Goldberg
Full Name:
William Scott Goldberg
Ring Name:
Goldberg
Date of Birth:
December 27, 1966
Place of Birth:
Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
Nationality:
American
Occupations:
- Professional Wrestler
- Former NFL Player
- Actor
- Television Host
Early Life & Education
Goldberg was born into a Jewish family in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His father was an obstetrician, and his mother a classical violinist and award-winning flower breeder. He attended Tulsa Edison High School, where he excelled in football.
He earned a scholarship to University of Georgia, where he played as a defensive tackle. Goldberg had a successful college football career and was later drafted into the NFL.
Football Career
Goldberg played in the NFL in the early 1990s for teams like the Los Angeles Rams, Atlanta Falcons, and Carolina Panthers (though never played a regular-season game for the Panthers). His NFL career was cut short due to a severe abdominal injury, which eventually led him to consider professional wrestling.
Professional Wrestling Career
World Championship Wrestling (WCW) (1997–2001):
Goldberg debuted in WCW in 1997 and quickly became a phenomenon due to his unmatched physical presence, martial arts-inspired moves, and dominant win streak.
- Undefeated Streak:
Goldberg’s claim to fame was his legendary undefeated streak, officially listed at 173–0, though the actual number is debated. The streak included victories over major names and created an aura of invincibility. - WCW World Heavyweight Champion:
Goldberg defeated Hulk Hogan on Monday Nitro in July 1998 in front of a raucous Georgia Dome crowd, capturing the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. - Other Titles in WCW:
- WCW United States Heavyweight Championship
- WCW World Tag Team Championship (with Bret Hart)
Goldberg became WCW’s top draw and was one of the last true homegrown stars before the company was purchased by WWE in 2001.
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)
First WWE Run (2003–2004):
Goldberg joined WWE in 2003 and feuded with major stars like The Rock, Triple H, and Brock Lesnar.
- World Heavyweight Champion: Defeated Triple H in 2003.
- WrestleMania XX (2004): Fought Brock Lesnar in a controversial match, with both men leaving WWE afterward.
Return to WWE (2016–2022):
Goldberg returned to WWE in 2016 to face Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series. In a shocking moment, he defeated Lesnar in under two minutes.
- WWE Universal Champion:
- Defeated Kevin Owens in 2017
- Defeated “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt in 2020
- Feuds with:
- Brock Lesnar (trilogy)
- The Undertaker (in Saudi Arabia)
- Roman Reigns
- Bobby Lashley
- Drew McIntyre
- Final WWE Appearance:
Goldberg’s last WWE match took place in 2022 against Roman Reigns at Elimination Chamber in Saudi Arabia. His contract expired shortly after, though he has expressed interest in a proper retirement match.
Wrestling Style and Persona
- Nickname: The Myth, Da Man, The Icon
- Catchphrase: “Who’s Next?”
- Known for:
- Explosive entrances (often walking from backstage, breathing smoke)
- Finisher: Jackhammer (vertical suplex powerslam)
- Setup move: Spear
Goldberg’s character is built around intensity, dominance, and brute strength. He rarely talks but delivers short, high-impact matches that excite crowds.
Acting and Television Career
Outside wrestling, Goldberg has appeared in numerous TV shows and films, including:
- Movies: Universal Soldier: The Return, The Longest Yard, Looney Tunes: Back in Action
- TV Shows: NCIS: LA, The Goldbergs, The Celebrity Apprentice
- Host: Garage Mahal on DIY Network – a show about transforming garages
He is also known for appearances in video games and commercials, and as a pop culture figure recognized beyond wrestling fans.
Personal Life
- Wife: Wanda Ferraton (a former stunt double)
- Children: One son, Gage
- Religion: Jewish – Goldberg has been outspoken about his pride in his heritage and is considered one of the most prominent Jewish athletes in wrestling history.
- Hobbies: Car and motorcycle enthusiast; owns several vintage vehicles.
Legacy and Influence
Goldberg is widely considered one of the most dominant forces in professional wrestling history. While his career was built on shorter matches and explosive moments rather than technical classics, his impact was undeniable.
Accolades:
- WCW World Heavyweight Champion (1x)
- WCW United States Champion (2x)
- WWE Universal Champion (2x)
- WWE World Heavyweight Champion (1x)
- WWE Hall of Fame Inductee (Class of 2018)
Notable Records:
- First man to hold both the WCW and WWE top titles
- One of few wrestlers to return decades later and still headline PPVs
- Major draw across multiple eras and companies
Notable Feuds and Opponents
- Hulk Hogan
- Diamond Dallas Page
- Scott Hall & Kevin Nash
- Brock Lesnar
- Triple H
- The Undertaker
- Roman Reigns
- Bobby Lashley
Quotes About Goldberg
- “Goldberg was WCW’s last major star… a once-in-a-generation athlete.” — Eric Bischoff
- “He was our Mike Tyson — quick, devastating, intense.” — Jim Ross
Conclusion
Goldberg is a once-in-a-lifetime performer whose intensity and unique presence helped define the late 1990s wrestling boom and continued to impact the industry decades later. Whether in WCW, WWE, or in Hollywood, he has always been “Da Man”.
