Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Former WWF wrestler Nikolai Volkoff 's political bid in 2006

VIDEO: Nikolai Volkoff cuts a promo on the American People

Another interesting Wrestling meets politics story that predates the blog:
Another Former Pro Wrestler Seeks Political Fortune
WASHINGTON — When Nikolai Volkoff made an entrance during the height of his fame years ago, he was greeted by boos. Now he hopes for applause.

That's because Volkoff, who as a symbol of the communist Soviet Union in the 1980s was considered one of the most notorious professional wrestlers, is preparing for a run at the House of Delegates in September.

The 6-foot-3, 300-pound Volkoff, now a Baltimore County code inspector, is a veteran of the World Wrestling Federation (now World Wrestling Entertainment) from the 1980s...
The article continues to mention Volkoff's motivations for his wrestling persona and his bid for office, citing America's freedoms and opportunity
Volkoff, a U.S. citizen since 1970 and now a registered Republican, is actually from Yugoslavia, not the Soviet Union, and has spent the last 10 years learning America's democratic process. He said he supports the GOP because its members helped liberate his country.

"They loved me when I wrestled. I made a good living. I just want to give something back," Volkoff said. "I was a good wrestler and now I want to be a good politician."

Volkoff, who plans to make an official announcement in May, fled his native country at 19 and chose his wrestling character to educate Americans about the evils of communism, which he calls "the worst shape of capitalism."
A few wrestling columnists go on to affirm what this blog has always championed, the natural nexus between wrestling and politics
But unlike other political outsiders, wrestlers have a natural affinity for the public stage and Volkoff is no different, said Alex Marvez, a wrestling columnist for Scripps-Howard News Service.

"It's not unprecedented for performers to make this move," Marvez said. "You have to convince people to believe in your character. You need to have oratory skills and read an audience. It's a gift that can translate to a political realm."
And not surprisingly whilst PunditFight argues that the nexus exists, it doesn't necessarily mean people like it or think its a positive thing
Patrick L. McDonough, R-Baltimore County, a Democratic delegate from 1979 to 1983, is convinced that his delegation will prevail in elections over a code inspector "giving out tickets nobody wants" and who lacks any political experience.

"It's not a circus, it's not a wrestling match, it's about peoples lives, it's about policy," McDonough said. "Hitting someone over the head with a chair does not really qualify you."
In case you're wondering, Nikolai's bid was unsuccessful garnering 6% percent of the vote for the 2006 Maryland Republican Primary for State Delegate in District 7.

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