Mikhail Ivanov (wrestler)
Encyclopedia
Mikhail Ivanov is a Russian
professional wrestler
. He wrestles on the independent circuit
throughout the Southeastern United States as well as New England and Puerto Rico as one half of the Red Devil Fight Team with Aleksander Chekov
.
Ivanov performed as "Michael Sain" for the majority of his career before deciding to use his given birth name and dropping the "gothic psychopath" character. He began working the character for Rampage Professional Wrestling out of Maine, where he made his debut, and continued to use the character until he relocated to Florida in 2008. Ivanov worked for several companies in the New England region, including New England Championship Wrestling
, Wrestling Federation of America, PWF Northeast, Eastern Pro Wrestling, Eastern Wrestling Alliance, Top Rope Promotions
, and many others. It was through Wrestling Federation of America that he met and began training with Steve Bradley.
, Kevin Nash
, Kurt Angle
, "The Monster" Abyss, Big Daddy V, Mick Foley
and a long standing feud with Jerry "The King" Lawler that culminated in a Steel Cage Match at "Wrestlefest XII" in Bristol, Connecticut on April 19, 2008.
for the NWA British Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship
on October 29, 2005, in a very rare title defense of the championship in the United States. Shortly thereafter, he left the company when owner Sheldon Goldberg merged the company with another local company, PWF Northeast.
After a 2 1/2 year hiatus, Ivanov returned to New England Championship Wrestling once again as Michael Sain, attacking Evan Siks after a match, starting a brief feud between the two.
on Sept. 18, 2009, where they would lose to the team of Matt Taven and Jimmy Preston. The following night on Sept. 19th, 2009 would be their actual in ring debut for New England Championship Wrestling
in Quincy, MA. where they were a part of the Inaugural Tag Team Classic tournament event. They would make it to the finals of the tournament, which was won by the team of Don Vega and Ryan Bispal. They would continue to wrestle in South Florida for Coastal Championship Wrestling, as well as National Wrestling Council out of North Miami Beach, FL., where they would hold the Tag Team Championships on one occasion. Recently, they have began working for Future Of Wrestling
as well as Victory Wrestling Association in Tampa, FL. They are the current and reigning Coastal Championship Wrestling Tag Team Champions, having defeated JT Flash and JB Cool on June 19, 2010 in Coral Springs, FL. On August 6, 2011, Ivanov & Chekov also captured their first Future Of Wrestling Tag Team Championships by defeating the team of Chris Jones & E.R.A., III in Hollywood, Florida.
, the son of "Flying" Fred Curry and grandson of "Wild" Bull Curry. Ivanov is also an avid Major League Baseball fan, with his favorite team being the Baltimore Orioles.
Russians
The Russian people are an East Slavic ethnic group native to Russia, speaking the Russian language and primarily living in Russia and neighboring countries....
professional wrestler
Professional wrestling
Professional wrestling is a mode of spectacle, combining athletics and theatrical performance.Roland Barthes, "The World of Wrestling", Mythologies, 1957 It takes the form of events, held by touring companies, which mimic a title match combat sport...
. He wrestles on the independent circuit
Independent circuit
In professional wrestling, the independent circuit or indy circuit refers to the many independent promotions which are much smaller than major televised promotions. They are roughly analagous to a minor league for pro wrestling, or community or regional theatre.Specific promotions on the...
throughout the Southeastern United States as well as New England and Puerto Rico as one half of the Red Devil Fight Team with Aleksander Chekov
Aleksander Chekov (wrestler)
Aleksander Chekov also known as Aleksandr Chekov, or Aleksander Chekhov, is a Russian professional wrestler. He currently wrestles on the independent circuit throughout the Southeastern United States as well as New England and Puerto Rico as one half of the "Red Devil Fight Team" tag team with...
.
Independent promotions (2001–present)
Ivanov made his debut in 2001. He began training with Bob Evans in Rhode Island shortly after his professional debut. Ivanov credits Evans as his primary trainer and is a close friend of his to this day.Ivanov performed as "Michael Sain" for the majority of his career before deciding to use his given birth name and dropping the "gothic psychopath" character. He began working the character for Rampage Professional Wrestling out of Maine, where he made his debut, and continued to use the character until he relocated to Florida in 2008. Ivanov worked for several companies in the New England region, including New England Championship Wrestling
New England Championship Wrestling
New England Championship Wrestling was an independent professional wrestling promotion based in the Northeastern United States and has promoted events since 2000...
, Wrestling Federation of America, PWF Northeast, Eastern Pro Wrestling, Eastern Wrestling Alliance, Top Rope Promotions
Top Rope Promotions
Top Rope Promotions, formerly known as Yankee Pro Wrestling, is a Northeastern independent professional wrestling promotion based in New Bedford, Massachusetts and is the largest promotion in the southern New England-area rivaling other Northeastern promotions including Chaotic Wrestling, the...
, and many others. It was through Wrestling Federation of America that he met and began training with Steve Bradley.
