Bill Goldberg

Bill Goldberg, born December 27, 1966, is an American professional wrestler best known for his indomitability and his catchphrase “Who’s next?” Goldberg’s initial dream was to become a professional football player, but that dream was soon crushed because of an injury that ended his N.F.L. career. Not too long after, Goldberg began training for professional wrestling and played his first match in 1997, in which he defeated Buddy Lee Parker. He soon became popular in the world of wrestling with his quick two-minute wins. Goldberg was inducted into the 2018 W.W.E. Hall of Fame. We celebrate his birthday right here!

Fast Facts

Full Name:

William Scott Goldberg

Nickname:

The Iconic/The Man/The Myth

Birth date:

December 27, 1966

Age:

57

Zodiac Sign:

Capricorn

Height:

6' 0"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$16 million

William's Social Media:

Background

Bill Goldberg, an American professional wrestler, actor, and former N.F.L. player was destined for a life in the boxing ring! The Jewish wrestler was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and attended Tulsa Edison High School. His childhood dream was to become a professional football player and was on the road to achieving it until he suffered a career-ending injury.

He began playing college football after earning a scholarship to play for the University of Georgia’s Bulldogs football team, where he played the role of a defensive tackle. He entered the 1990 N.F.L. draft and played for the Los Angeles Rams, among several other teams, until 1995, when he tore his lower abdomen off his pelvis, an injury that ended his football career.

Goldberg was discovered by two professional wrestlers, Lex Luger and Sting, in 1996, during his powerlifting and mixed martial arts training. Luger and Sting invited him to try professional wrestling. Goldberg hesitated at first but later decided to give it a try and began training at the W.W.C. Power Plant. He won his first match against Buddy Lee Parker in 1997, in a Monday Nitro dark match, following the defeat of several other wrestlers such as Buddy Landell, Hugh Marrus, Chip Minton, and John Betcha. But he lost to Chad Fortune in a Saturday night dark match. Goldberg soon became known for his quick victories, often in two minutes, his high kicks, and spontaneous backflips. His consecutive wins led to his adopting the catchphrase “Who’s next?”

In 1998, Goldberg began competing in the W.C.W. World Heavyweight Championship held by Hulk Hogan, whom he also competed against. Goldberg defeated Hogan and became the W.C.W. World Heavyweight Champion.

Following many years of numerous victories mixed with feuds and a couple of injuries, Goldberg was inducted into the 2018 W.W.E. Hall of Fame and continues to wrestle today. The professional wrestler has been married to Wanda Darraton since 2005, and the two welcomed their son Gage A.J. Goldberg in 2006.

Career timeline

1990
He Begins His Professional Football Career

Bill Goldberg enters the N.F.L. draft and plays for the Los Angeles Rams, among several other teams.

1997
He Wins His First Wrestling Match

Goldberg wins his first wrestling match, against Buddy Lee Parker, in a Monday Nitro dark match.

1998
He Becomes a W.H.C.

He competes in the W.C.W. World Heavyweight Championship and wins 175 times.

2018
His W.W.E. Hall of Fame Induction

Goldberg is inducted into the 2018 W.W.E. Hall of Fame.

Why We Love Bill Goldberg

  1. He broke the ‘nice Jewish boy’ stereotype

    Given that Jewish men can be stereotyped in society sometimes, Goldberg is credited for breaking that stereotype and is regarded as a role model to Jewish kids. This is something the wrestler is extremely proud of and said that it’s been a blessing to be a role model to Jewish kids who never had a Jewish sports hero to look up to.

  2. He’s an animal welfare advocate

    Goldberg is a spokesperson for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. He speaks frequently against illegal animal fighting.

  3. He’s a vintage car lover

    Goldberg owns 25 vintage cars! A Plymouth Barracuda, A.C. Cobra, and Boss 429 Mustang are among his collection.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. World Heavyweight Champion for 175 days

    Goldberg was a W.C.W. World Heavyweight Champion for 175 days before he lost the title to Kevin Nash.

  2. The “spear” finishing move

    Goldberg is credited for creating the spear-finishing move and is considered the best at it.

  3. He’s an actor too

    Goldberg has been featured in a couple of blockbuster movies, such as “Universal Soldier: The Return,” “The Longest Yard,” alongside Adam Sandler; “Half Past Dead 2,” and Donald Trump’s reality series, “The Celebrity Apprentice.”

  4. He’s a video game character

    Goldberg is a character in various wrestling video games.

  5. He’s a podcast host

    He started his own podcast, titled “Who’s Next?! With Bill Goldberg,” where he hosts weekly guest interviews.

Bill Goldberg FAQs

What is Bill Goldberg’s real name?

Bill Goldberg’s real name is William Scott Goldberg.

Why is Bill Goldberg so popular?

He rose to fame for his undefeated streak.

Who are Goldberg’s parents?

Bill Goldberg is the son of classical violinist Ethel and gynecologist Jed Goldberg.

Bill Goldberg’s birthday dates

YearDateDay
2024December 27Friday
2025December 27Saturday
2026December 27Sunday
2027December 27Monday
2028December 27Wednesday

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