Nikita Koloff (WWE)
Bio
Nikita Koloff, contrary to popular belief, was born in Minneapolis, MN and not the Soviet Union. Nikita’s upbringing was a difficult one, as his mother raised four children in the inner city projects during the 60’s and 70’s. At an early age, Nikita saw a copy of IRON MAN Magazine, and his fascination with weight lifting and athletics was born. From that point on, he relentlessly worked towards his goal of becoming a professional athlete. Nikita attended Robbinsdale High School where he played football with future professional wrestlers, Curt Henning, Rick Rude, Barry Darsow (aka Krusher Kruschev), John Nord, Brady Boone, and Tom Zenk. His college career took him to Golden Valley Jr. College, where he recruited Joe Larainaitis (Road Warrior Animal)to play as well as at Moorhead State University. Joe would eventually return the recruiting favor, and help set Nikita’s future career path into professional wrestling in motion.
While recovering from several injuries and setbacks from his college football career, it was during this time frame, Nikita received a call from college buddy, Joe Larainaitis. He informed him that Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling was looking for someone to play a “Russian Villain” to coincide with the Russian’s boycotting the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Nikita showed up in Charlotte, NC June 1984 and the rest is history – “The Russian Nightmare” was born. His first match lasted 11 seconds, and he literally started out as a main event performer and remained one until the end of his career in 1992. As a professional wrestler, Nikita held numerous titles including several World Championships. He wrestled in matches all over the world with some of the biggest names in the sport, such as Ric Flair, The Four Horsemen, Magnum TA, Dusty Rhodes, Lex Luger, Sting, and many others.
Nikita ended his professional wrestling career in the early 90’s while at the top of his game. It was after retirement, that he realized that all of the fame and success did not fill a void that was in his life. It was during this time, that he began focusing on raising his family and attending church, eventually becoming a Christian.
It was early in his Christian walk, that Nikita felt the call into full time ministry and has been doing so since 1994. In the past Nikita has traveled with Ron Luce and Acquire the Fire Ministries, and has traveled to over 20 countries so far. Currently he is working with Koloff for Christ Ministries and Fellowship of the Sword Ministries, and also sits on the board of directors for several ministries. In addition, he and former professional wrestler, Lex Luger, also have a health and wellness ministry as well.
Nikita is available for various ministry capacities including: speaking, conferences, men’s ministry events, school assemblies, evangelical outreach events, public appearances, health and wellness seminars.
