Alex PawlowskiFEB 19, 20177:00AM EDTShare this Article through Social Media: The WWE announced yesterday that "The Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff had passed away at the age of 74 after battling liver cancer.He was well-respected and loved in the wrestling community. Related Article Fightful Wrestling Weekly 9/21: Shera, Coach, Renee, Helms, Covington, Triple H, Raw/SD A fierce competitor in the ring who was able to anger (and excite!) fans worldwide. RIP to one of best villains in our business, Ivan Koloff pic.twitter.com/ErPvsInV4o— Triple H (@TripleH) February 18, 2017 I'm Sad To Wake Up And Hear of the passing of my very close friend the Russian Bear Ivan Koloff. You will be missed My Friend. Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/nziKZ2Zqy4— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) February 18, 2017 BEFORE THERE WAS IRON SHEIK THERE WAS IVAN KOLOFF. HERE WITH MY BROTHER NIKOLAI. HE MAKE THE GARDEN SHAKE. RIP BROTHER pic.twitter.com/4q4SIVcb0u— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) February 18, 2017 RIP Ivan Koloff. A class act. I'll never forget the kindness he showed me when I was starting— Scott Hall (@SCOTTHALLNWO) February 18, 2017 Regardless of why, Ivan beat Bruno in the Garden.NOBODY beats Bruno in the Garden.Thats a HEEL.RIP #IvanKoloff— Bubba Ray Dudley (@bullyray5150) February 18, 2017 broken hearted about the death of Ivan Koloff. Behind the scenes, he was a wonderful person. In ring, he was a great heel #IvanKoloff— Tony Schiavone (@tonyschiavone24) February 18, 2017 Thoughts & prayers going out to the family of former WWE Champion, Ivan Koloff. An incredibly kind man who loved our business. #RIPIvan pic.twitter.com/8OYhkxrvp1— Scott Dawson (@ScottDawsonWWE) February 18, 2017 If you ever met Ivan Koloff, then you met the nicest man in the world. #RIPIvanKoloff pic.twitter.com/iaHBx74MSx— Sean Waltman (@TheRealXPac) February 18, 2017