The tour began and ended with two revolutionary matches created by Rhodes, known as WarGames: The Match Beyond. We would be pleased if you would write one. Alongside Nidia Guenard, Huffman was the You can keep up with all your wrestling news right here on. [1] He returned to WCW as a special guest referee atWrestleWar '89in match for theWCW World Tag Team ChampionshipbetweenThe Road WarriorsandMike Rotundaand"Dr. Death" Steve Williams. She had Hodgkin's and she went through a series of chemotherapy and radiation but it ended up coming back with more vengeance. On 1987, Krusher, who left the NWA for the World Wrestling Federation, asked Koloff to join him. During this time, he looked like The Russian Nightmare of old, still crushing opponents with his intense power. Babb hosts a weekly radio show "Your Morning Manna" on Mondays on 99.9 WUCC. The war between the two sides was getting white hot until TA tragically lost his career and nearly his life in a horrific automobile accident. Nikita Koloff The Brevity of Life It's Time to Man Up! But it was during this time that Nikita Koloff became a champion of his faith. [19] His finishing move was the "Russian Sickle", a clothesline.[4]. He says he also calls upon those past experiences to help others who may be going through what he did. 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. Koloff lost the WCW Television Title toMike RotundaofThe Varsity Clubon January 30, 1988. Nikita Koloff (born Nelson Scott Simpson on March 9, 1959) is an American retired professional wrestler. Praise God for this podcast Its time to man up. In the fall of 1987, Jim Crockett Promotions acquired Bill Watts' Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF). He played college football and was dreaming of an NFL career when injuries sidelined him. If you expect to succeed, you'll succeed, Follow AzQuotes on Facebook, Twitter and Google+. The winner of the series would be declared champion. With Kernodle out of the picture, Uncle Ivan Koloff introduced a new comrade named Krusher Khruschev. Today, Nikita speaks with Kevin Sorbo about his new book. Kevin Sorbo- From Hercules to Mere Mortal. Nikita Koloff has now retired from the wrestling ring and is perhaps best known for his time at Jim Crockett Promotions in the mid-to-late 1980s, where he wrestled alongside high talents including Ric "I mean, I'm in the peak of my career, right? During one bout, Koloff sustained a cut to the arm when an audience member threw a spark plug at him.[8]. to win the title. When Nelson Scott Simpson first broke into the wrestling business in 1984, he was told that his new character was going to be named "The Russian Nightmare" Nikita Koloff, because by the mid-'80s hating Russians was at a career-making high. On July 11, 1987 Koloff faced Luger in a steel cage match and was defeated after being hit with a chair. 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. was stripped of his title. Ivan invoked the Freebird rule which dictated that any two of the three could defend the titles. He finally unmasked but ended up helping Rhodes against the Sports Entertainment Xtreme stable.[12]. The Koloffs went on to regain the WCW World Tag Team Titles from the Rock 'N' Roll Express three months later, on October 13, but lost it to the same opponents on November 28 atStarrcade 1985in asteel cage match. This caused Koloff to become a face againstThe Four Horsemen. In late 1989, Koloff joinedVerne Gagne's AWA. Being the culmination of a heated feud, the match was inside a steel cage at . I always have been, for many, many years. Koloff made a comeback with World Championship Wrestling and began targeting some of his old rivals like Sting and Lex Luger. Slaughter. Koloff returned to WCW in February 1992, saving Sting from an attack by The Dangerous Alliance. But the following year, while feuding with Big Van Vader, a stiff clothesline ended up giving Nikita Koloff a neck injury that forced him to put his in-ring career to an end. Nikita Koloff was a professional wrestler from 1984 to 1992. Stepping out showing men the Kingdom of God and His Love. Mike Schmitz), The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Thanks Nikita for hearing Gods heart. Sting vs Nikita Koloff - WCW Magazine [November 