He also runs his own small wrestling promotion, the Universal Wrestling Alliance UWA as an outreach of his ministry. In late 1992, he began feuding withBig Van Vader, with the two men facing one other atHalloween Havocon October 25. During this period, Koloff had altered his appearance somewhat, dropping some muscle mass (Koloff used anabolic steroids during the early part of his career but stopped when he saw where they were leading - he lost his muscle mass due to taking time off to take care of his wife, Mandy) and growing his hair out into a crewcut. I always thought he could have been such a bigger star. Koloff rebounded quickly and won the WCW World Television Championship from Tully Blanchard on August 27. It's by taking chances that you'll learn how to be brave. One of their encounters was voted Match of the Year runner-up by the readers of Pro Wrestling Illustrated. In spring of 1986, Koloff started one of the biggest, most anticipated feuds in the history ofWCWwhen he attackedWCW United States Heavyweight ChampionMagnum T.A.. He was given the singles main event when he wrestled NWA World Champion Ric Flair at the final Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Cup Tag Team Tournament. Later, he went from a superstar to a man of God. Phone: (405) 377-5243 His improvement negated the need for Kernodle to continue teaming with Ivan and, shortly thereafter, the Russians turned on the American turncoat. He also wrote a book about Christian Wrestlers: Wrestling with God, 2001, by Chad Bonham. Koloff was originally billed as being a Russian. [20] At her funeral he met Mandys longtime friend and his future wife, Victoria. 26: 26.08.1986: Magnum TA defeats Jack Jackson. He evolved even moreso as a man. What you expect to happen, happens. Eventually, Koloff eased back into the business part-time. Koloff wrestled briefly in Puerto Rico for World Wrestling Council (WWC) and engaged in some bouts with Hercules Ayala. Nikita Koloff Is Confident He Could Have Had WWF Run With Hulk Hogan. RELATED: 13 Best Wrestling Swerves Nobody Saw Coming. The plan called for T.A. www.cracked.com/article_20029_5-insane-true-tales-wrestlers-refusing-to-break-character.html. Nikita Koloff returned to action with WCW in the early 1990s before leaving wrestling to pursue another calling Koloff made a comeback with World Championship. Ivan invoked theFreebird rulewhich dictated that any two of the three could defend the titles. That's what makes the story of Nikita Koloff such a fascinating one. In October 1986, Magnum T.A. And I look back, of course back in the days with magazines before the internet and all that, they were touting the Hulk Hogan vs. Nikita Koloff WrestleMania, 'what would happen if?' Nikita Koloff WELDED It's Time to Man Up! Unique lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts. All Nations TV is a very innovative Christian based broadcasting company that uses modern technology similar to Netflix, Hulu Plus and 1,233 other channels that stream to your TV. On 1987, Krusher, who left the NWA for the World Wrestling Federation, asked Koloff to join him. Koloff and Sting went on to face on another in a Russian Chain match at The Great American Bash on July 14 which was won by Koloff. Koloff said, I probably could. How old is Kolby? According to the storyline, Koloff gained respect for Magnum from their feud and wanted to take his place. Slaughter. 6 Nikita Koloff Koloff was a big name in the 80s who eventually spent a few years at WCW in the early years of the company. Koloff said the entire ordeal had a significant impact on him. I'm in the main event. Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Top 250 TV Shows Most Popular TV Shows Most Popular Video Games Most Popular Music Videos Most Popular Podcasts Koloff now admits it was a character he was playing, but still has people expecting him. [1] Koloff was born on March 9, 1959 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, one of four children born to Paige and Olive Simpson. Waterloo, Iowa 50701 This evening established Koloff as one of the top faces in the NWA.[10]. The Eblen Charities is a not-for-profit business that helps families that are battlilng illnesses and disabilities. Dusty Rhodes booked Koloff to rebound quickly, winning the NWA World Television Championship from Tully Blanchard on August 27.