It was a tough weekend for wrestling fans with the deaths of two big wrestling names, Nikolai Volkoff and Brian Christopher Lawler. Volkoff, aged 70 died after a bout of pneumonia, he was 70 years old. Christopher died after hanging himself in prison facing several DUI and other charges; he was 46. Fans and fellow wrestlers shared stories and memories of the two on social media. Both men were widely respected in wrestling and left enduring legacies among those they met.
WWE paid tribute to both with a ten-bell salute at an NXT event.
10-bell salute at #NXTPhoenix following the passing of Nikolai Volkoff and Brian Christopher. pic.twitter.com/XR7CSy2rPC
— Shane Dale (@ShaneDaleAZ) July 30, 2018
Jeff Jarrett tagged with Christopher in Memphis and virtually grew up alongside him and shared this story.
In a bittersweet moment, Brian Christopher himself spoke on the issue of suicide among wrestlers.
https://twitter.com/AKonWrestling/status/1023778630638465024
The podcast of Jerry Lawler’s podcast posted this simple tribute.
— Dinner With The King (@DinnerWithKing) July 29, 2018
While never a huge star in WWE, Christopher was a big name in the Memphis wrestling scene, transcending the shadow of his legendary father.
He was the Rock’s first tag partner in USWA
https://www.facebook.com/100006040813719/posts/846826172195402/
https://twitter.com/courtbauer/status/1023923038126067712
https://twitter.com/KrisZellner/status/1023631507817213952
Brian Christopher was known as a great talent in and out of the ring. James Ellsworth shared this memory of meeting Christopher as a fan.
I first met Brian During intermission of a indie show in 2001
My brother asked to dance with him, Brian asked if he could do the worm
After his match Brian pulled my brother in the ring to do the worm
Such an awesome memory #RIPBrianChristopherLawler !! pic.twitter.com/pz2geGG2ku
— James Ellsworth (@realellsworth) July 30, 2018
https://twitter.com/davidbix/status/1023724055306874882
The Iron Sheik, who tagged with Volkoff shared these tributes to Christopher and Volkoff.
SAD DAYS REMIND ME OF THE GOOD DAYS WITH THE BRIAN AND THE UCE BUBBA. SENDING THE LOVE TO MY BROTHER JERRY LAWLER AND FAMILY pic.twitter.com/Z1xxoCXVNo
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) July 30, 2018
WE HAVE THE MOST HEAT EVER. I MISS YOU FOREVER #NIKOLAIVOLKOFF pic.twitter.com/cU1Nb7IjNr
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) July 29, 2018
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
Matt Hardy’s first ever match in WW(F)E was against Volkoff.
My thoughts & prayers go out to the family & friends of Nikolai Volkoff. Nikolai was my very FIRST @WWE match in 1994 & proved to be a true gentleman when I encountered him many years later down the road. May you REST IN PEACE, Mr Volkoff. pic.twitter.com/YfpZgxh7xh
— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) July 29, 2018
Nikolai Volkoff, One Of The Really Nice Men In The History Of Our Business. Rest In Peace 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/gdhv7z8URC
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) July 29, 2018
https://twitter.com/real_steamboat/status/1023624119697530882
Unfortunately, there was one glaringly disrespectful comment made by ECW wrestler and noted provocateur New Jack. You can read the comments here.
Share your memories of Brian Christopher and Nikolai Volkoff in the comment section below.
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