Northeast Wrestling (2006–2009)
Ivanov appeared on every event for Northeast Wrestling beginning on the December 9, 2006 event "Holiday Havoc" in Southington, Connecticut, where he lost a match to Sgt. Slaughter. His last event for Northeast Wrestling was March 28, 2009 in Bristol, Connecticut, where he was in a 6-man tag team match partnering with Caleb Konley and Jake Manning vs. Kevin Nash, Reid Flair, and Charlie Dreamer. During his near 3 year tenure with the company, he wrestled many top name stars including Sgt. SlaughterSgt. Slaughter
Robert Remus , better known by his ring name Sgt. Slaughter, is an American former WWE personality and semi-retired professional wrestler. From the late 1970s to the early 1990s, Slaughter had success in the National Wrestling Alliance, American Wrestling Association, and World Wrestling...
, Kevin Nash
Kevin Nash
Kevin Scott Nash is an American professional wrestler and actor. As of 2011, Nash is signed to a five year contract with WWE under their WWE Legends program and appears as part of their Raw brand roster...
, Kurt Angle
Kurt Angle
Kurt Steven Angle is an American professional wrestler, amateur wrestler, and 1996 Olympic gold medalist. He is currently under contract with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, where he is recognized as a 15-time World Heavyweight Champion...
, "The Monster" Abyss, Big Daddy V, Mick Foley
Mick Foley
Michael Francis "Mick" Foley, Sr. is an American semi-retired professional wrestler, author, comedian, actor, voice actor and former color commentator. He has worked for many wrestling promotions, including WWE, WCW, ECW and TNA. He is often referred to as "The Hardcore Legend", a nickname he...
and a long standing feud with Jerry "The King" Lawler that culminated in a Steel Cage Match at "Wrestlefest XII" in Bristol, Connecticut on April 19, 2008.
New England Championship Wrestling (2002–2005; 2007–2010)
Ivanov was a mainstay with New England Championship Wrestling from 2002 through 2005, having held the NECW Heavyweight Championship on two occasions. He captured his first Heavyweight title from Maverick Wild on April 25, 2004 in Somerville, Massachusetts, ending a near 2-year championship reign of Wild. He would lose the championship 3 months later to Frankie Arion, only to regain it a month after losing it. On December 14, 2004, he would lose the championship for good to Chris Venom. He would later go on to unsuccessfully challenge Fergal DevittFergal Devitt
Fergal Devitt is an Irish professional wrestler currently contracted by New Japan Pro Wrestling, where he is currently in his second reign as the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion...
for the NWA British Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship
NWA British Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship
The NWA British Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship is a professional wrestling championship that serves as the major title in the NWA UK Hammerlock promotion...
on October 29, 2005, in a very rare title defense of the championship in the United States. Shortly thereafter, he left the company when owner Sheldon Goldberg merged the company with another local company, PWF Northeast.
After a 2 1/2 year hiatus, Ivanov returned to New England Championship Wrestling once again as Michael Sain, attacking Evan Siks after a match, starting a brief feud between the two.
East Coast Wrestling Association (2003)
Ivanov appeared briefly for Jim Kettner's East Coast Wrestling Association in 2003 under the name of "Cyco". In 4 appearances, he was managed by ECWA mainstay Sebastion Night and feuded with Johnny Maxx, Joey Maxx, and Xero. The "Cyco" character wasn't very well received by fans, and was scrapped after 1 match with Xero, 6 months into his time in ECWA. He hasn't returned to the company to work since.Coastal Championship Wrestling (2008–present)
After relocating in 2008 to South Florida, Ivanov began to work regularly for Coastal Championship Wrestling, based in Coral Springs, FL. His first match with the company was at CCW's "4th Anniversary" event in Coral Springs, in which he wrestled as the Michael Sain character in a match with D'Lo Brown. Nearly 3 months later on June 14, 2008 at CCW's "Summer Showdown" event in Coral Springs, Michael Sain would wrestle and lose to Kaotic Romeo in what would be the last time Ivanov would appear as the "Michael Sain" character in Florida. One month later, Ivanov would appear as "Mikhail Koloff" in a 6-man tag team match at CCW's "Summer Heat" event, also in Coral Springs. This was the first glimpse of the Russian character he would then take on full time. After drawing some criticism, Ivanov decided to drop the "Koloff" last name and just go with his given name. Ivanov would continue to appear on nearly every event for the company, primarily in singles contests, until he would join up with longtime friend, Aleksander Chekov, and form the Red Devil Fight Team tag team.Red Devil Fight Team (2009–present)
Ivanov and Chekov put together the Red Devil Fight Team after an invitation to meet with TNA Wrestling at a TV taping in Orlando, FL. in the spring of 2009. They formed the idea from a storyline in TNA about an International Tag Team tournament featuring tag teams from several different countries in the world. The first appearance would be on New England Championship Wrestling's internet television program, in a commercial advertising their debut at a live event in Quincy, MA. in July 2009. The two would not make the event due to a sudden illness to Ivanov. The very first live appearance for the Red Devil Fight Team would be in Fall River, MA. for Top Rope PromotionsTop Rope Promotions
Top Rope Promotions, formerly known as Yankee Pro Wrestling, is a Northeastern independent professional wrestling promotion based in New Bedford, Massachusetts and is the largest promotion in the southern New England-area rivaling other Northeastern promotions including Chaotic Wrestling, the...
