We are sad to report that Nikolai Volkoff has passed away. Volkoff passed away this morning at a hospital in Maryland after being treated for dehydration.
Fans may remember him best for his run in the World Wrestling Federation in the 1980’s. Volkoff played an anti-American heel and would draw heat before his matches by singing the Russian national anthem.
Volkoff got his start in Calgary, Alberty in 1967 before moving to the World Wide Wrestling Federation, where he spent most of his career. He also wrestled for Verne Gagne’s AWA and Mid-South Wrestling from 1974-1980.
His last run in the national spotlight came in 1994 when he was brought back to be a part of Ted DiBiase’s Million Dollar Corporation. He continued wrestling on independent shows and was said to be in good health. I saw an interview a few months ago where he talked about his healthy eating habits.
Volkoff was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame in 2005. Our condolences to Volkoff’s friends and family. The news of Volkoff’s death was first reported by PWInsider and we were able to confirm the news with one of his close friends.