44. Nikita Koloff

The amount of wrestlers who shaved their head and donned a Soviet gimmick is numerous, but none were a more gifted physical specimen than Nikita Koloff. Looking like he belonged as the opponent for Rocky in Rocky IV (though that came after Nikita’s debut), Nikita Koloff looked like the new breed of Russian athlete: one who would destroy you by brute force as oppose to cunning guile and deviousness.

One of the highlights of the NWA in the late 80’s was the face turn of Nikita Koloff which showed the human side of the monster without losing a stitch of his ferocity. Nikita was a microcosm of the political situation and a damn good one at that. Interruptions in his career (he took a sabbatical to take care of his dying wife, and later took time off when his heart wasn’t in it) that prevented him from an extended career at the top and without a WWE run on his credit, the “Russian Nightmare” may not be Hall of Fame bound.

Should Nikita Koloff be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 84.2%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 9.6%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 4.4%

No opinion. - 0%

No way! - 1.8%

The Bullet Points