Duane Gill first entered wrestling in the early 80s, working for the WWF as a jobber, someone who makes other people look good. In the early 90s, he joined WCW, during which time he sustained a shoulder injury; this forced him to retire from professional wrestling for years. During this time he worked as a coach for a pee-wee football team. In 1998 he received a phone call from the WWF, asking him to take part in the Survivor Series, a tournament for the WWF Title, which he accepted. Unfortunately he lost in the opening round to Mick Foley, and continued working as a jobber to more established superstars. However, on an episode of Raw is War in late 1998, thanks to the stable The JOB Squad, Gill won the light heavyweight title. He then disappeared from TV for a few months, before returning in early 1999 as Gillberg, the WWF's parody of WCW superstar Bill Goldberg, entering the ring covered with sparklers, while being sprayed with a fire extinguisher. Gillberg held the light heavyweight title for 44 months, eventually losing to Essa Rios on an episode of Sunday Night Heat. He returned in April 2003 to RAW, as a one-time appearance, to be part of the Rock/Goldberg feud.