Today, I am saddened to announce that WWE legend Ivan Koloff, known as the "Russian Bear", has departed this life after losing his battle to liver cancer. He was 74. (Note that his passing today came 1 day after George "The Animal" Steele's (Steele was 79).)

Born Oreal Pappas on 8/25/42 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Koloff was billed as a villainous bearded character from the Ukraine. His greatest claim to fame would be on 1/18/71, where the "Russian Bear" would defeat Bruno Sammartino in Madison Square Garden to capture the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship (which it was called back then), ending the latter's 7-yr. reign in the process. His reign w/ the strap would last only 21 days as he would lose it to Pedro Morales. He would never reclaim the title (despite contending for it).

He also found success at the NWA (National Wrestling Alliance), becoming a 4 time NWA Tag Team Champion.

Our prayers go out to Koloff's friends & family.

Oreal "Ivan Koloff" Pappas
1942-2017

Yeah he was a good wrestler. His career was just about over in the 80's. But from what I have read he was a perfect foil for Bruno Sammartino even getting victories over him. He was one of the earliest monster heels (bad guy in wrestling) 


Also as you mentioned George the Animal Steel died a few days earlier. I remember Steel and watched him. He was a good wrestler and a great heel too. I also remember when he would bite the turnbuckle. 

Two of the all time greats now gone