Goldberg has been announced as the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame 2018

In a statement revealing his induction, Triple H - also known as Paul Levesque, WWE ex ecutive Vice President of Talent, Live Events and Creative - said: "Goldberg's unique athleticism, persona and intensity captured the imagination of sports entertainment fans around the world throughout his illustrious career."

Goldberg - whose real name is William Goldberg - made his professional wrestling debut with WCW in September 1997.

He went on to record an undefeated streak of 173-0, and became one of sports entertainment's biggest stars in the process.

During his time with the WCW, Goldberg claimed the WCW World Heavyweight Championship - famously defeating nWo leader Hollywood Hulk Hogan on the July 6, 1998 episode of TV series 'Nitro' held at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta in front of over 40,000 fans - the WCW United States Championship and WCW Tag Team Championship with Bret Hart.

And he was similarly successful in the WWE, becoming the WWE Champion before stepping away from the sport in 2004.

However, Goldberg ended his 12-year retirement in dramatic fashion in 2016, when he defeated Brock Lesnar in less than two minutes at 'Survivor Series'.

The grappling icon then competed at the 'Royal Rumble' before winning the WWE Universal Championship from Kevin Owens at 'Fast Lane' in March 2017.

He lost the title to Lesnar at 'WrestleMania 33' and he left the WWE again one night later, but issued a warning to other Superstars who might have been considering calling him out.

Goldberg said: "You never know what - or who - is next!"

The induction ceremony is to form part of the week of events building up to 'WrestleMania 34', which is to take place on April 8 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.