Ringside News reports that pro wrestling legend Ivan Koloff (real name: Oreal Perras) has passed away at the age of 74 after a decade-long battle with liver disease.
Koloff was perhaps best known for his run as one of the then-WWWF's top heels during the Cold War era, ending WWE Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino's legendary seven-and-a-half-year reign as WWWF Heavyweight Champion in 1978.
The man known as "The Russian Bear" had reportedly been in dire straits in recent weeks, with his health rapidly degenerating due to his failing liver.
The Smark Henry offices would like to extend our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, and fans.