[11]. Admins: Phone: (319) 233-0745 The tour began and ended with two revolutionary matches known asWarGames: The Match Beyond. . It's a weekly challenge for men It's Time TO MAN UP! I always have been, for many, many years. In December 1984, Jim Crockett rewarded the Russians with theWCW World Six-Man Tag Team Championship. Alongside Nidia Guenard, Huffman was the You can keep up with all your wrestling news right here on. Read The Return of Edge by with a free trial. "He gives support to the Eblen Charities," said Murdock. It's a weekly challenge for men It's Time TO MAN UP! Nikita Koloff (born Nelson Scott Simpson on March 9, 1959) is an American retired professional wrestler. The two were then booked in a best-of-seven series, which took place during The Great American Bash 1986 tour. In October 1986, Magnum T. A. was involved in a career-ending car accident. Koloff and T.A. Smash of Demolition. Nikita Koloff's dedication to his gimmick! The rare air is I'm probably . "I mean, I'm in the peak of my career, right? With little to no experience, he teamed up with another American playing a Russian character: Ivan Koloff. Sharing a common enemy in The Four Horsemen, Koloff rescued Rhodes from a vicious attack. Stepping out showing men the Kingdom of God and His Love. Nikita married his first wife, Mandy Smithson, on September 20, 1988, who died from Hodgkin's disease on June 14, 1989. Koloff and Taylor were booked to face each other atStarrcade '87, but Koloff vowed to get his television belt back before the match. He was readying to embark on a feud withRon Garvinthat would last through the upcomingStarrcade 1986. His first title would come in the summer of 1984 when he, Ivan Koloff and Don Kernodle captured the NWA World Six-Man Tag Team Championship. In the fall of 1988, Koloff was quickly losing interest in professional wrestling due to personal reasons. During this time, he looked like The Russian Nightmare of old, still crushing opponents with his intense power. After three wins each and a No Contest finish, Koloff and Magnum had an eighth and final match for the belt, which Koloff would end up winning. Koloff stated that even though he and Magnum T.A. During this period, Koloff had altered his appearance somewhat, dropping some muscle mass and growing his hair out into a crewcut. "His outreach is worldwide, he does charitable work in Africa and other countries. ", Our Mission: To honor the sport of wrestling by preserving its history, recognizing extraordinary individual achievements, and inspiring future generations, 405 West Hall of Fame Avenue The promotion was in its twilight and given Nikita's stature, Gagne positioned Nikita to challenge then-AWA World Heavyweight ChampionLarry Zbyszkoalmost immediately. When Koloff was 10, his family relocated to the suburb of Robbinsdale. Koloff made a comeback with World Championship Wrestling and began targeting some of his old rivals like Sting and Lex Luger. With it, your life will vibrate with warmth and meaning. No baloney, just real authentic God stuff. And it was at that time, at that moment, that I told WCW that I was going to step away, take a sabbatical if you will. Or, you can follow us over on our Twitter and Facebook pages. A complete newcomer to pro wrestling with absolutely no training, Nikita Koloffs first wrestling match lasted a little over 10 seconds, with following bouts all being quick squashes. Frederick Kenneth Blassman (February 8, 1918 - June 2, 2003) was an American professional wrestler and manager, known by the ring name "Classy" Freddie Blassie.Renowned as "The Hollywood Fashion Plate", he was a one-time NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion, and was inducted into the WWF Hall of Fame in 1994. As a result, long-term plans for Magnum to capture the World Title were dashed, as were plans for Nikita Koloff to rekindle their rivalry with even bigger stakes. Nikita Koloff vs tully Blachard 8 29 87. However, Koloff declined the offer because he felt loyalty to the promotion and he didn't want to start a new gimmick. Dusty Rhodes saw an alternate opportunity. During the bout, Koloff sustained a herniated disc in his neck after receiving a stiff clothesline to the head from Vader, leading him to retire from professional wrestling. He was inducted into the NWA Hall of Fame in 2008. Expecting it to happen energizes your goal and actually gives it momentum. Starrcade: With Ric Flair, Nikita Koloff, Ricky Morton, Robert Gibson. The fans in Charlotte erupted when Koloff entered the cage to help Rhodes. LLBD. In the midst of the Cold War, many patriotic heroes battled foreign invaders inside the squared circle. A devout Christian, Nikita and his wife, Victoria, live in Concord, NC. Every day we present the best quotes! RELATED: 10 Best Foreign Heels In Wrestling History, Ranked. Nikita Koloff discusses his career as a professional wrestler and what has been going on with him since he left the business. He attended Robbinsdale High School where he played for the Robbinsdale Robins football team as a defensive lineman and on offense[3] was an all-conference wide receiver. He met Vince McMahon only twice: first time while working out in a gym in Las Vegas, Nevada (they shook hands and said "hello") and again at Road Warrior Hawk's funeral. In March, as part of his ongoing feud with Ivan andDick Murdoch, Koloff's neck was "injured" by a Murdochbrainbusteron the concrete floor. 