4X Wrestling World Champion, Bill Goldberg

MEMPHIS, TN. May 5, 2026 – Legendary wrestling icon Bill Goldberg is stepping into the spotlight at the 2026 World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, adding a jolt of high-energy excitement to the most prestigious barbecue competition on the planet.

Known for his intensity, power, and unforgettable presence in the ring, Goldberg will make a special appearance at this year’s event, connecting generations of fans through a shared love of competition, spectacle, and Southern tradition.

The Liberty Park grounds are no stranger to wrestling greatness. From the golden era of Memphis Wrestling to iconic moments at the nearby Mid-South Coliseum, the city has long been a proving ground for legends like Jerry Lawler and Dusty Rhodes. Now, that same larger-than-life energy will return to the Liberty Park grounds, where pitmasters battle it out for barbecue greatness.

“Memphis has always been the home of champions, whether it’s in the ring or on the grill,” said Mack Weaver, Memphis in May President and CEO. “Bringing Goldberg to the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is a celebration of that spirit. It’s bold, it’s exciting, and it’s uniquely Memphis.”

Fans can stop by the Patriot Tactical Booth on Friday May 15, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. and grab photos/autographs with Goldberg. Goldberg will make many other special appearances throughout the day bringing his electrifying energy to an event already known for its unforgettable atmosphere. It’s a perfect pairing: the adrenaline of professional wrestling and the sizzle of world-class barbecue.

The 2026 World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, part of the renowned Memphis in May International Festival, will once again draw elite pitmasters, thousands of fans, and global attention to the Bluff City. With the addition of Goldberg, this year’s event promises to deliver even more action, inside and outside the ring.

Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early to secure their spot at one of the most anticipated culinary events of the year. Tickets are available online at www.memphisinmay.org/experience.

Tickets Ticket Prices:
VIP Experience $595.00
BBQ Alley Combo (Wednesday Only) $20.00
BBQ Alley Combo (Thurs., Fri., or Sat.) $39.00
Tour Of Champions Combo (Thurs., or Fri.) $44.00
Open Fire Combo $44.00
Single Day Ticket (Wednesday Only) $12.00
Single Day Ticket (Thurs., Fri., or Sat.) $19.00
4 Day Pass (Admission Only all 4 Days) $59.00
Single Day Parking $18.00
4-Day Parking Pass $50.00

APPEARANCE SPONSOR: Patriot Tactical

For more information about the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest and the Memphis in May International Festival, visit www.memphisinmay.org and follow Memphis in May on social media.