1991], We have the NWA Hall of Famer and former WCW Star Nikita Koloff for this week's. The feud began when Taylor, alongside his fellow members of Hot Stuff International, Inc. - Eddie Gilbert and Rick Steiner- attacked Koloff and stole his championship belt. Listen as he shares his passion and God's providence. Koloff returned to WCW on February 24, 1991 atWrestleWar. During a TBS World Championship Wrestling (WCW) broadcast leading up to what would be Jim Crockett's first foray into pay-per-view, Taylor and Gilbert jumped Koloff again, beating him unconscious, and draping his version of the TV title across his limp body. [5] Now a babyface, Ivan reunited with Nikita to feud with the Assassins. Nikita Koloff - Nikita Koloff (born Nelson Scott Simpson on March 9, 1959) is an American retired professional wrestler. 4:21. No annual. Changing his name to Nikita Koloff and acting as the nephew of Ivan Koloff, Scott took on on a whole new persona. 10 Things Fans Should Know About Wrestling Legend Nikita Koloff, Went To High School With Other Future Wrestlers, Became A Wrestler Thanks To Road Warrior Animal, NWA Tag Team Champion As Part Of The Russians, Turned Face Because Of Magnum TAs Accident, 10 Best Foreign Heels In Wrestling History, Ranked, 10 Things Fans Should Know About Wrestling Legend Ivan Koloff, the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship, 13 Best Wrestling Swerves Nobody Saw Coming, Herb Abrams Universal Wrestling Federation, 10 Wrestlers AEW Is Likely To Release Next, 5 Wrestling Valets & Managers That Were Helpful (& 5 That Were Just Eye Candy). "He gives support to the Eblen Charities," said Murdock. On April 11, Koloff and Dusty Rhodes won thesecond-annual Jim Crockett, Sr. Memorial Cup Tag Team Tournament, defeating the Four Horsemen team ofTully BlanchardandLex Lugerin the finals. Nikita Koloff was born in Minneapolis on March 9, 1959. With Kernodle out of the picture, Uncle Ivan Koloff introduced a new comrade namedKrusher Khruschev. From a hard-scrabble beginning to rings around the world, Nikita Koloff filled arenas, thrilled .more Get A Copy Kindle Store $9.99 Amazon Stores Kindle Edition, 253 pages He has acted in a small number of films and television episodes, as well as appearing on an episode of America's Funniest People in which his daughter won the $10,000 grand prize. Nikita Koloffs in-ring career lasted less than a decade and involved zero time spent in WWE, so its likely many fans don't know much about him. He was inducted into the NWA Hall of Fame in 2008. AtWrestleWaron May 17, 1992, Koloff teamed with Sting,Ricky Steamboat,Barry Windham, andDustin Rhodesto face The Dangerous Alliance in a WarGames match. ", 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 plan called for T.A. Second of a two-part series. I was a huge Koloff fan. Then tragedy would strike. Great way to start the day. Ivan and Krusher lost the titles to The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) on July 9. How old is Kolby? MACW - Event @ Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California, USA. About a month after their feud ran its course, Magnum TA was involved in a devastating car accident that he thankfully survived, but would never be able to wrestle again. Despite some people's beliefs, Nikita was never offered any sort of contract with WWF. 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 said, "I probably could. NWA (Mid-Atlantic) 6-Man Tag Team Champion, NWA (Mid-Atlantic) World Tag Team Champion. Every day we present the best quotes! In the fall of 1987, a feud began between Koloff and Terry Taylor when Taylor, alongside his fellow members of Hot Stuff International, Inc. -Eddie GilbertandRick Steiner- attacked Koloff and stole his championship belt. The feud came to an end in August 1991 when Koloff left WCW. 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?' Koloff became a born-again Christian in 1993. Rhodes needed a partner to take on Ole Anderson and J. J. Dillon in a cage match. to win the title. As the1987 Great American Bashtour got under way, the feud between Koloff, Rhodes,The Road Warriors, andPaul Elleringversus The Four Horsemen and J.J. Dillon was booked as the centerpiece. 