Bill Goldberg, a legendary figure in professional wrestling, former football player, and current actor, boasts a net worth of $16 million. Known for his unmatched dominance in both WWE and WCW, Goldberg also holds the record for the longest undefeated streak in professional wrestling with 173 consecutive wins.
2023 Saudi Arabia Payday
Goldberg’s financial portfolio received a substantial boost in 2023 when reports from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter revealed that he earned $2 million per match for four bouts in Saudi Arabia. This endeavor alone brought him an impressive $8 million.
Early Life and Football Career
- Born: December 27, 1966, in Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Family: Raised in a Jewish household with Russian and Romanian roots; his mother was a classical violinist, and his father worked as an obstetrician and gynecologist.
- Education: Attended Tulsa Edison High School, excelling in football, and later earned a scholarship to play for the University of Georgia, where he was a standout defensive tackle.
Goldberg’s professional football career included stints with the L.A. Rams, Sacramento Surge, and Atlanta Falcons. However, an injury ended his NFL journey prematurely, leading to his transition to professional wrestling.
Wrestling Career
WCW Rise to Stardom
In 1997, Goldberg debuted in WCW, where he gained rapid fame under the moniker Bill Gold. His streak of victories and his intense persona quickly delighted fans.
- Legendary Streak: Goldberg’s undefeated streak, tracked by WCW, became a cornerstone of his career.
- Championship Success: Won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship in 1998, achieving superstardom.
- Earnings: His $2.5 million-per-year contract made him one of the highest-paid wrestlers of the late 1990s.
WWE Achievements
Goldberg joined WWE in 2003, where he continued his dominance:
- Defeated Triple H to capture the World Heavyweight Championship.
- Won the WWE Universal Championship in 2017.
- Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018.
Goldberg remains the only wrestler to hold both the WCW and WWE Heavyweight Championships, solidifying his legacy as a wrestling icon.
Acting Career
Goldberg expanded his talents to the silver screen and television:
- Film Debut: Universal Soldier: The Return (1999)
- Notable Films: The Longest Yard (2005), Half Past Dead 2 (2007), American Satan (2017)
- Hosted “Forged in Fire: Knife or Death” on The History Channel
His acting roles have contributed significantly to his wealth and widened his fan base.
Personal Life
- Married: Wanda Ferraton, a stuntwoman, in 2005
- Children: One son
- Residence: The family lives on a 150-acre ranch in Boerne, Texas, where they care for llamas and zebras.
Goldberg is also a vintage car enthusiast, owning over 20 classic cars, stored in a custom-built garage on his property.
Real Estate Ventures
- California Estate: Purchased a $1 million property in Bonsall, California, in 1999. This 4,600-square-foot estate featured a 20-car garage and horse stables. It was sold in 2020 for $2.9 million.
- Texas Ranch: Goldberg’s current 150-acre Texas property includes facilities for his car collection and animals, blending his love for nature and automobiles.