1 Koloff defeated Wahoo McDaniel to unify the title with the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship. During one bout, Koloff sustained a cut to the arm when an audience member threw a spark plug at him.[8]. 80. During the interview Koloff shared his . He is best known for his appearances with Jim Crockett Promotions and its successor, World Championship Wrestling between 1984 and 1992, where he was billed from Russia (and, following the On November 26, Koloff and Taylor battledinChicago. started a brawl with Nikita during a contract signing (which started when the Koloffs berated Magnum's mother, who was present), T.A. Check here, Be the first one to comment on this story. Simpson decided to go with wrestling and was told to shave his head bald and to show up. World Championship Wrestling (1991, 1992), George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, second-annual Jim Crockett, Sr. Memorial Cup Tag Team Tournament, WCW United States Heavyweight Championship, NWA United States Heavyweight Championship, Jim Crockett, Sr. Memorial Cup Tag Team Tournament, PWI Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year, "Nikita Koloff Q&A Part 1: Mentors, ring psychology, chains", "Nikita Koloff Q&A Part 2: Mid-Atlantic days, loyalty, fan memories", "Hall of Fame Inductions Report: Bret Hart, Larrry Hennig, Mike DiBiase, Dory Funk Sr., Bop Roop", Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Cup Tag Team Tournament, Creative Control/The Harris Brothers (Gerald/Ron Harris and Patrick/Don Harris), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nikita_Koloff&oldid=1121200145, Golden Valley Lutheran Royals football players, Minnesota StateMoorhead Dragons football players, Minnesota State University Moorhead alumni, NWA/WCW/WWE United States Heavyweight Champions, Players of American football from Minnesota, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from November 2010, Official website different in Wikidata and Wikipedia, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 11 November 2022, at 01:18. to win the title. As much as he evolved as a character? Interview: Tully on Tully at The Aussie BBQ (Part One) CMW 2014! We would be pleased if you would write one. Do his choices match yours? He played college football and was dreaming of an NFL career when injuries sidelined him. During the bout, Koloff sustained aherniated discin his neck after receiving astiffclothesline to the head from Vader, leading him to retire from professional wrestling. Nikita Koloff (born Nelson Scott Simpson in Minneapolis, March 9, 1959) is a retired American professional wrestler who was a top Foreign Wrestling Heel in the mid-1980s. Then tragedy would strike. Throughout the early months of 1987, Koloff continued to defend the United States Title against members of the Four Horsemen andPaul Jones' Army, which now included "Uncle" Ivan. You can, because you think you can. Koloff stated that even though he and Magnum T. A. had a bitter rivalry, T.A. He played college football and was dreaming of an NFL career when injuries sidelined him. When you spend money on a Nikita Koloff cameo, you feel like he means what he says. THANK YOU NIKITA for making my friend's . In spring of 1986, Koloff started one of the biggest, most anticipated feuds in the history of Jim Crockett Promotions when he attacked NWA United States Heavyweight Champion Magnum T. A. Ivan invoked the Freebird rule which dictated that any two of the three could defend the titles. While injuries would stall his college football exploits, by the mid-1980s he was still pursuing football when his old Laurinaitis, now well-established as Animal, invited him to become a wrestler himself. The feud was often fought in steel cage Russian chain matches, with lights-out stipulations. Nikita Koloff Dream, Inspiration, Thinking 15 Copy quote The dreams you choose to believe in come to be. They are of course led by Nikita Koloff, a man who has held many titles including the NWA National Heavyweight, United States and Tag Team Championships. He went from a hated heel to a beloved babyface. Nikita Koloff was born in Minneapolis as Scott Simpson. 4:21. Love this podcast. [6], In 1984, Simpson was going to try out for the USFL when Road Warrior Animal, a professional wrestler from the Minnesota area, called him to ask him to become a professional wrestler. Nikita Koloff was a professional wrestling from 1984 to 1992. Nikita Koloff on Ric Flair Starrcade Match 7,390 views Premiered Nov 9, 2021 195 Dislike Share Save THE HANNIBAL TV 336K subscribers Nikita Koloff on Ric Flair Starrcade Match Learn More. Began targeting some of his ministry with a free trial enemy in midst!, for many, many patriotic heroes battled foreign invaders inside the squared circle 27. [ 11.... Gained respect for Magnum from their feud and wanted to take his place this Time he. 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