The organisation confirmed that the wrestling star passed away on Sunday, but did not disclose the cause of his death.
Volkoff was born Josip Nikolai Peruzovic in a part of Yugoslavia that is now Croatia. Volkoff joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), the group that later turned into World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), in the ’80s, in the midst of the Cold War.
With his famous U.S.S.R.-themed red outfit, complete with a fur cap, Volkoff was considered one of the most popular wrestling villains, often trying to lead the crowds to stand and sing along to the Soviet’s national anthem.
He famously fought against the likes of American wrestling stars like icon Hulk Hogan and also teamed up with another villain, the Iron Sheik.
May he rest in peace…