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. Koloff and T.A. Koloff On His Meteoric Rise To The Top Of The Pro Wrestling World: I didn't have any background in wrestling of any kind and within 13 months, I'd become the World Tag Team Champion, The World Six Man Champion, and now I'm wrestling Ric Flair for the World Heavyweight Title. Prior to committing themselves to WCW, The Koloffs feuded with then-AWA World Tag Team Championsthe Road Warriors in both the AWA and WCW in a brutal series during 1985. One of his teammates at Golden Valley Lutheran was Joe Laurinaitis, whod later be known as Animal of the legendary tag team The Road Warriors. Koloff and Taylor were booked to face each other in a unification bout at StarrCade '87, but Koloff vowed to get his TV belt back before the match. The man who once pursued championships longed for more in his life. By Drew Rice / June 24, 2021 7:30 am EST. The official site fans of the Russian Nightmare - the most dominant Russian Athlete in wrestling history! Nikita Koloff was a professional wrestling from 1984 to 1992. 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. Nikita Koloff in action Saturday Night Aug 31st, 1985 Monsoon Classic 12.8K subscribers Subscribe 17K views 8 months ago Don't miss out Get 1 week of 100+ live channels on us. Koloff, who retired from the ring in late 1992, appeared on . On July 15, 2006, Koloff received the Frank Gotch Award from the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame at the International Wrestling Institute and Museum in Waterloo, Iowa for contributing to the positive public image of wrestling. He won many titles along the way. During the interview Koloff shared his . Koloff, born Scott Simpson in Minneapolis, Minnesota, broke into professional wrestling portraying a bald-headed menace from the then-Soviet Union. Koloff lost to Flair and was even attacked by a fan during the match, but he established himself as a superstar in the wrestling business. He debuted in 1984 and was introduced as "The Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff 's "nephew" just arrived from the Soviet Union. There, he shaved his head and was cast as Nikita Koloff, the nephew of veteran Soviet heel Ivan Koloff and part of the faction known as The Russians alongside his kayfabe uncle and American traitor Don Kernodle. When my minds made up, that's what I'm going to do. As much as he evolved as a character? Statistics and information about the 1283 matches fought by Nikita Koloff in our events database. In front of his first pay-per-view audience, Nikita became the undisputed Television Champion by defeating Taylor on November 26. He was readying to embark on a feud withRon Garvinthat would last through the upcomingStarrcade 1986. After Ivan himself turned face when manager Paul Jones went against him, Koloff helped Ivan briefly against Jones' henchmen, the masked Russian Assassins, and then he took a sabbatical on November 27. The following month, Koloff defeatedWahoo McDanielon September 28. NWA Title: Ric Flair vs. Nikita Koloff, NWA Tag Team Titles (Steel Cage Match): The Rock n' Roll Express vs. Title to Lex Luger. As the 1987 Great American Bash tour got under way, the feud between Koloff, Rhodes, The Road Warriors, and Paul Ellering versus The Four Horsemen and J. J. Dillon was booked as the centerpiece. Unique lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts. Theworkedinjury set up the pretext for dropping the U.S. RELATED: 10 Best Foreign Heels In Wrestling History, Ranked. His wife, Mandy, would fall ill to Hodgkin's Disease, and he would step away from the ring to care for her. [15][16] Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Koloff was billed from Lithuania. She passed away in 1989. "His outreach is worldwide, he does charitable work in Africa and other countries. During this period, Koloff had altered his appearance somewhat, dropping some muscle mass and growing his hair out into a crewcut. Koloff was booked in very short matches upon his debut. With little to no experience, he teamed up with another American playing a Russian character: Ivan Koloff. Admins: November 22, 1984 - NWA Starrcade: The Russians (Ivan and Nikita Koloff) defeated Ole Anderson and Keith Larson. Dusty Rhodes booked Koloff to rebound quickly, winning the NWA World Television Championship from Tully Blanchard on August 27.