Pavel Kozlov is the man behind the imposing persona Victor Romanoff, the Siberian Fighting Spirit, on the American professional wrestling circuit. His authentic Russian character has won the hearts of wrestling fans around the world. Recently he has ventured into acting roles on a number of short films and television shows. As an actor, Kozlov is known for intense portrayals of evil characters. His passion for transforming himself into larger-than-life characters started early in his life.
Kozlov was born and raised in Moscow, Russia. Both his parents were math professors and there was no expectation for him to develop a love for sports and wrestling. However, he was quickly drawn to the bright entrances, huge characters, storytelling, and fighting that he witnessed in a professional American wrestling show. It was a defining moment in the young teenager’s life.
Without any schools where he could learn wrestling in, Kozlov started working out and training in self-defense after school. At first, he was learning and gaining skills by himself. Eventually, he started training and kickboxing with the Moscow Federation of Kickboxing at the age of 17.
His love for professional wrestling only grew as time went on. He wanted to hone his skills and kickstart his career as a wrestler. He decided to take the leap and sacrifice by leaving for the United States of America.
In 2007, Kozlov quit his job, dropped out of school – in his final year as a journalism major in University – and faced the harsh difficulties of chasing his ultimate dream. It is impossible to fully describe the challenges that Kozlov faced when he first arrived in America. Looking back, he said that “at that time I told myself, all of this right now is just a small step forward, the ladder to success is high and I have to keep the course.”
Today, he is a professional wrestler known under the name Victor Romanoff. He has wrestled all over the USA and in Europe for more than 10 years now. He is also an actor now. Kozlov admits that it took him a long time to get a role in a television show. He has experienced auditioning for years without hearing back from the casting directors. He started his acting career in Orlando, Florida where he graduated from the Truthful Acting studio. He has also participated in different workshops to improve his acting skills.
With his real life fighting spirit, Kozlov breaks through any possibility of failure and exceeds all expectations. He achieved his sought-after success as a pro wrestler. Now he is looking to be the next big thing in Hollywood. He wants to use the fame that he has achieved to inspire other people. He wants others to be inspired to believe in themselves, know that nothing is impossible, and to stay true to the direction one has set.
More information on Kozlov can be found on his website. You can also follow him on Instagram.
