NEWS: WWE Hall of Famer Nikolai Volkoff Passes Away

NEWS: WWE Hall of Famer Nikolai Volkoff has passed away at the age of 70. Born Josip Nikolai Peruzović, the Croatian Volkoff is arguably best known for playing a Soviet Russian sympathizer in the WWE during the height of the 1980's Cold War between Russia and The United States. Volkoff, on of the great heels of the 1980s, often teamed with fellow Hall of Famer, The Iron Sheik, and feuded with the likes of Hulk Hogan. PW Insider reports that Volkoff was released from hospital care several days ago, after suffering from dehydration. We extend our most heartfelt condolences to Peruzović's friends and family. Volkoff's best friend and tag team partner released the following statement via Twitter:

MY BEST FRIEND. MY PARTNER. MY BROTHER. WE GET MORE HEAT THAN ANYONE ON EARTH. I TRUST HIM WITH MY LIFE. HE TAKE CARE OF ME WHEN I WAS DOWN. I MISS YOU FOREVER 💔 pic.twitter.com/pp7ZgQRDnb

— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) July 29, 2018

The WWE has released the following statement:

WWE is saddened to learn that Josip Nikolai Peruzović, known to WWE fans as Nikolai Volkoff, has passed away at age 70. 

Best known for his dastardly, WWE Tag Team Championship–winning union with The Iron Sheik, Volkoff’s in-ring career spanned the better part of 40 years, which featured battles against the likes of Sgt. Slaughter, Hulk Hogan and Bruno Sammartino. As one of the greatest villains sports-entertainment had ever seen, Volkoff’s infamous rendition of the Soviet National Anthem before his matches made him an instant icon in the eyes of the WWE Universe as a Superstar they truly loved to hate. Jim Ross inducted Volkoff into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2005.

WWE extends its condolences to Peruzović’s family, friends and fans.