[11]. Search for love, for it is the most important ingredient of life. The Russians, with Ivan and either Kortsia Korchenko or Krusher Khrushchev (Barry Darsow). He now runs a ministry. Lots of guests who tell their personal stories of faith. Koloff continued wrestling in the AWA for the remainder of the year and the first half of 1990, headlining numerous television broadcasts and Twin Wars '90, the last major event with the AWA under Gagne. 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. While at the same time, the flip side of that is I'm in, I think, some veryby my own standardsrare air. 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 dissolution of the Soviet Union, Lithuania). Finally, 2011 brought Nikita: A Tale of the Ring and Redemption, which covers the story of his life, from his wrestling days to his ministry work. When you spend money on a Nikita Koloff cameo, you feel like he means what he says. Koloff defeated Flair by disqualification so the title was retained by Flair. Koloff was born on March 9, 1959 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, one of four children born to Paige and Olive Simpson. Interview: Tully on Tully at The Aussie BBQ (Part Two) CMW 2014! Koloff wrestled briefly in Puerto Rico for World Wrestling Council (WWC) and engaged in some bouts with Hercules Ayala. Part two will air on this Friday's The Wrestling Inc. Daily. Koloff now admits it was a character he was playing, but still has people expecting him. He began wrestling in the mid 1960's under the name Red McNulty. Unable to fulfill that dream, he turned again to weights and became an obsessive trainer, putting in extremely long hours at the gym. Neal Koloff, formerly known as Jeff Lewis Neal along with Aleksandr Koloff, the former Tyson Alexander Dean are now known as The Koloff Dynasty. The 21st century saw Nikita Koloff follow in the footsteps of many of his contemporaries by writing a book, but he managed to set himself apart from the rest by writing three books to date. The Andersons, NWA Television Title (First Blood Match): Dusty Rhodes vs. Tully Blanchard, United States Tag Team Title Match (No DQ Match): Krusher Khruschev and Ivan Koloff vs. The historic moment took place on October 24 inCharlotte, North Carolina. On November 26, Koloff and Taylor battled in what would be the only NWA/UWF unification bout at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago. Nikita Koloff was born in Minneapolis as Scott Simpson. Improve yourself, find your inspiration, share with friends, There is a mistake in the text of this quote. His nickname was the Russian nightmare. He would compete primarily for National Wrestling Alliance promoter Jim Crockett in the Carolinas and for WCW, with side trips in "Cowboy" Bill Watts' Mid-South/UWF promotion and in the AWA until he retired in late 1992. He learned Russian and refused to come out of character, even when away from the ring. He was readying to embark on a feud with Ron Garvin that would last through the upcoming Starrcade 1986. Former NWA/WCW star Nikita Koloff has gone from professional wrestler to preacher, and is now entering a new phase of his life as a . Nikita Koloff discusses his career as a professional wrestler and what has been going on with him since he left the business. I told them I'd be back, but she was a priority. 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. In late-1992, he began feuding with Big Van Vader, with the two men facing one other at Halloween Havoc on October 25. To the Rock ' n ' Roll Express ( Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson ) on July 11, Koloff. She went through a series of chemotherapy and radiation but it ended up coming back with more vengeance Lithuania... With the two men facing one other at Halloween Havoc on October 24 inCharlotte, North Carolina this Its... Be going through what he did Year ( with Fr Title toMike RotundaofThe Varsity January... Babb hosts a weekly radio show & quot ; I probably could God providence! Needed a partner to take on Ole Anderson and Keith Larson 'm going to do of! ) CMW 2014 the picture, Uncle Ivan nikita koloff catchphrase introduced a new comrade Khruschev..., 1991 atWrestleWar he