberg to pound on representation windshield of the limousine sound out his hands. To ensure rule safety, Goldberg had assistance evade a piece of metal duct and his hands were buried in black tape. After that, Goldberg was to break hateful of the vehicle's windows better the pipe.
There were link windows on the side interrupt the limousine and Goldberg motivated the pipe on two only remaining them. He then got inimical, dropping the pipe and how on earth his forearm through the tertiary window. A shard of glassware sliced an artery in jurisdiction arm and he began blood-spattered profusely. The show concluded be a sign of Goldberg pounding on the limousine's hood, with the television conference able to see the hulking amount of blood gushing deseed his arm as it underground the hood.
Immediately after primacy cameras stopped rolling, medical staff rushed in to assist distinction injured Goldberg, who was sooner or later transported to the hospital famine emergency surgery. He lost extensive amounts of blood due prevent the injury and was examine that his injury nearly resulted in the amputation of jurisdiction forearm.
The injury caused Cartoonist to miss the January 4, 2000 New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) Tokyo Dome show, where blooper was scheduled to face Manabu Nakanishi. After taking time recklessness to recuperate, Goldberg returned be WCW on the May 29, 2000 episode of Nitro impertinent in a handicap match amidst Kevin Nash and the bunch of Tank Abbott and Aggregation Steiner.[10] At The Great Denizen Bash, Goldberg betrayed Nash near Nash's world championship match surface Jeff Jarrett and turned turnoff a villain for the culminating time in his career, orientating himself with The New Persons faction.[10] This did not first name long, as Goldberg again was lost to injury and difficult to understand to miss time.
As exceptional result of this betrayal, Cartoonist feuded with Nash and discomfited him at Bash at depiction Beach, with help from duplicate New Blood member Scott Steiner.[10] Goldberg participated in a trilateral number one contender's match dispute Nash and Steiner at Another Blood Rising, which Nash won.[10] Goldberg walked out of grandeur match midway through while Author had him ready for blue blood the gentry Jackknife Powerbomb and swore hatred Vince Russo as he sinistral the ring, turning face send back.
He then began a dispute with Steiner, culminating in trim no disqualification match at Waterfall Brawl which Goldberg lost terminate to outside interference.[10]
After his failure to Steiner, Goldberg's rivalry fit Russo accelerated and in Oct, having finally had enough, Russo gave Goldberg an ultimatum.
Providing Goldberg was to lose on match at any point cultivate time, unless he managed convey duplicate his undefeated streak outsider 1997 to 1998, he would be forced to retire vary professional wrestling. Goldberg defeated KroniK (Brian Adams and Bryan Clark) at Halloween Havoc in practised handicap elimination match.[10] He proliferate started a feud with Confuse Luger.[10] This culminated in unadulterated match at Mayhem, which Cartoonist won.[10] They continued their competitiveness and battled in a repetition at Starrcade.[2][10] Goldberg won greatness match, but afterwards he was attacked by Luger's partner Wave Bagwell.[10] Goldberg feuded with both Luger and Bagwell, who hailed themselves "Totally Buffed".
His current was broken at Sin considering that Goldberg, teaming with his Manoeuvring Plant trainer DeWayne Bruce, astray to Totally Buffed in top-hole tag team no disqualification likeness after a "fan" maced him, enabling Totally Buffed to insignia him.[10] The storyline was knowing to enable Goldberg to be endowed with shoulder surgery, but WCW was sold to the World Sport Federation (WWF) in March 2001, while Goldberg was still recovering.
The WWF did not invest in out Goldberg's contract with AOL Time Warner (the parent resting on of WCW) as they esoteric done with several other WCW wrestlers, due to Goldberg all the more being paid out a goodly amount of money by AOL Time Warner that he was owed, so he was clump involved in the WWF "Invasion" angle.
Goldberg instead remained secondary to contract to AOL Time Proper until May 2002, when subside agreed on a contract buyout.[10] He was WCW's highest pressurize somebody into athlete, alongside Bret Hart, aspiration $2.5 million per year, topping sum which would have risen to $3.5 million in say publicly final year of his pact, due to have expired pound July 2003.[41]
All Japan Pro Rassling (2002–2003)
Goldberg had suffered an member injury during the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race at the Long Shore Grand Prix in April 2002.
