About Nikita



​NIKITA'S TESTIMONY

   As I have had the privilege of sharing my story all over the world of how God performed "heart surgery" on me, I have witnessed thousands upon thousands come to encounter Jesus, experiencing His awesome power of transforming their hearts and lives forever.
     The Lord has not only called me to share what He's done in my life,  He has also birthed numerous relevant, challenging, inspiring messages in my heart for the church of today. I would be honored to come and be a part of what God is doing in your community, to partner with you and together, build His Kingdom. 
EDUCATION, AWARDS, AND RECOGNITION
  • Associate of Arts Degree from Golden Valley Lutheran College
  • Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Physical Education, minor in Health & Coaching from (MN) Moorhead State University
  • NWA World Tag Team Champion - 2 times with Ivan Koloff
  • NWA World 6-Man Tag Team Champion - 2 times (once with Ivan and Don Kernodle, and once with Ivan and Krusher Krushev)
  • NWA/UWF Unified World Television Champion
  • NWA United States Heavy Weight Champion
  • NWA National Heavy Weight Champion
  • NWA 1987 Crockett Cup - with The American Dream  Dusty Rhodes
  • 1987 Inspirational Wrestler of The Year
  • 2003 Athletes International Pete Maravich Award Winner
  • 2006 Frank Gotch Award, ​given annually by the  George Tragos/Loy Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall  of Fame, to a person who has brought prestige and recognition to professional wrestling. 
  • 2008 Inductee to the NWA Hall of Fame

NIKITA'S BIOGRAPHY

Born in the projects of Minneapolis, Minnesota on March 9, 1959, I was the youngest of four and raised by a single mom.

Prior to fifth-grade my family relocated to the suburbs of Robbinsdale, Minnesota. Not long after, I was enamoured with weights, bodybuilding and football.

I would embark on a football career starting in the seventh grade, through high school, college and finally graduating with a degree in physical education, health and coaching.

While training for a pro football tryout, a door of opportunity opened up for me to become a professional wrestler. This was not on my radar or something that I had dreams about but when the opportunity presented itself, I took advantage of it. My wrestling career officially began in June, 1984 and I concluded my career in November, 1992.

Little did I know that 11 months later, October 17, 1993, I would find myself at an altar surrendering my life to Jesus. This encounter changed everything, including, my heart, my attitude, my focus, my mindset, my destiny. Fast forward all these years later, I have now preached in approximately 1200 churches, 28 different denominations, traveled to all 50 states and 30 countries.

My heart is for soul winning and discipleship, with an emphasis on men’s ministry. More than accolades on a football field or winning championship belts in a wrestling ring, my journey with Jesus is the true highlight of my life. The fact I get to partner with Him, travel the world, preach the Good News, call myself a child of God and help build His Kingdom is the highest honour bestowed upon a man I believe.
FUN FACTS
  • I’ve been working out for 50 yrs consistently
  • I’m not from Russia
  • I enjoy playing in golf tournaments
  • I love history
  • Exploring & sightseeing is something I really enjoy
  • I’m a fan of all Cultural Arts
  • Being a grandpa is special
  • A mountain cabin with a fire & heavy rainfall is an ideal night
  • Favorite dessert: cheesecake
  • 99% of the time I drink water
  • Our Family was in a reality show for 2 years called ‘Preachers Daughters’
  • I was a finalist for the role ‘Ivan Drago’ in Rocky IV
  • I made a TV commercial appearance for Food Lion during my wrestling days
  • I made cameo appearances in the movies ‘C Me Dance,' ‘Stuck In The Past’, 'Hope For Christmas'
  • I had a cameo in a music video called Meth Man where I played a preacher trying to win a drug dealer to Jesus