Duane Gill (born July 10, 1959) is an American retired professional wrestler, best known for his appearances in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) during the Attitude Era under the ring name Gillberg, a parody of then-rival promotion World Championship Wrestling's top star Goldberg. During his tenure in the WWF, Gill became a one-time Light Heavyweight Champion. He held the title for 15 months, becoming the longest reigning Light Heavyweight Champion as recognized by WWE. Gill retired on February 28, 2020.
Professional wrestling career
Early career (1990–1994)
Gill made his debut on the American independent scene as a part of a masked tag team with Barry Hardy called The Lords of Darkness, with Hardy billed as Agony and Gill billed as Pain. Kamala, High Energy, The Texas Tornado, Sgt. Slaughter, Jim Duggan, The Bushwackers One night they fought as The Toxic Turtles (dressed up as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and won a victory over jobbers, but the gimmick was cut off. The Executioners split in early 1994, and Hardy left the company on April 18. Gill then began competing as an enhancement talent, losing to the likes of Mr. Perfect, 1-2-3 Kid, Razor Ramon, Doink, The British Bulldog, Tatanka and Adam Bomb.
Independent circuit (1995–1998)
After WWF, Gill would mainly work in the independents in the East Coast and Canada mostly as the Executioner.
Return to World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE (1998–2000)
J.O.B. Squad (1998–1999)
In November 1998, Gill made his return to the World Wrestling Federation at Survivor Series as Mankind's mystery opponent with a bald head. Vince McMahon seemingly facilitated Mankind's route to victory in a tournament for the vacant WWF Championship as he appeared to be McMahon's favorite to win. McMahon built up the suspense before the entrance by referring to Gill as a wrestler with an unmatched win–loss record. Although the statement was implied that Mankind's opponent won more than lost in his career, the exact opposite was true, and Gill was squashed by Mankind.
He later joined The J.O.B. Squad with Al Snow, Scorpio and Bob Holly. Gill was given his most notable gimmick: "Gillberg," a parody of rival promotion World Championship Wrestling's top star Goldberg.
On the January 18, 2021 episode of Raw, Gillberg returned. John Morrison and The Miz teased that Goldberg would be on their talk show segment "The Dirt Sheet", but instead Gillberg came to the ring and had a short segment with a fake Drew McIntyre (played by David Krumholtz).
Return to the independent circuit (2009–2020)
In 2009, Gill came out of retirement and reunited with Barry Hardy. They disbanded in 2011.
On February 28, 2018, Gill won the IWC High Stakes Championship from independent wrestler Bulk Nasty. He was later challenged by James Ellsworth for a title-match on March 17, which Gill lost. On April 1, 2018, Gill teamed with Ellsworth to win the ACW Tag Team Championships. On February 28, 2020, Gill wrestled his last match against Ellsworth at an Adrenaline Wrestling show, winning the match.
Personal life
Gill is married and has two adult children and a granddaughter. On November 25, 2020, Gill suffered a heart attack, but eventually recovered.
Championships and accomplishments
- Adrenaline Championship Wrestling
- ACW Light Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- ACW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with James Ellsworth
- East Coast Pro Wrestling
- ECPW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Executioner #2
- Eastern Wrestling Federation
- EWF Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Agony
- Maryland Championship Wrestling
- MCW Hall of Fame (Class of 2009)
- Mid-Eastern Wrestling Federation
- MEWF Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Agony
- NWA New Jersey
- NWA New Jersey Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Ranked No. 120 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 1999