Nikolai Volkoff, whose real name is Josip Nikolai Peruzovic, was born on October 14, 1947, in Yugoslavia. He began his career in professional wrestling in 1970, starting off with the World Wide Wrestling Federation. Before entering the world of wrestling, Volkoff was a member of the Yugoslavian weightlifting team in the late 60s. He later relocated to Maryland, where he worked as a code enforcement officer.
Known for his Russian gimmick, Volkoff quickly became a well-known figure in the wrestling world. Throughout his career, he faced off against some of the biggest names in the industry, including Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage. In 2005, Volkoff was honored for his contributions to wrestling when he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
One of Volkoff's most memorable achievements was winning the WWF Tag Team Championship with his partner, Iron Sheik. The duo's entertaining matches captivated audiences, solidifying their place in wrestling history.
In 2006, Volkoff decided to try his hand at politics and ran in the Maryland Republican Primary for State Delegate. Although he was unsuccessful in this pursuit, his dedication to serving his community was evident both in and out of the ring.
Outside of wrestling, Volkoff was a devoted family man. He had two daughters whom he cherished and supported in all their endeavors. Despite his larger-than-life persona in the ring, Volkoff was known for his kindness and generosity towards those closest to him.
Throughout his career, Nikolai Volkoff left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling. His unique character and in-ring talents will forever be remembered by fans and fellow wrestlers alike.
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