Stamford, January 16: Retired wrestling superstar and former UGA defensive lineman Bill Goldberg will be inducted into World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Hall of Fame at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Confirming the news, WWE executive Paul Levesque said that Goldberg's persona and intensity have always captured the attention of fans from all around the world and that they are honoured to have him in the Hall of Fame's Class of 2018.

"Goldberg's unique athleticism, persona and intensity captured the imagination of sports entertainment fans around the world throughout his illustrious career," said Levesque, WWE Executive Vice President, Talent, Live Events & Creative.

"We are honored to have Goldberg take his rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame," he added.

One of the fastest-rising Superstars in sports entertainment history, Goldberg made his WCW debut in September of 1997 and went on to an undefeated streak of 173-0. Over the course of his WCW career, he held the WCW Championship, WCW United States Championship and WCW Tag Team Championship.

In 2003, Goldberg made his WWE debut and went on to become World Heavyweight Champion before stepping away from the ring in 2004. Twelve years after retiring from in-ring competition, Goldberg returned to WWE at the 2016 Survivor Series and defeated his fellow countryman Brock Lesnar in less than two minutes. He rode that momentum to Fastlane where he defeated Kevin Owens to win the WWE Universal Championship.