Former pro wrestler John Nord — aka The Berzerker — fighting 'life-threatening infections'

The St. Cloud -born former professional wrestler John Nord — aka Nord the Barbarian and The Berzerker — is "in a fight to save his leg," a new GoFundMe campaign says.

Organized by Joe Nord and launched on July 17, the campaign says Nord has endured almost eight months of surgeries to replace his knee. The former WWF star is now fighting what the campaign says are "life-threatening infections in both his knee and blood."

The GoFundMe project hopes to raise $45,438 to support Nord's medical treatment.

Nord was a fixture of professional wrestling for more than a decade, spending time with the American Wrestling Association and World Class Championship Wrestling early in his career.

In 1991, he joined the WWF, adopting a Viking persona and the name The Berzerker shortly after joining. In the mid-'90s, he also wrestled with All Japan Pro Wrestling and briefly under his birth name in the WCW.