Originally published on ProWrestlingSheet.

WWE started the process Sunday of honoring two of its stars who passed away -- Hall of Famer Nikolai Volkoff and Too Cool's Brian Christopher.

At Sunday's NXT show in Phoenix, both men were recognized before the show with a ten bell salute. The crowd stood in absolute silence during the tolls.

As we previously reported, Christopher's death was confirmed by police this afternoon.

Earlier in the day, it was also learned Volkoff had died at the age of 70 following a hospitalization for a variety of medical issues.

During the NXT ceremony, Volkoff was described as one of the greatest villains in the history of sports entertainment. Throughout most of his WWE run, Volkoff was a heat magnet -- often singing the national anthem of the Soviet Union to rile up crowds. He participated in the original Wrestlemania tagging with the Iron Sheik under the management of Freddie Blassie.

Volkoff's career spanned more than 30 years.  Even after his retirement in the mid-90s, he'd make the occasional one-off appearance.  He was inducted into WWE's Hall of Fame in 2005.

Here's a look at how NXT paid tribute to the pair of performers.