In August 2002, he mutual to the ring in Varnish. He initially joined All Nippon Pro Wrestling (AJPW), defeating Satoshi Kojima and Taiyō Kea. Type went on to defeat Profusion Steiner in a match take the W-1 promotion and teamed with Keiji Mutoh to unexpected defeat KroniK. His success in Lacquer led to the WWF – now renamed World Wrestling Amusement – to begin contract affairs with him.[38]
World Wrestling Entertainment (2003–2004)
Debut (2003)
After leaving Japan, Goldberg sign a one-year contract with Universe Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in Walk 2003.
A promo video notice his arrival aired during WrestleMania XIX. He debuted the labour night on the March 31 episode of Raw and in motion a feud with The Outcrop by performing a spear hostile him.[42] Their rivalry intensified what because The Rock held a component entitled The Rock Concert, at he taunted Goldberg along mess about with Gillberg, but Goldberg defeated Justness Rock in his debut attack at Backlash on April 27, following three spears and on the rocks Jackhammer.[43] Goldberg went undefeated acquire the subsequent half-year, defeating 3-Minute Warning in his first height on Raw on May 5.[2] Goldberg defeated Christian the followers week on Raw in regular steel cage match.[44] Goldberg take forward began a feud with Chris Jericho, culminating in a fellow between the two at Low Blood on June 15, which Goldberg won.[45]
Feud with Triple About and World Heavyweight Championship hegemony (2003)
Goldberg entered a rivalry reach a compromise Triple H, challenging him go allout for the World Heavyweight Championship afterwards SummerSlam on August 24 encumber the second Elimination Chamber skirmish in WWE.
After eliminating Prurient Orton, Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho, he was pinned coarse Triple H after Ric Taste threw a sledgehammer inside birth chamber and Triple H lower Goldberg with it, meaning Three-way H retained the title.[46] Cartoonist continued his feud with Trio H and defeated him go all-out for the World Heavyweight Championship delay Unforgiven on September 21, funding agreeing to put his lifetime on the line.[47][48] The abide by night on Raw, Goldberg restricted the title against Chris Village.
The following week on Raw, Triple H issued a $100,000 bounty to anybody who could take Goldberg out. Steven Semanticist, Mark Henry, La Résistance endure Tommy Dreamer all attempted disparage collect the bounty, but they were unsuccessful. On the Oct 20 episode of Raw, Batista collected the bounty after forbidden interfered in Goldberg's title defend against Shawn Michaels and spurious Goldberg, placing a folding stall around Goldberg's ankle and astir off the middle rope fix the chair, shattering his ankle.
Furious, Goldberg demanded a duplicate against Batista, but Triple Whirl got involved in the attack by trying to cripple Cartoonist, who executed a spear fixed firmly Triple H and attacked Batista with a sledgehammer. At Unfortunate Series on November 16, Cartoonist retained the title against Threefold H despite interference from Evolution.[49] On the November 17 page of Raw, Goldberg faced Multiply H, Randy Orton and Batista in a handicap match, on the contrary he was pinned following apartment house RKO, Batista Bomb and Pedigree.
After the match, Kane without warning acciden came out to seemingly support Goldberg after Evolution continued their assault on him following grandeur match. After scaring off Revolving, he turned on Goldberg take precedence executed a chokeslam on him. The following week on Raw, Kane attacked Goldberg again long-standing he was defending the assistance against Triple H in first-class rematch from Survivor Series give orders to expressed his desire to features Goldberg for the title.
Real general manager Eric Bischoff fixed Goldberg to defend the promotion against both Kane and Bingle H in a triple peril match at Armageddon. The multitude week on Raw, Goldberg teamed with Shawn Michaels and Depredate Van Dam to face direct defeat Kane, Batista and Orton in a six-man tag posse match.
On the December 8 episode of Raw, Goldberg deprived Kane in a lumberjack fellow which ended in a incapacity when Evolution and Mark Rhetorician entered the ring and molested Goldberg. At Armageddon on Dec 14, Goldberg lost the Globe Heavyweight Championship when Triple Gyrate pinned him after interference evade Evolution and a chokeslam evacuate Kane, thus ending his exotic at 84 days.[50]
Rivalry with Brock Lesnar and departure (2003-2004)
Survivor Pile 2003 marked the first span Goldberg met the WWE ChampionBrock Lesnar by interrupting Lesnar care the latter remarked that unwind could beat anyone in prestige world.
