Episode 31: Nikita Koloff

Not About Wrestling

"The Russian Nightmare," Nikita Koloff, was one of the biggest heels in professional wrestling in the mid-1980s.

A member of both the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and the National Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame, Nikita's feud with Magnum TA is legendary, culminating with their classic best of seven series.

After a horrific accident forced Magnum into retirement, Koloff abruptly turned babyface to partner with former adversary Dusty Rhodes in his feud against the Four Horsemen.

Koloff continued wrestling until the early 90s. After retiring, the Minnesota native became a born-again Christian and now runs a ministry. Along with former WCW star Lex Luger, Koloff runs ManCamp - a five-day immersive experience to help bring men closer to God.

In his interview, Nikita discusses growing up in Minnesota (and not Russia), getting ribbed by Curt Hennig in high school, Ivan Koloff teaching him basic moves right before his first match, people still believing he's Russian, and auditioning for the role of Ivan Drago for Rocky IV.

Ladies and gentlemen, now entering the podcast from Minneapolis, Minnesota, this is Nikita Koloff.

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