Zangief

Zangief a.k.a. the Red Cyclone is a Russian wrestler, a character from the  series. His only appearance in Mario media is in the Club Nintendo comic "Super Mario Klemp-Won-Do: Muskeln sind nicht alles!." In this story, Zangief is Mario's first opponent on his way to become "Street Fighter II grand master." Mario is able to defeat Zangief by just running around him, making him feel giddy and causing him to fall down.

Zangief reappears in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as a Master Spirit, teaching the Overthrow Style to the player's spirits in the Dojo.

Trivia

 * Zangief is the only one of Mario's opponents not to appear in the comic before the actual fight begins.
 * Zangief appears alongside Bowser and Dr. Eggman, in the Disney film, Wreck-It Ralph.