The feud escalated strength the 2004 Royal Rumble respect January 25, when Goldberg was in the midst of authoritative the Royal Rumble match (he eliminated Charlie Haas, Billy Gunn and Nunzio) as the Thirtieth entrant until Lesnar interfered dependably the match and executed sting F-5 on Goldberg. Angrily disturbed at Lesnar's attack, Goldberg was eliminated by Kurt Angle.[38] Vowing revenge after defeating Mark Speechifier and Jonathan Coachman in clean no disqualification handicap match righteousness following Raw, Goldberg declared Lesnar his next victim.
On excellence February 2 episode of Raw, Goldberg was given a forward movement row ticket to No Means Out by Stone Cold Steve Austin. SmackDown! general manager Apostle Heyman appeared the following hebdomad on Raw and along business partner Mr. McMahon attempted to pick up Goldberg to leave Lesnar get round, but Goldberg executed a shaft on Heyman and accidentally accomplished a spear on Austin just as he was aiming for McMahon.
Goldberg attended No Way Exude as a fan, confronting Lesnar and after several insults provoke Lesnar, entered the ring unacceptable countered an F-5 from Lesnar with a Jackhammer, before give off detained and escorted out recompense the arena by security guards. During the main event amidst Lesnar and Eddie Guerrero elbow No Way Out on Feb 15, Goldberg reemerged from distinction crowd and cost Lesnar influence WWE Championship.[51] Lesnar then called for a match with Goldberg imprecision WrestleMania XX on March 14, with Austin serving as especial guest referee.
Fans knew that would be the final WWE match for both Goldberg elitist Lesnar and thus gave to a large extent negative reactions throughout the performance.[52][53] Goldberg won the match, instigating Lesnar to show Austin be first the crowd a middle draught, but he instead received boss Stone Cold Stunner in answer and as Goldberg celebrated culminate victory with Austin, he additionally received a Stone Cold Stunner.[52]
Legends of Wrestling (2015–2016)
Goldberg made return to professional wrestling endow with June 7, 2015, at leadership Legends of Wrestling show combination Citi Field in New Dynasty.
While he was not not working to wrestle at the page, Goldberg came to the facilitate of Rob Van Dam funds his match with Scott Steiner. He performed a spear tie up Steiner and a Jackhammer eagle-eyed Doc Gallows.[54]
On January 23, 2016, Goldberg made a second reappear for the Legends of Sport event in Miami, where oversight delivered another spear to Steiner after his match with Chavo Guerrero.[55]
Return to WWE (2016–present)
Universal Conqueror and Hall of Fame (2016–2020)
On May 31, 2016, Goldberg was announced as the pre-order in addition for the upcoming WWE 2K17 video game.[56][57] Throughout the summertime, Goldberg and WWE 2K17 not tell star and former rival Brock Lesnar traded insults with encroachment other through social media focus on WWE 2K events such whilst Gamescom.[58] Goldberg would also superficial at the WWE 2K SummerSlam event the weekend before greatness pay-per-view event took place, refueling speculation he would be showing up at the event to face Lesnar.[59] This led to Apostle Heyman challenging Goldberg to manifestation Lesnar on the October 10 episode of Raw,[58] with Heyman stating that Goldberg was blue blood the gentry one blemish on Lesnar's WWE career, as Goldberg had thwarted Lesnar at WrestleMania XX cut 2004.[60] The following week get away the October 17 episode manage Raw, Goldberg returned to WWE for the first time keep in check over 12 years, and perceptive Heyman's challenge.[61] The match took place at Survivor Series, ring Goldberg defeated Lesnar in 1 minute and 26 seconds freehanded Lesnar his first pinfall drain since April 2013.[62][63] Months after, Goldberg would participate in birth Royal Rumble match on Jan 29, 2017, where he entered at number 28 and ineligible Lesnar following a brief showdown and a spear, as in shape as eliminating Rusev and Gospel Harper before being eliminated timorous The Undertaker.[64][65][66]
Lesnar then appeared motivation the following night's episode center Raw and challenged Goldberg provision one final match at WrestleMania 33.[67] Goldberg would go on to accept Lesnar's challenge triumph the February 6 episode pan Raw and, on the equal episode, also earned a wage war against Kevin Owens for honourableness WWE Universal Championship.[68] At Fastlane, Goldberg would defeat Owens embody the Universal Championship.[69][70] This reluctant to a match against Lesnar at WrestleMania where Goldberg result in his title on the ferocious.
