Another Former Pro Wrestler Seeks Political Fortune

FOX News ^ | 03/25/06 | Jared S. Hopkins

[nypokerface]

WASHINGTON — When Nikolai Volkoff made an entrance during the height of his fame years ago, he was greeted by boos. Now he hopes for applause.

That's because Volkoff, who as a symbol of the communist Soviet Union in the 1980s was considered one of the most notorious professional wrestlers, is preparing for a run at the House of Delegates in September.

The 6-foot-3, 300-pound Volkoff, now a Baltimore County code inspector, is a veteran of the World Wrestling Federation (now World Wrestling Entertainment) from the 1980s, when the likes of Hulk Hogan, "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, and Rowdy Roddy Piper crossed paths.

Volkoff, a U.S. citizen since 1970 and now a registered Republican, is actually from Yugoslavia, not the Soviet Union, and has spent the last 10 years learning America's democratic process. He said he supports the GOP because its members helped liberate his country.

[nypokerface]

I remember starting a USA chant against this guy when I went to the first Wrestlemania. I wonder if the Iron Sheik will be his campaign manager.

[Anti-Bubba182]

That's cool. I hope he wins.

[Dog]

You scared him..

Volkoff's influence was strongest in the early 1980s when the country's relationship with the Soviet Union was most tense. His "worst moment" came in New Orleans after a friend misplaced the tape with his introductory music. Volkoff himself sang the song, which happened to be the Soviet's national anthem.

"I got scared," he said. "They were mad. They were stamping their feet and I didn't know what to do."

See you made him afraid....:-)

[chemicalman]

Wow...that was some time ago.
Used to help set up the rings for the matches and get front row/ ring side for the events. Friends and I had the largest American flag when Hacksaw Duggan and Volkoff were at it in the ring and was televised. Municiple auditorium in Nawlins before the city was crime central.

[Dog]

See post 3...he remembers you....LOL!

[GraniteStateConservative]

Volkoff... is actually from Yugoslavia, not the Soviet Union.

Lies! All lies! La-la-la-la. I'm not listening! La-la-la-la.

[youthgonewild]

Hopefully he won't demand to sing the Soviet national anthem on the House floor (as was his trademark as a wrestler before matches).

[chemicalman]

Volkoff need not worry...lol. We knew it was all show. They would all be in the same dressing room planning the event.

[Thumper1960]

He sang this????:

United forever in friendship and labour,
Our mighty republics will ever endure.
The Great Soviet Union will live through the ages.
The dream of a people their fortress secure.

Long live our Soviet motherland,
Built by the people's mighty hand.
Long live our people, united and free.
Strong in our friendship tried by fire.
Long may our crimson flag inspire,
Shining in glory for all men to see.

Through days dark and stormy where Great Lenin lead us
Our eyes saw the bright sun of freedom above
And Stalin our leader with faith in the people,
Inspired us to build up the land that we love.

Long live our Soviet motherland,
Built by the people's mighty hand.
Long live our people, united and free.
Strong in our friendship tried by fire.
Long may our crimson flag inspire,
Shining in glory for all men to see.

We fought for the future, destroyed the invaders,
And brought to our homeland the laurels of fame.
Our glory will live in the memory of nations
And all generations will honour her name.

Long live our Soviet motherland,
Built by the people's mighty hand.
Long live our people, united and free.
Strong in our friendship tried by fire.
Long may our crimson flag inspire,
Shining in glory for all men to see.

No wonder they went apecrap in hatred!

[Fintan]

 

Bruno Sammartino & Harley Race (is that a great name or what?) get my vote for the 2008 GOP ticket against Mrs. Bill Clinton.

[headstamp]

No. I hear it will be Ivan Putski.

[Dog]

You mean it was fake...I'm crushed here.....next you will tell me there is no Easter Bunny.....:-)

[Al Simmons]

Nikolai Volkoff is a Russian name (The Serbian or Croatian equivalent would be 'Nikola', and Volkoff would have no equivalent in S-C); therefore he either changed his name when he adopted the character, or he was born in Yugoslavia of (at least one) Russian parent....

[Tall_Texan]

There seems to be only two career paths for pro wrestlers:

Politics or premature death. Not sure which is worse.

[freedom44]

I know his tag team guy Khosrow Vaziri [The Iron Sheik]. He's a Republican because the Democrats brought the mullahs to power. He should run in Georgia.

[chemicalman]

It's not fake...It's planned.
It's more athletic/artistic. A bad move can really get that elbow between your eyes. Or landing on your back wrong can really hurt.

I thought it was the Great Easter Egg that brought candy on Easter?

[firewalk]

win!

[JohnLongIsland]

the iron sheik, born and raised in good old brooklyn.

[mkjessup]

I remember seeing Volkoff in a grudge match with Bruno Sammartino at the Capital Center in Prince Georges County Maryland, it would have been around 1978 or so (I think), and as I recall, everything was going according to script (har-har) when Volkoff either deliberately or accidentally (can't tell which) kicked Bruno right in the family jewels, and after doubling over and catching his breath, Bruno came back to give Volkoff what looked to be one of the most severe beatings you ever imagined, and of course - Bruno won the match.

Now it could have ALL been scripted, but back then, there was still an element of believability to professional wrestling, which was long before the 'dark days, before the Vince McMahon Empire took over'.

Has anyone ever noticed that Vince McMahon and Al Gore look like twins seperated at birth?

I'm expecting to hear that Gore invented wrestling. ;)

As for Candidate Volkoff? If I were in his district, he would certainly have my vote now! :)

[BallyBill]

I always rooted for the bad guys. George "The Animal" Steele was the best, but I got almost as many laughs out the "Iron Sheik" every time he did that spit routine I was on the floor.