I use to work out with him at Steamboats Gym in Charlotte. He came to the house often. He was super nice. I met a lot of wrestlers through him. Sad that’s he’s gone, but I’ll see him again🙏🙏🙏 RIP
Crossed paths with him a few times while at East Carolina University. He was always so kind and generous with his time while I asked him questions he's probably heard thousands of times. Great guy.
Grew up watching him on TV....then had the pleasure of meeting him at our local Walmart in Raleigh NC.... And the first thing he asks me is "Do I know you?" and I responded no , although I felt like I had known him all my life, after following his career since the early 70's
Ivan looks great. I'm picturing him against Bruno Sammartino and his look has not changed. God bless him and may he receive all the blessings of heaven.
This guy scared the hell out of me on t.v. , I grew up watching wrestling I loved it. In 1993 I went to a WCW Legends meet and greet, I met many of my heroes, many were friendly and nice, a few were disappointing, but one stood out above all, I was a bit nervous about Ivan Koloff, it surprised me that he was the kindest man there, he greeted me with a hand shake, a smile and a light in his eyes, and though I only spoke with him for a few seconds, I was amazed that this guy could of ever scared me, his personality projected such love and honesty, and I have never forgotten it , I've told many of his kindness, and will never forget meeting The Russian Bear.
I saw the late Ivan Koloff's interview with 'Nephew Nikita' years ago on RUclips when they were recalling their time in Jim Crockett Promotions in The NWA back in the 80s. I'd heard from other wrestlers like Krusher Krushev, Barry Windham, & the late Road Warrior Animal in interviews over the years say he was a pretty chill and easy going guy. R.I.P. Russian Bear 🐻😇
I was privileged to meet him twice. The first time was at a show in Raleigh, North Carolina at Dorton arena. Somehow I fell into helping take down the ring after the shows when The NWA was in town. Because of this, I got to hang out near the dressing rooms. I was sitting in a folding chair and watching the match When Ivan sat down beside of me. What I discovered was nothing close to a grouchy, mean individual. As a matter of fact he spoke to me first. He was so kind and polite and when his match came up his whole attitude was Time to go to work. I found myself pulling for him even though I knew he was the heel. The second time was at a signing at the Walmart in Cary, North Carolina. This time I really got to monopolize his time because there was nobody in line. I must’ve spoken to him for about 25 minutes. Just asking him how he got into the business and what he was doing these days… Typical fan questions. Once again, I found a precious and kind hearted man. Then one day I was reading about him and found out that he was born again. Then I fully understood what was the foundation of his life. What a privilege to meet such a humble legend. I know the only legacy that he really wanted to leave was to be known as a man of God and man who loved his family. We could absolutely use more people in this world like Ivan. Rest In Peace with Jesus. Until we meet again brother!
I enjoyed the lesson the Koloff's taught David Crockett. I'm talking about the time when Crockett was giving a contentious interview with them and poking Ivan at the same. Nickita had enough of his disrespectable behavior and taught him not to poke the Bear.
He was a former WWWF (WWF/WWE) champion back in the early 1970s. His title reign was short-lived. He beat Bruno Sammartino for the title and then lost it to Pedro Morales a few weeks later.
I had a friend who looked just like a miniature ivan kolof, when we went to horse sales, he would pretend to be Ivan's nephew and really antagonize the old traders who took their RASLIN seriously it was a blast to watch
Ivan, none of your prayers were wasted. They all got through.
I'm so happy that Ivan became born again and washed in the blood. RIP and God Bless you Ivan.
Amen!
i met him at a Kmart in Greenvile,Nc who sold autographs to support the church. His purpose was to share the gospel. God bless him!
I use to work out with him at Steamboats Gym in Charlotte. He came to the house often. He was super nice. I met a lot of wrestlers through him. Sad that’s he’s gone, but I’ll see him again🙏🙏🙏
RIP
Crossed paths with him a few times while at East Carolina University. He was always so kind and generous with his time while I asked him questions he's probably heard thousands of times. Great guy.
I Worked With Ivan Koloff In Charlotte, N.C. @ Paw Creek Station - For Wahoo McDaniel
Well God bless him, so awesome that he was born again! :-)
What a beautiful soul, God bless you Mr. Koloff. Rest peacefully with Jesus.
