Ivan Koloff who defeated Bruno Sammartino for the WWWF title and later played mentor to the second best "Russian" villain, Nikita Koloff. Koloff was such a hated heal that he almost caused a riot a riot upon beating Bruno. In the NWA he put over Nikita who went on to carry his legacy before turning face upon the tragedy befalling Terry Allen (Magnum TA). Of course Nikita was American but had audiences fooled for several years and had classic matches w Rhodes, Flair, Lugar and a best of 7 series with Terry Allan.
I had the privilege of seeing Ivan teeming w Kiniski live in Vancouver against Bulldog Bob Brown and Dutch "the Thumb" Savage". Kiniski and Koloff emerged victorious victorious in a non-title, 2 of 3 fall match.
I had the privilege of seeing Ivan teeming w Kiniski live in Vancouver against Bulldog Bob Brown and Dutch "the Thumb" Savage". Kiniski and Koloff emerged victorious victorious in a non-title, 2 of 3 fall match.