(CelebrityAccess) The deaths of Nikolai Volkoff, 70, and Brian Christopher Lawler, 46, two stars of World Wrestling Entertaiment, were announced today, July 29.
Details of the death of Volkoff, real name Josip Nikolai Peruzovic, were not known at press time. Volkoff’s career spanned 40 years, antagonizing patriotic fans with his love of Russia, even asking the crowd to stand for the Russian national anthem. He played the perfect foil to wrestlers like Sgt. Slaughter, Hulk Hogan and Bruno Sammartino.
“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,” the WWE said. “Jim Ross inducted Volkoff into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2005.”
I always loved our conversations backstage … Nikolai Volkoff was so special to my dad and the entire Hart family. We will miss you, Nikolai. My thoughts and condolences go out to Nikolai’s family. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/WfMd4FDowb
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) July 29, 2018
Brian Christopher Lawler, aka Grandmaster Sexay and son of wrestler Jerry Lawler, died today surrounded by family and friends, his mother, Kay, told TMZ Sports. Lawler died after being put on life support Saturday night after a suicide attempt in jail, according to TMZ. Guards found Lawler had tried to hang himself in his cell near Memphis, Tenn. He had been arrested earlier in the month for DUI after leading police on a chase.
Lawler was one half of the popular tag team Too Cool, alongside Scotty 2 Hotty.
“WWE is saddened to learn that Brian Christopher Lawler, who is best known in WWE as Too Cool’s Grandmaster Sexay, has passed away,” WWE said. “Lawler, who is the son of WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler, competed during the height of the Attitude Era. WWE extends its condolences to Lawler’s family, friends and fans.”
