Biography
Who is Vladimir Kozlov?
Real name and athletic background
The person known in the wrestling world as Vladimir Kozlov was born Oleg Aleksandrovich Prudius. Before entering the world of professional wrestling, he built a strong foundation as a multi-disciplinary athlete. His early experience included playing American football as an offensive lineman for the Ukraine national team and Santa Barbara City College.
His combat sports training is extensive. Prudius studied freestyle wrestling, sambo, judo, jujutsu, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and mixed martial arts. He also practiced rugby and kickboxing. These skills helped him secure titles such as the 2005 USA Open Heavyweight Sambo Championship and the United States Kick-Boxing Association International Heavyweight Grappling Championship.
Professional wrestling career
In 2006, Prudius signed a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment. He initially trained within the company's developmental systems, including Deep South Wrestling and Ohio Valley Wrestling, where he eventually won the OVW Heavyweight Championship.
He made his official television debut on the SmackDown brand in April 2008. During his early months, he maintained an undefeated streak in televised singles competition and secured a victory over The Undertaker. He feuded with prominent stars like Triple H and Edge throughout 2008 and received the Slammy Award for Breakout Star of the Year. In 2009, he moved to the ECW brand, where he eventually joined forces with William Regal and Ezekiel Jackson as part of the Ruthless Roundtable. Later, he joined the Raw brand and formed a successful tag team with Santino Marella. Together, the pair captured the WWE Tag Team Championships before he departed from the organization in 2011.
Acting work and personal details
Beyond the wrestling ring, Vladimir Kozlov has pursued roles in film and television. His screen credits include a small part in the Spike Lee film 25th Hour and a walk-on appearance during the second season of the HBO series The Wire. He also appeared in the Grindhouse film project, specifically in the Werewolf Women of the SS trailer.
Standing at 193 centimeters tall, he is known for being the first Ukrainian wrestler to compete for the WWE. He is a father to one child named Kola. He was born in Kyiv, United States, on April 27, 1979, making him a Taurus.
Birthday and age
Vladimir Kozlov was born on April 27, 1979, which makes Vladimir 47 years old today. That birthday falls under the Taurus sign. Vladimir shares the date with 33 other famous people.
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