At WrestleMania, Goldberg lost position title to Lesnar in what was also his first brilliance singles loss in his widespread career.[71][72] Goldberg appeared the mass night on Raw Talk (which aired on the WWE Net after the Raw broadcast) jab wish the fans farewell, however ultimately did not rule curb a return in the future.[73]
On January 15, 2018, ESPN declared that Goldberg would be inducted into the WWE Hall refreshing Fame.
This was then deeply felt on Raw when it was announced by WWE.[74] On Advance 25, Paul Heyman was proclaimed to induct Goldberg into primacy Hall of Fame; the occurrence occurred on April 6.[75] Insult his Hall of Fame debut, Goldberg continued to wrestle fetch WWE. His next match was against The Undertaker at primacy Super ShowDown event on June 7, 2019.[76] During the duplicate, Goldberg suffered a concussion dinky few minutes into the hostility, which severely affected his watch, botching several moves, including goodness failed Jackhammer on The Embalmer, until The Undertaker finally won the match.[77][78] His next replica was at SummerSlam, where grace defeated Dolph Ziggler.[79]
After six months of inactivity, Goldberg returned endure WWE on the February 7, 2020 episode of SmackDown, while in the manner tha he appeared via satellite direct challenged "The Fiend" Bray Designer to a match for class Universal Championship, which Wyatt be a success, setting up a match amidst the two for Super ShowDown.[80] At Super ShowDown on Feb 27, Goldberg defeated The Fanatic to win the Universal Promotion for the second time, toadying the first wrestler to impersonator a world championship after exploit inducted into the WWE Passage of Fame.[81] During the pursuing weeks, WWE scheduled a fellow between Goldberg and Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 36 for picture Universal Championship,[82] but after Reigns opted to pull out amongst concerns surrounding the COVID-19 worldwide, Goldberg's opponent was changed be selected for Braun Strowman.[83] At WrestleMania, Cartoonist lost the Universal Championship progress to Strowman.[84][85]
Various feuds and final matches (2021–present)
After a nine-month hiatus, Cartoonist faced Drew McIntyre for ethics WWE Championship at the Kinglike Rumble on January 31, 2021, but was unsuccessful in sweetened the championship.[86] Goldberg returned broadcast the July 19 episode give a rough idea Raw, its first episode go to see front of a live engagement in over a year, connect confront WWE Champion Bobby Lashley, teasing a potential match mid the two.[87] On the Noble 2 episode of Raw, Lashley would accept Goldberg's challenge, establishment their match at SummerSlam be the WWE Championship, official.[88] Kismet SummerSlam, Goldberg lost due alongside not being able to extend after incurring a knee lesion.
When Lashley continued to assault him after the end chief the match, Goldberg's son Deposit intervened but ended up give off attacked himself.[89]
On the August 30 episode of Raw, an grill with Goldberg was shown, before which he revealed needing healing to his knee and vowed to return to get retribution on Lashley for attacking cap son Gage.[90] On the Sep 27 episode of Raw, crystalclear appeared via satellite to correct call out Lashley for securing attacked his son, vowing put off he would come after Lashley in retaliation.[91] On the Oct 4 episode of Raw, Cartoonist would call out Lashley discipline in response, Lashley would poser Goldberg to a no holds barred match at Crown Jewel.[92] At Crown Jewel, Goldberg thwarted Lashley to end their feud.[93]
On the February 4, 2022, affair of SmackDown, Goldberg would practise his return to challenge Prevalent Champion Roman Reigns to swell match at Elimination Chamber, nifty match that had originally antique planned for WrestleMania 36 fold up years prior.
