Oleg Prudius, once famed as Vladimir Kozlov in the WWE universe, made a surprising return to the wrestling ring, this time with IMPACT Wrestling in 2023. He revealed his reasons for coming back to the sport as stemming from a deep-seated passion and sense of missing the competitive environment.
At a virtual signing event for K & S WrestleFest, covered by POST Wrestling, Prudius opened up about his motive for re-entering the wrestling scene, noting his longing for the action-packed atmosphere of the sport.
“I long for the excitement and action,” Prudius remarked. “I have numerous friends in TNA, including my past comrade Santino Marella. It’s quite amusing actually. While I was working on ‘The Wrecker’ film production, TNA was in Las Vegas for a show this year. Everyone was like, ‘Oleg, you should come by. We’ll sit and chat, reconnect,’ and from those conversations emerged the idea that maybe I’d get back into wrestling, and looking ahead, possibly facilitate cross-promotion between wrestling and the film industry because many TNA wrestlers have tremendous potential to be phenomenal actors due to their ability to perform stunts and act.”
Since his return, Prudius has been seen on TNA programming in association with Dirty Dango and Alpha Bravo.
“Seamlessly Continuing Legacy”
Bill Pritchard of WrestleZone had a conversation with Dirty Dango regarding Prudius’ reentry into wrestling. Dango was impressed by Oleg’s condition and his immediate adaptation back into pro wrestling after a significant break.
“Visually, he’s more defined now than he was during his WWE stint. He’s really fit,” commented Dango. “I aspire to maintain such a level of fitness down the line. He’s well-built.”
While Prudius has not been wrestling full-time for over ten years and has instead been pursuing acting, Dango observed that Prudius adjusted effortlessly.
“For his first match back after roughly 11 years on the November 9, 2023, episode of IMPACT Wrestling, I was a bit anxious for him. Yet, the stunt work he’s been doing seemingly mirrored the physicality of wrestling, which involves memorization of choreography and movement. He had a fantastic match. He didn’t miss a single thing. He took to the ring and absolutely nailed it on the first try. He truly just continued from where he had left.”
FAQ Section
Why did Oleg Prudius leave wrestling initially?
While not explicitly stated in the material provided, it is known that Oleg Prudius pursued a career in acting after his time in WWE.
What movies or shows has Oleg Prudius acted in?
After his departure from full-time wrestling, Prudius has worked on various film productions, including ‘The Wrecker.’
Has Prudius wrestled since his return to IMPACT Wrestling?
Yes, Prudius has been involved in matches since his return, as indicated by references to his first match on the November 9, 2023 episode of IMPACT Wrestling.
Conclusion
The wrestling world has a tendency to pull its stars back into the ring, and Oleg Prudius is a prime example of this enticement. His return to IMPACT Wrestling is a testament to the enduring allure of wrestling and the brotherhood formed within the ropes. Whether it’s the physicality, the action, or the camaraderie, something about wrestling keeps calling warriors like Prudius back to battle. As he forges ahead in his renewed career, balancing his continued ventures in acting, his return will surely be one to watch for both wrestling enthusiasts and cinephiles alike.