The National Wrestling Alliance sent out the following:

“Russian Bear” Confirms Fanfest Appearance!

Few performers have left more of a mark on Mid-Atlantic wrestling than “The Russian Bear” Ivan Koloff. For decades the menacing Muscovite mat terror drew the wrath of frenzied fans as he spoke in a raspy Russian voice, wore heavy stomping boots, toted his trademark Russian chain, and boasted the cross and sickle emblazoned on his ring garb. The beard, shaved dome and jagged forehead all served as a testament to his rugged brand of wrestling.

Koloff will be a featured guest at this summer’s Mid-Atlantic Wrestling Legends Fanfest Weekend August 1-4 at Hilton University Place Hotel in Charlotte. He has attended a number of previous Fanfests where he is always a big favorite.

“It’s always an exciting event. I still consider myself a fan,” says Koloff. “I’ve loved wrestling since I was 8 years old. I was a fan then and still am to this day. The fans at Fanfest are the same way. They’re thrilled to be able to meet some of the old-timers and fans they’ve met over the years. In many cases they’ve ended up becoming friends. It’s the same with the boys. Some of the boys I haven’t seen in years and years. Fanfest has made up for that. It’s wonderful to see my old friends again.”