'The Russian Bear' Ivan Koloff dies at 74
Wrestling legend Ivan Koloff, known as "The Russian Bear," has died at the age of 74, WWE confirmed Saturday.
BREAKING: WWE is saddened to learn that Ivan Koloff has passed away at age 74. https://t.co/gs9l0W0Jxo pic.twitter.com/Dd1QbMzs9V
— WWE (@WWE) February 18, 2017
Koloff (real name Oreal Perras) was diagnosed with liver disease over a decade ago, and his wife, Renae, recently revealed to Mike Mooneyham of the Post and Courier that his condition had worsened.
"Ivan's had liver disease for many years, but he's been living with it," Renae said. "He didn't want to make it public before now because he wanted to continue to witness about the Lord and help with the Children's Miracle Network and do weddings and fundraisers. He just wanted to stay active."
A native of Montreal, Koloff made his World Wide Wrestling Federation debut in 1969. His most memorable fight came on Jan. 18, 1971, when he defeated Bruno Sammartino at Madison Square Garden for the WWWF title.
News of Koloff's death comes just one day after WWE announced the passing of Hall of Famer George "The Animal" Steele.
Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, and others in the wrestling community paid their respects to Koloff on Twitter:
I'm Sad To Wake Up And Hear of the passing of my very close friend the Russian Bear Ivan Koloff. You will be missed My Friend. Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/nziKZ2Zqy4
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) February 18, 2017
RIP Ivan Koloff,it's been a tough week,Chavo,Nicole Bass,George Steel,Ivan and Marty Prince,I would feel helpless if not for my faith1loveHH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) February 18, 2017
Ivan Koloff taught me a lot in North Carolina in the early 90's. He was patient and kind. Thank you sir and #RIPIvanKoloff You'll be missed. https://t.co/ApKX7iEpMq
— Brian G. James (@WWERoadDogg) February 18, 2017
Condolences go out to the Ivan Koloff family on Ivan's passing. Another fantastic guy and a real first class gentleman.
— Honky Tonk Man® (@OfficialHTM) February 18, 2017
We've lost 2 wrestling legends in the last couple of days, Rest in Power #GeorgeTheAnimalSteele and #IvanKoloff.Thanks for paving the road🙌🏻
— Mike Bennett (@RealMikeBennett) February 18, 2017
Ivan Koloff, RIP Brother
— Brutus Beefcake (@brutusbeefcake_) February 18, 2017
2 days... 2 legends gone... RIP Ivan Koloff & George the Animal Steele. #LegendsNeverDie
— Mickie James~Aldis (@MickieJames) February 18, 2017