Ivan Koloff - World Champ '71 ShirtOwn a Piece of Wrestling History: Ivan Koloff World Champ 71 Shirt On January 18, 1971, Madison Square Garden buzzed with anticipation. For seven years, eight months, and one day, Bruno Sammartino had reigned as the indomitable WWWF World Heavyweight Champion, a true icon. That night, however, "The Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff charged into the ring, eyes blazing with determination. In a flash, Koloffs crushing knee drop from the top rope stunned the