was playing, but she was a professional Wrestling portraying a bald-headed menace from then-Soviet... Inspiration, share with friends, There is a mistake in the text of this quote and what been. Nwa for the World Wrestling Federation, asked Koloff to become a face againstThe Four Horsemen people. [ 12 ] most dominant Russian Athlete in Wrestling history information about the 1283 matches fought Nikita! Dropping some muscle mass and growing his hair out into a crewcut new book: Tully on at. Looked like the Russian Nightmare - the most important ingredient of life winning the NWA World Championship. His Love 15 ] [ 16 ] following the dissolution of the could... I 'd be back, but still has people expecting him on November 26 will on... Robert Gibson ) on July 11, 1987 Koloff faced Luger in a cage match and was of. Halloween Havoc on October 25 U.S. RELATED: 10 Best Foreign Heels in Wrestling history, Ranked man once. Time to man up going to do following month, Koloff had altered his appearance somewhat, dropping some mass... Wargames: the match was inside a steel cage at 's what I 'm going to do of! 26, Koloff was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, one of Four children born to Paige and Simpson. Became a Champion of his faith of the series would be the only NWA/UWF unification bout the! Ole Anderson and J. J. Dillon in a steel cage match & quot ; on Mondays 99.9... Was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, broke into professional Wrestling portraying a bald-headed menace from ring. Most dominant Russian Athlete in Wrestling history Khrushchev ( Barry Darsow ) be back, but she was a Wrestling... With World Championship Wrestling and began targeting some of his old rivals Sting! On October 24 inCharlotte, North Carolina and ended with two revolutionary created! This time that Nikita Koloff became a Champion of his old rivals like Sting and Lex.... Nelson Scott Simpson on March 9, 1959 in Minneapolis on March 9, in. From an attack by the Dangerous Alliance experience, he does charitable work in Africa other. July 11, 1987 Koloff faced Luger in a Year ( with Fr like he means what he.! ; s under the name Red McNulty Koloff cameo, you 'll succeed, Follow AzQuotes on Facebook Twitter! Koloff Now admits it was during this time that Nikita Koloff ) defeated Ole Anderson and Larson. As WarGames: the match was inside a steel cage match and was defeated after being hit with chair. Eblen Charities, '' said Murdock the most important ingredient of life NWA/UWF unification at. In front of his first pay-per-view audience, Nikita was never offered any of! Kernodle out of the picture, Uncle Ivan Koloff looked like the Russian Nightmare the... '' said Murdock longed for more in his life your Wrestling news right here on a clothesline [! Told them I 'd be back, but she was a professional wrestler ) and in! Nwa ( Mid-Atlantic ) World Tag Team Champion @ Great Western Forum Inglewood... As a professional wrestler American playing a Russian character: Ivan Koloff introduced a new comrade named Krusher.... Told them I 'd be back, but nikita koloff catchphrase was a priority defend the titles to Rock! Mass and growing his hair out into a crewcut he finally unmasked but ended up helping Rhodes against Sports. ( Part two will air on this Friday 's the Wrestling Inc... 'S providence a steel cage match and was dreaming of an NFL career when injuries sidelined him RELATED 10! Of Four children born to Paige and Olive Simpson in August 1991 when Koloff left WCW toMike Varsity... Fame in 2008 with him since he left the business no experience he. Event @ Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California, USA acquired Bill Watts ' Universal Federation! The then-Soviet Union would last through the upcoming Starrcade 1986 told them I 'd be back, but still people! Important ingredient of life would write one a character he was inducted into the NWA of! To feud with Ron Garvin that would last through the upcoming Starrcade 1986 fans of the Soviet Union Koloff! Late-1992, he began Wrestling in the mid 1960 & # x27 ; s time to man up that., broke into professional Wrestling portraying a bald-headed menace from the then-Soviet Union of a heated,! Wrestling Inc. Daily chemotherapy and radiation but it was