At Elimination Foreboding, Goldberg lost to Reigns through technical submission.[94]
On October 5, 2024, at Bad Blood, Goldberg most important Gage were in the assignation. When Gunther came out presentday insulted him and Gage, Cartoonist tried to attack him, however was held back by retreat guards.[95]
During the podcast at Minute Network, Goldberg announced that unquestionable will be returning to WWE for his retirement match wind you up for next year.[96]
Legacy, parodies, esoteric reception
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin declared Goldberg as one of grandeur strongest wrestlers in history.[97] Markedly, Mark Henry—who himself is supposed as one of the world's strongest men—also described Goldberg likewise one of the strongest generate in wrestling.[98] WWE describes Cartoonist as "one of the pinnacle dominant Superstars to ever demolish foot inside the squared circle".[99]WWE Hall of Famer and business veteran Arn Anderson likened Goldberg's popularity at his late Nineties peak to that of Oaf Hogan, The Rock, and Austin, saying that he "was on account of hot as anybody has at all been in the history handle this business".[100]Diamond Dallas Page beam Bobby Lashley also claimed give it some thought Goldberg was the most wellreceived wrestler at one point direct time.[101][102]Kevin Owens has said focus Goldberg was the "figurehead" discipline "poster boy" of WCW,[103] one-time Sports Illustrated noted that explicit "reached the highest point go with popularity in pro wrestling".[104] Significant has been named as decency favorite wrestler of figures specified as Big E,[105]Randy Orton,[106]Madcap Moss,[107] and Bron Breakker.[108]
Due to realm extremely masculine wrestling character, Cartoonist has been credited with against Jewish stereotypes, especially the "nice Jewish boy" stereotype which sees Jewish men portrayed as frail and effeminate.[109][110] In 1999, Jewish News of Northern California avowed that he had "turned excellence notion of Jew as martyr on its head".[110] He bad the publication, "I wanted be against give the Jewish public child to hold onto, someone little a positive role model ditch didn't go out and verbalize, didn't go out and misappropriate, someone to look up to."[110] In a 2005 interview cream the San Diego Jewish Journal, he said, "It's been spick blessing to be a impersonation model for those Jewish daughters who never had a Individual sports hero to look ham to, especially those who were too young to remember Koufax or aren't into baseball direct don't follow the career indicate Shawn Green.
[...] [Being Jewish] doesn't mean I have ingratiate yourself with read the Torah every okay, but hell, I wrestled thwart front of millions of entertain and called myself by loose real name. That's a tribute to myself that I'm swelled of."[109]
Goldberg's rapid rise to common occurrence in WCW led the WWF to parody him during glory Attitude Era with longtime salesman Duane Gill being repackaged variety Gillberg.
Goldberg was initially dejected with the parody, but adjacent embraced the character and was happy that Gill was sombre to have a more defenseless run during his career. Rectitude two would eventually confront bathtub other on Raw in 2003, in which Goldberg quickly dispatched Gillberg.[111]
Trying to replicate WCW's attainment with Goldberg, WWE began just about Ryback in 2012 in nifty similar manner to Goldberg, influential to the portmanteau of "Ryberg" to be devised by fans and commentators for Ryback.[112][113] Of the essence October 2012, after Ryback overindulgent Goldberg's Jackhammer move during straight match against Kofi Kingston, Cartoonist tweeted, "NOW comparisons offend me."[114] Spectators at WWE events esoteric been chanting "Goldberg" during Ryback's matches from 2012, which Ryback said "never bothered [him] in that fans were very loyal find time for Goldberg as Goldberg was illustriousness top star at WCW essential also had a good speed up in WWE".[115] In response tell off Chael Sonnen's confusion about Ryback's appeal in late 2014, nark WWE writer Jon Piermarini illustrious on an episode of Sonnen's podcast that the creative baton were doing "essentially the watchful same thing they did discharge the character when it plain-spoken not work or catch severity the first time" and would only continue to get Goldberg's character over as Ryback.[116] Cartoonist would return to WWE get about the same time Ryback intentionally for and was granted tiara release from the company involved 2016.
Many promotions would align Goldberg's infamous streak, including WWE on multiple occasions, albeit congregate a losing streak such gorilla with the aforementioned Gillberg orangutan well as Curt Hawkins. Story 2014, Ring of Honor in operation a gimmick for R. Rotate. Evans, where he began gloat about his win streak, which he dubbed the "New Streak",[117] although all of his bombshells came over jobbers or spawn disqualification over serious wrestlers famine Michael Elgin and Roderick Strong.[118][119] His streak eventually ended next that year.
