John Nord, a retired American professional wrestler, began his career in late 1984 as "The Barbarian" in Mid-South Wrestling under the guidance of manager Skandor Akbar.
As "Nord the Barbarian", he wrestled in singles and tag team competition under manager Adnan El Kassey in the American Wrestling Association from 1985 to 1986. During this period, he frequently teamed with Bruiser Brody and faced notable opponents such as Greg Gagne and Jimmy Snuka.
In 1987, Nord transitioned to World Class Championship Wrestling under the tutelage of manager Gary Hart, where he engaged in a notable feud with Kevin Von Erich for the World Class Title. He even challenged Von Erich for the WCCW title at the 3rd Annual David Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions at Texas Stadium.
In 1989, Nord returned to the AWA under the moniker "Yukon John", adopting a lumberjack gimmick that saw him enter the ring dressed in blue jeans, flannel shirt, animal skin hat, and boots, accompanied by an ax. He primarily competed in singles matches until forming a tag team with Scott Norton in 1990, known as the "Yukon Lumberjacks".
The duo briefly feuded with the Texas Hangmen before the AWA ceased operations, prompting Nord to move to Pacific Northwest Wrestling.
In 1991, Nord joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) as "The Viking", later changing his name to "The Berzerker" and being managed by Mr. Fuji. He engaged in feuds with notable opponents such as Davey Boy Smith and Jimmy Snuka, often employing his preferred method of winning matches by throwing his opponents out of the ring and securing a "count out" victory.
Nord participated in a 4-man elimination match at the 1991 Survivor Series pay-per-view event, being the last man eliminated for his team. He then feuded with The Undertaker, attempting to stab him with his sword at one point. In 1992, he won a 40-man Battle Royal, aired on WWF Prime Time Wrestling, before departing the WWF the following year.
Nord next appeared in All Japan Pro Wrestling from 1994 to 1997, before joining World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1997 under his real name, John Nord. He primarily wrestled on WCW Saturday Night, starting a long winning streak that culminated in a match against Bill Goldberg on July 4, 1998. Although he lost the match, Nord briefly teamed with Barry Darsow before departing WCW.
After retiring from professional wrestling, Nord went on to work at his brother's auto dealership, Nord East Motors in Hilltop, MN. He is also the proud father of Joe, a University of Minnesota wrestler who competes in the Heavyweight division.
