William Scott Goldberg, known simply as Goldberg, is an iconic figure in the world of professional wrestling and a respected actor. Born on December 27, 1966, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he emerged as a prominent personality during the late 1990s and early 2000s, a golden era for wrestling that saw him rise to fame through his electrifying performances and commanding presence in the ring. Goldberg is particularly noted for being the first wrestler to hold both the WCW and WWE versions of the Big Gold Belt, solidifying his status as a legend in the sport.

Goldberg's early life set the stage for his future success. He attended the University of Georgia, where he played college football before pursuing a brief career in the National Football League. His athleticism and physical prowess caught the attention of various wrestling promotions, leading him to join World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1997. It was there that he began his meteoric rise, achieving an unprecedented undefeated streak that captivated audiences and made him one of WCW's top stars. During his time with the promotion, Goldberg became a one-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, a two-time WCW United States Heavyweight Champion, and a one-time WCW World Tag Team Champion alongside fellow wrestling legend Bret Hart. This impressive list of accolades earned him recognition as the franchise player and public face of WCW until its sale to WWE in 2001.

After WCW's closure, Goldberg briefly wrestled for All Japan Pro Wrestling before making his way to WWE, where he made a significant impact between 2003 and 2004. His tenure with WWE was marked by another championship victory, as he captured the World Heavyweight Championship during the 2002–2013 era. Following a hiatus from wrestling, he returned to WWE in 2016, where he continued to showcase his talents, winning the WWE Universal Championship twice, first in 2017 and again in 2020. Goldberg's legacy was further cemented when he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018, making him the only wrestler to win a world championship after his induction.

In addition to his wrestling career, Goldberg has explored various avenues in entertainment. He served as a commentator for the mixed martial arts promotion Elite Xtreme Combat and hosted the DIY Network's Garage Mahal from 2009 to 2011. His acting career includes appearances in movies such as Universal Soldier: The Return and guest roles in popular television series like NCIS: Los Angeles. With his dynamic persona and commitment to his craft, Goldberg has transcended the wrestling world, becoming a multifaceted entertainer.

As of now, Goldberg has officially retired from in-ring competition, having had his retirement match at Saturday Night's Main Event XL on July 12, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. This match ended in a loss against Gunther for WWE's newer World Heavyweight Championship. Throughout his career, Goldberg has not only left an indelible mark on the wrestling industry but has also built a lasting legacy that resonates with fans around the world. He remains a beloved figure, known for his contributions both inside and outside the wrestling ring. He is married to stunt double Wanda Ferraton since April 10, 2005, and continues to be involved in various entertainment projects as he embraces the next chapter of his life.