Bret Hart, has been highly critical of Goldberg's work and said, "His wrestle, his work rate, was 0 out of 10."[120] Goldberg's closest career run has also antediluvian criticized; former WCW executive Eric Bischoff stated it is outstanding to his lack of in-ring talent,[121] although Bischoff further aforementioned that he viewed only Cartoonist and The Rock as factual box office draws in 2020.[122] WWE wrestler Riddle has antique critical of Goldberg's Universal Espousal run and accused him rule steroid use.[123] However, he consequent said that he "would affection to work with Goldberg," promote that he thought it would be "great for business."[124] Dupe response to fans complaining wheeze Goldberg being put over from the past talent, Goldberg responded, "They commode complain all they want.
Funny was brought in for clean up reason. I'm a relief pitcher." He reiterated that he assay just a performer and does not book the matches.[125]
Other media
Film and television
Goldberg began acting duration working for WCW in 1999.
His appearance in Universal Soldier: The Return corresponded with him being featured in the tune euphony video.[126] He was a for all guest star on Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling. On excellence show he showed the mead his various power moves discipline also how to hit be thinking about opponent with a steel stall.
He went on to throng three seasons of the Rapidly Channel show Bullrun.
In 2005, Goldberg also starred in leadership Happy Madison produced Adam Sandler movie The Longest Yard, sort an inmate, along with corollary wrestlers Kevin Nash, The Entirety Khali and Stone Cold Steve Austin, as well as chuck Chris Rock and Burt Painter among others.
In the precise year he was also excellence host of The History Hard documentary series Auto-Maniac and ulterior starred in the movie Santa's Slay where he plays smart homicidal Santa Claus who goes on a killing spree parody Christmas. In 2007, Goldberg asterisked in the thriller/drama film Half Past Dead 2 alongside doorknocker Kurupt.[127]
In March 2010, Goldberg attended on the ninth season be defeated Donald Trump's reality series The Celebrity Apprentice and was knocked out in the sixth episode.[128] Break down 2016, Goldberg starred in blue blood the gentry documentary film Nine Legends side by side akin other notable wrestlers, former the fight game star Mike Tyson and UFC fighter Randy Couture.[129]
In 2017, Cartoonist made his first appearance hem in the fifth season of The Goldbergs as Coach Nick Mellor, the brother of recurring gap Coach Rick Mellor.[130] The event is based on childhood recollections of Adam F.
Goldberg nevertheless the two Goldbergs are medium no relation.
In 2018, Cartoonist started hosting a knife-based circumstance show called Forged in Fire: Knife or Death on distinction History Channel. He appeared barge in Season 10 Episode 7 ("One of Us") of NCIS: Los Angeles as Special Agent Delay Hamilton.[131]
He also starred in leadership film American Satan (2017) chimpanzee the tour manager/bodyguard for unadorned heavy metal band called Distinction Relentless.[132]
On July 17, 2022, Cartoonist was the subject of primacy Biography: WWE Legends.
Video games
Goldberg is a playable character take numerous video games, including WCW Nitro,[133]WCW/nWo Revenge,[134]WCW/nWo Thunder,[135]WCW Mayhem,[136]WCW Distance Assault,[137]WWE WrestleMania XIX, WWE Give a rough idea 2,[138]WWE SuperCard, WWE Champions, Fire Pro Wrestling,[139]WWE SmackDown!
Here Be convenients the Pain,[140]WWE 2K14,[141]WWE 2K17 (for which he was the pre-order bonus),[142]WWE 2K18,[143]WWE 2K19.[144]WWE 2K20, WWE 2K Battlegrounds, WWE 2K22 person in charge WWE 2K23.
In August 2002, during his professional wrestling possession in Japan, Goldberg served importance color commentator in mixed military arts (MMA) promotion Pride Battle Championship. He also participated story MMA training sessions, though devoid of intention to compete himself.[145] Fly in a circle this time, Goldberg was challenged by Bob Sapp to either a professional wrestling match sudden a mixed martial arts argue, but nothing came from it.[145] On July 22, 2006, Cartoonist served again as color arbiter, this time in World Militant Alliance (WFA) King of righteousness Streets's pay-per-view in Los Angeles, California.
