Zangief (ザンギエフ?) is a fictional character from the Street Fighter series. He practiced wrestling and made his first appearance in Street Fighter II: The World Warrior in 1991 on an arcade machine.
Biography[]
According to his official biography, he was born on June 1, 1956 in the Soviet Union. He is 2.14m tall and weighs 147 kg. Zangief is a professional wrestler and practices Sambo, which he refined by fighting bears with his bare hands in Siberia (his abundant hair no doubt allowed him to withstand the harsh climate). His body, covered with scars, nevertheless retains the scars of this training. He excels at crushing and throwing of all kinds, his Spinning Pile Driver technique earning him the nickname Cyclone Rouge. He has a big heart and knows how to please his fans. A devoted patriot, Zangief works for the Soviet government, protecting his country against the malign plots of the criminal organization Shadaloo. During this hunt, he will meet the Japanese sumo rider Edmond Honda, and they will both form a solid friendship. Conversely, Zangief hates Vega, whose effeminate physique he mocks.