Wrestling legend The Iron Sheik passes away at 81: WWE
Posted June 7, 2023 12:48 pm.
Last Updated June 7, 2023 4:09 pm.
Wrestling legend The Iron Sheik has passed away at the age of 81, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has confirmed in a statement.
“Today, we gather with hearts to bid farewell to a true legend, a force of nature, and an iconic figure who left an incredible mark on the world of professional wrestling,” the WWE wrote in a statement Wednesday.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of The Iron Sheik, but we also take solace in knowing that he departed this world peacefully, leaving behind a legacy that will endure for generations to come.”
The WWE said when he wasn’t punishing opponents in the ring, The Iron Sheik, whose real name was Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, was a “devoted family man” to his children Tanya, Nikki, Marissa and his son in law Eddie.
“He cherished the love and support of his wife of 47 years Caryl, who stood by his side through thick and thin, offering unwavering encouragement throughout his life.”
The WWE called Vaziri’s journey from a small village in Iran to becoming one of the most recognized legends in wrestling history “a testament to his unwavering determination.”
WWE is saddened to hear of the passing of WWE Hall of Famer The Iron Sheik, and extends its condolences to his family, friends, and fans. https://t.co/uY4mLvnWTF
— WWE (@WWE) June 7, 2023
Other notable figures in the world of professional wrestling joined in celebrating The Iron Sheik’s colourful life in the limelight.
REMEMBERING THE IRON SHEIK
The wrestling world lost a true legend today, with the passing of Khosrow Vaziri, better known to fans across the globe as The Iron Sheik. Although I never got to know The Sheik well, I was fortunate to have been on hand for two of his most iconic… pic.twitter.com/mVMqTaeXtE
— Mick Foley (@foleyispod) June 7, 2023
RIP to my old friend The Iron Sheik.
A true icon and someone who left a mark on wrestling that can never be erased. Another great one gone. pic.twitter.com/SfTziHjwkR
— JakeSnakeDDT (@JakeSnakeDDT) June 7, 2023
Our family is sad to hear that the Iron Sheik has passed. May his family and friends be surrounded with love at this time. Our sincere condolences for your loss. Rest in Peace Sheik. pic.twitter.com/obfSEDMJVw
— Rowdy Roddy Piper (@R_Roddy_Piper) June 7, 2023
The mustachioed, barrel-chested brawler often riled up crowds with his anti-American persona and rhetoric, often alongside tag team partner Nikolai Volkoff, who played the part of a Soviet villain.
They won the WWF World Tag Team Championship in 1985 at the first WrestleMania, according to the biography posted on the WWE’s internet page.
He was a successful individual wrestler as well, winning the WWF championship in 1983 by defeating Bob Backlund, before losing it later to Hulk Hogan.
He also built a long-running rivalry with Sgt. Slaughter, who played the role of an American hero.
He later teamed with Sgt. Slaughter as Colonal Mustafa. The Iron Sheik’s last appearance in the ring was at WrestleMania 17, the Connecticut-based WWE said.
The Iron Sheik had an early foundation in competitive Greco-Roman wrestling, competing in the Amateur Athletic Union and becoming a gold medalist in 1971, WWE said.
In a documentary about his life called “The Sheik,” he said he became attracted to wrestling as a teen and as a grappler in the Iranian Army.
“I was married to the wrestling mat because I was so much … in love with the sport,” he said in the film.
In the documentary, he said he once served as a bodyguard for the Shah. As a pro wrestler, he acknowledged taking advantage of anti-Iranian sentiment following the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis.
“It was the right time to … establish my character, my gimmick,” he said.
The Iron Sheik’s influence extended to the sport’s biggest stars. Wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who used the term “jabroni” to insult his ring opponents, has credited The Iron Sheik with making it famous in wrestling circles.
The TV show “Young Rock” also has featured The Iron Sheik as a recurring character,
The Iron Sheik used his humor and wisdom to build a large Twitter following. He also made appearances on “The Howard Stern Show,” “The Eric Andre Show,” and others, the WWE biography said.