Rest In Power Uncle Ivan!!!
Grew up watching him on TV....then had the pleasure of meeting him at our local Walmart in Raleigh NC.... And the first thing he asks me is "Do I know you?" and I responded no , although I felt like I had known him all my life, after following his career since the early 70's
Ivan looks great. I'm picturing him against Bruno Sammartino and his look has not changed. God bless him and may he receive all the blessings of heaven.
This guy scared the hell out of me on t.v. , I grew up watching wrestling I loved it. In 1993 I went to a WCW Legends meet and greet, I met many of my heroes, many were friendly and nice, a few were disappointing, but one stood out above all, I was a bit nervous about Ivan Koloff, it surprised me that he was the kindest man there, he greeted me with a hand shake, a smile and a light in his eyes, and though I only spoke with him for a few seconds, I was amazed that this guy could of ever scared me, his personality projected such love and honesty, and I have never forgotten it , I've told many of his kindness, and will never forget meeting The Russian Bear.
I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Ivan koloff at a Walmart and talked with him! He was a kind man and truly Born again!🙏Rip in Jesus Ivan.
Rest in peace brother, Ivan
R. I. P Ivan "Russian Bear" Koloff 🐻❤
So strange to hear uncle Ivan speak with a Canadian accent. Growing up I really thought he was Russian. He was great!
I saw the late Ivan Koloff's interview with 'Nephew Nikita' years ago on RUclips when they were recalling their time in Jim Crockett Promotions in The NWA back in the 80s. I'd heard from other wrestlers like Krusher Krushev, Barry Windham, & the late Road Warrior Animal in interviews over the years say he was a pretty chill and easy going guy. R.I.P. Russian Bear 🐻😇
I was privileged to meet him twice. The first time was at a show in Raleigh, North Carolina at Dorton arena. Somehow I fell into helping take down the ring after the shows when The NWA was in town. Because of this, I got to hang out near the dressing rooms. I was sitting in a folding chair and watching the match When Ivan sat down beside of me. What I discovered was nothing close to a grouchy, mean individual. As a matter of fact he spoke to me first. He was so kind and polite and when his match came up his whole attitude was Time to go to work. I found myself pulling for him even though I knew he was the heel. The second time was at a signing at the Walmart in Cary, North Carolina. This time I really got to monopolize his time because there was nobody in line. I must’ve spoken to him for about 25 minutes. Just asking him how he got into the business and what he was doing these days… Typical fan questions. Once again, I found a precious and kind hearted man. Then one day I was reading about him and found out that he was born again. Then I fully understood what was the foundation of his life. What a privilege to meet such a humble legend. I know the only legacy that he really wanted to leave was to be known as a man of God and man who loved his family. We could absolutely use more people in this world like Ivan. Rest In Peace with Jesus. Until we meet again brother!
I was born and raised in Goldsboro N. C.!!!
I enjoyed the lesson the Koloff's taught David Crockett. I'm talking about the time when Crockett was giving a contentious interview with them and poking Ivan at the same. Nickita had enough of his disrespectable behavior and taught him not to poke the Bear.
He was a former WWWF (WWF/WWE) champion back in the early 1970s. His title reign was short-lived. He beat Bruno Sammartino for the title and then lost it to Pedro Morales a few weeks later.
man the introduction by his son in law was great!
class act. signed a polaroid of mine with John 3:16.
I really enjoy seeing testimony from wrestlers I seen on tv
He's not russian? there goes my childhood
I thought the same all these years lol
Ivan Koloff pinned satan and went home to be with the Lord⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I met him in North Carolina
I had a friend who looked just like a miniature ivan kolof, when we went to horse sales, he would pretend to be Ivan's nephew and really antagonize the old traders who took their RASLIN seriously it was a blast to watch
Miss ya Ole buddy
Awesome
God is love
Ummm what happened to his accent?? He must have lived in America so long it’s gone now!
Amem
Wow I always thought he was real Russian
Hey! He speaks native. LOL!
Ivan was saved.......saved from what??? Saved from what god was going to do to him if he hadn't been saved. Makes sense.
Saved from what? Saved from the wrath of God, which eternal life in Hell.
They should have used his real name!
So weird to hear him speak out of character......
Sooooooo, he's not Russian..??
😂
Long live the Russian Bear .