on Sept. 18, 2009, where they would lose to the team of Matt Taven and Jimmy Preston. The following night on Sept. 19th, 2009 would be their actual in ring debut for New England Championship Wrestling
New England Championship Wrestling
New England Championship Wrestling was an independent professional wrestling promotion based in the Northeastern United States and has promoted events since 2000...
in Quincy, MA. where they were a part of the Inaugural Tag Team Classic tournament event. They would make it to the finals of the tournament, which was won by the team of Don Vega and Ryan Bispal. They would continue to wrestle in South Florida for Coastal Championship Wrestling, as well as National Wrestling Council out of North Miami Beach, FL., where they would hold the Tag Team Championships on one occasion. Recently, they have began working for Future Of Wrestling
Future of Wrestling
Future of Wrestling is an American independent wrestling promotion based in southern Florida starting during the late 1990s. Founded by Bobby Rogers, the promotion was a predecessor of Full Impact Pro, Independent Pro Wrestling and NWA Florida and featured several top independent wrestlers...
as well as Victory Wrestling Association in Tampa, FL. They are the current and reigning Coastal Championship Wrestling Tag Team Champions, having defeated JT Flash and JB Cool on June 19, 2010 in Coral Springs, FL. On August 6, 2011, Ivanov & Chekov also captured their first Future Of Wrestling Tag Team Championships by defeating the team of Chris Jones & E.R.A., III in Hollywood, Florida.
Personal life
Ivanov currently lives in Fort Lauderdale, FL., with his fiancee, Jennifer. He has a younger sister, Melissa, who was born in the United States. He moved to the United States at a very young age. Ivanov, and his tag team partner Aleksander Chekov, have been best friends for nearly 18 years. Ivanov is also close friends with Fred Curry, Jr.Fred Curry, Jr.
Fred Thomas Koury, III better known under the name ”Flyin'” Fred Curry, Jr., is an American professional wrestler of Lebanese descent, currently wrestling in the independent circuit in the Northeastern United States most notabily as a mainstay of Assault Championship Wrestling and New England...
, the son of "Flying" Fred Curry and grandson of "Wild" Bull Curry. Ivanov is also an avid Major League Baseball fan, with his favorite team being the Baltimore Orioles.
In wrestling
- Finishing moves
- "The Russian Sickle"
- Guillotine ChokeGuillotine chokeThe guillotine choke is a chokehold in martial arts and wrestling applied from in front of the opponent. The choke involves using the arms to encircle the opponent's neck in a fashion similar to a guillotine. The technique is either a type of tracheal compression restraint that prevents air flow...
- "Straight Jacket Driver" - as Michael Sain
- Signature moves
- Belly To Belly Suplex
- Elbow drop
- Forearm Club
- ManagersManager (professional wrestling)In professional wrestling, a manager is a secondary character paired with a wrestler for a variety of reasons. The manager is often either a non-wrestler, an occasional wrestler, an older wrestler who has retired or is nearing retirement or, in some cases, a new wrestler who is breaking into the...
- Dr. Red Tyler
- Alex Crowley
Championships and accomplishments
- New England Championship WrestlingNew England Championship WrestlingNew England Championship Wrestling was an independent professional wrestling promotion based in the Northeastern United States and has promoted events since 2000...
- Heavyweight ChampionshipNECW Triple Crown Heavyweight ChampionshipThe NECW Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship is the top professional wrestling title in New England Championship Wrestling. It was originally known as the NECW Heavyweight Championship until the title was unified with the PWF Northeast and Mayhem titles...
(2 times) - as Michael Sain - 2009 Inaugural NECW Tag Team Classic tournament finalist - w/ Aleksander Chekov
- 2010 2nd Annual NECW Tag Team Classic tournament finalist - w/ Aleksander Chekov
- Heavyweight Championship
- Eastern Professional Wrestling
- Heavyweight Championship (1 time) - as Michael Sain
- Television Championship (1 time) - as Michael Sain
- Coastal Championship Wrestling
- Tag Team Championship (1 time, current) – w/ Aleksander Chekov
- Future Of WrestlingFuture of WrestlingFuture of Wrestling is an American independent wrestling promotion based in southern Florida starting during the late 1990s. Founded by Bobby Rogers, the promotion was a predecessor of Full Impact Pro, Independent Pro Wrestling and NWA Florida and featured several top independent wrestlers...
- Tag Team Championship (1 time, current) – w/ Aleksander Chekov
- LIVE Pro Wrestling - Florida
- Tag Team Championship (1 time, current) – w/ Aleksander Chekov
- National Wrestling Council
- Tag Team Championship (1 time) – w/ Aleksander Chekov
- Pro Wrestling IllustratedPro Wrestling IllustratedPro Wrestling Illustrated is a professional wrestling magazine. PWI is currently based in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania and published by Kappa Publishing Group.-History:The first issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated was released in 1979...
- PWI Ranked him # 281 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the PWI 500 in 2008
- PWI Ranked him # 428 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the PWI 500 in 2004