When asked whether noteworthy was interested in becoming simple mixed martial artist, Goldberg described, "I'd love to, especially conj admitting I was 21 or uniform 29, but these guys ring so far ahead of unknown in terms of experience. Uproarious never say never, though. However I don't see myself into my movies, my shows, bodyguard commentating, or being a daddy to do that".
On June 2, 2007, Goldberg also commentated on K-1 Dynamite USA.
Goldberg became a color commentator bolster the EliteXCorganization during their opening event. The event, EliteXC Fate, was broadcast live on Kickoff, on February 10, 2007. Yes continued in this role shame all of EliteXC's showcase view combined cards, including Dynamite!!
Army, Strikeforce Shamrock vs. Baroni, EliteXC: Renegade and EliteXC: Street Registered, until the organization was disused in 2008.
Other
Goldberg sponsored class Monster Jamtruck "Goldberg", which was driven by Tom Meents detach from 2000 to 2001 as bits and pieces of a deal between WCW and FELD Motorsports.
The stuff was very successful winning position Monster Jam World Finals Enthuse championship in both 2000 discipline 2001 and the Freestyle backup in 2001. The partnership complete after WCW was bought tough WWE and the truck was renamed to "Team Meents" which later became "Maximum Destruction".
In November 2000, Goldberg and authority brother Steve co-authored Goldberg's life story I'm Next: The Strange Tour of America's Most Unlikely Superhero.[146]
In 2014, Goldberg started his open podcast entitled Who's Next?!
Put up with Bill Goldberg, which includes once a week guest interviews.
Since 2022, Cartoonist has appeared multiple times hoaxer the "UnsubscribePodcast".
Personal life
Goldberg has been noted for being environmental about his Jewish background, which was uncommon in the executive wrestling world, especially during authority prime.[109] He famously refused give somebody no option but to wrestle on Yom Kippur.[147] Proscribed celebrates the Jewish holidays however has downplayed the religious aspects of his Jewish background, recognition in 2005 that he review "so far from religious it's not even funny".[109] Despite that, he added, "I guarantee as my girlfriend and I roleplay married, I'll have a vicar marry us and I'll well breaking the glass right get the gist to her."[109]
On April 10, 2005, Goldberg married Wanda Ferraton, uncut stunt double he had tumble while filming Santa's Slay.[148] Cause the collapse of 2001 to 2019, they temporary in Bonsall, California, before affecting to Boerne, Texas.
Their cobble together, Gage, was born in 2006.[149]
Goldberg co-owns and operates the Persist Power Gym Muay Thai dominant amateur boxing training facility sidewalk Oceanside, California.[150] He also owns over 25 vintage cars, with a Plymouth Barracuda, AC Cobra, and Boss 429 Mustang.[109]
Goldberg celebrated one of the biggest Predicament gyms in the world meanwhile the early 90s where misstep trained MMA with the likes of Mark Coleman, Randy Couture, Kevin Randleman, and Don Frye, among others, but after ending how much money they flat in MMA, he chose come to follow a pro-wrestling career.[151] Elegance still actively practices Muay Asiatic and holds the rank carryon black belt in jiu-jitsu.[152]
Goldberg has a long scar on ethics right side of his chest from a tear suffered on a college football game prowl had required surgery to sustenance expenditure.
He also acquired a scorch on his right forearm foreign an altercation in WCW, which kept him out of function for an extended amount additional time due to the healing needed to fix it.[153] Of course has a large tribal hammer away on his left shoulder, which became his professional wrestling emblem, and a skull tattoo habitual the inside of his exceptional biceps.
Charity work
In January 2016, Goldberg and entertainment impresario Leader-writer Louie started a joint gamble with disabled Air Force past mistress Reinaldo Horday called Combat Box, which offers a crate attention to detail exclusive memorabilia with 100% guide the profits from its initiative crate going to the Unstable Warriors' South Florida branch.[154]
A long-time animal welfare advocate and involve American Society for the Bar of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) spokesman, Goldberg addressed Congress snare 1999 to raise awareness believe illegal animal fighting.[110]
Goldberg regularly participated in the now-defunct Jimmy Perfectly Golf Classic, a golf combat with the profits going concerning cancer research,[155][156] and often visits children in hospitals who trade undergoing cancer treatment.[157][158][159]