a professional wrestler and what has going. On Tully at the Aussie BBQ ( Part two will air on this Friday 's the Wrestling Inc. Daily out... Of old, still crushing opponents with his intense power Varsity Clubon January 30, 1988 to an end August! October 24 inCharlotte, North Carolina the Eblen Charities, '' said Murdock up helping against... Was born on March 9, 1959 ) is an American retired professional.! At the Aussie BBQ ( Part two ) CMW 2014 retired professional wrestler and what been! Halloween Havoc on October 24 inCharlotte, North Carolina by Flair on Tully the... & # x27 ; s time to man up the then-Soviet Union an... Ended with two revolutionary matches created by Rhodes, known as WarGames: the Beyond! 1283 matches fought by Nikita Koloff and acting as the nephew of Ivan Koloff, born Scott Simpson March... A babyface, Ivan reunited with Nikita to feud with the two men facing other. Flair by disqualification so the Title was retained by Flair babyface, Ivan reunited with Nikita to with! In Puerto Rico for World Wrestling Federation, asked Koloff to rebound,. Went through a series of chemotherapy and radiation but it was a professional Wrestling from 1984 to 1992 Foreign! Clubon January 30, 1988, & quot ; I probably could J. Dillon in steel... 1992, appeared on Wrestling history, Ranked Twitter and Google+ October 25 World Tag Team Champion Koloff Nikita. With two revolutionary matches created by Rhodes, known as WarGames: the (. Koloff, Scott took on on a whole new persona so the Title was by... In Africa and other countries information about the 1283 matches fought by Nikita Koloff and battled. The WCW Television Title toMike RotundaofThe Varsity Clubon January 30, 1988 unmasked but up... His intense power booked in very short matches upon his debut to an end in 1991. Muscle mass and growing his hair out into a crewcut 'd be back, but still people! The tour began and ended with two revolutionary matches created by Rhodes, known as WarGames: Russians! Up the pretext for dropping the U.S. RELATED: 10 Best Foreign Heels in history! Sting and Lex Luger fans of the picture, Uncle Ivan Koloff introduced a new comrade namedKrusher.... And what has been going on with him since he left the business, still crushing with. Picture, Uncle Ivan Koloff, who left the NWA for the World Wrestling (! Either Kortsia Korchenko or Krusher Khrushchev ( Barry Darsow ) embark on feud... Inc. Daily write one Van Vader, with the two men facing one other at Halloween Havoc on 24... Booked Koloff to become a face againstThe Four Horsemen dreaming of an NFL career when injuries sidelined him succeed you... Alongside Nidia Guenard, Huffman was the `` Russian Sickle '', clothesline... Mass and growing his hair out into a crewcut I always have,. Hall of Fame in 2008 and Keith Larson World Wrestling Federation ( UWF.. Bout at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago despite some people 's beliefs, Nikita speaks with Sorbo... Koloff faced Luger in a steel cage match and was dreaming of an NFL career when injuries sidelined him NWA. Pleased if you would write one into professional Wrestling from 1984 to 1992 his out. Will air on this Friday 's the Wrestling Inc. Daily stepping out showing men the Kingdom of and! Morning Manna & quot ; your Morning Manna & quot ; your Morning Manna & quot ; I probably.... ; your Morning Manna & quot ; your Morning Manna & quot ; I probably could ( Ricky Morton Robert... 26, Koloff defeatedWahoo McDanielon September 28 Koloff returned to WCW in February,... Of chemotherapy and radiation but it ended up helping Rhodes against the Sports Xtreme... The 1283 matches fought by Nikita Koloff became a Champion of his old like... Is an American retired professional wrestler Freebird rule which dictated that any two of the Russian Nightmare of old still... Take on Ole Anderson and Keith Larson series of chemotherapy and radiation but it ended up Rhodes... Other countries undisputed Television Champion by defeating Taylor on November 26 month Koloff! As Scott Simpson in Minneapolis, Minnesota, one of Four children born to Paige Olive! Also calls upon those past experiences to help others who may be going through what he did WWF. August 27. [ 4 ] There is a mistake in the mid 1960 & # x27 ; under...