Tributes pour in for the late WWE icon known as ‘The Iron Sheik’ following his demise at the age of 81.
Born Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri in Iran in 1942, the wrestler transcended the world of sports entertainment to become a global superstar during the 1980s, solidifying his legacy by winning the WWF World Heavyweight Championship in 1983.
Prior to his rise to prominence in the wrestling realm, Vaziri competed on Iran’s Greco-Roman wrestling team at the 1968 Summer Games, showcasing his prowess and dedication to the sport. His journey took an intriguing turn when he relocated to the United States and claimed a national AAU title in 1971. However, it was his transition to the burgeoning WWF in 1979 that propelled him to international stardom, standing alongside iconic figures such as Hulk Hogan, Jesse ‘The Body’ Ventura, and Andre ‘The Giant’ Roussimoff.
WWE is saddened to learn that Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, known the world over as WWE Hall of Famer The Iron Sheik, passed away on Wednesday, June 7, at age 81.
WWE extends its condolences to The Iron Sheik’s family, friends and fans.https://t.co/FGE0yKeuWA pic.twitter.com/yVLpLObxFA
— WWE (@WWE) June 7, 2023
Confirming the news on social media, his family conveyed heartfelt tribute to “a true legend, a force of nature, and an iconic figure who left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling.” The cause of his passing remains undisclosed. The wrestling circuit, now known as WWE, also expressed their condolences to his loved ones and fans through a tweet, stating, “WWE is saddened to hear of the passing of WWE Hall of Famer The Iron Sheik.”
Vaziri’s path to theatrical wrestling began when he received an invitation to train at Verne Gagne’s gym in the early 1970s. It was during his time there that Vaziri, with his robust physique standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 250 pounds, honed his skills and assumed the role of a trainer. Notably, he imparted his knowledge to aspiring wrestlers like Ricky Steamboat, Greg Gagne, and Jim Brunzell.
Following the footsteps of a previous wrestler known as ‘The Sheik,’ Vaziri adopted the persona of a heel, or the antagonistic character, which swiftly caught the attention of the World Wrestling Federation. He achieved notable victories, including triumphing in the inaugural Battle Royal at Madison Square Garden, and embarked on a journey through various rival circuits before finding a home in the WWF.
Recognized as the tag-team partner of Nikolai Volkoff, The Iron Sheik became a fixture at Wrestlemania events and emerged as one of the most prominent stars in the wrestling realm. In 1987, he faced legal troubles, being arrested alongside ‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan for cocaine possession. Despite this setback, he continued to contribute to the sport until his unofficial retirement in the early 1990s.
In recent years, The Iron Sheik made a reintroduction to a new generation of fans through a satirical Twitter account, which operated under his name and seemingly had his endorsement. The account reflected his character’s crude, confrontational, and often profane demeanor, exemplified by posts such as “WHOEVER LET THE DOGS OUT CAN GO F*** YOURSELF” and “F*** THE LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE.”
On Wednesday, a statement was released on The Iron Sheik’s Twitter account by his family. It conveyed their heavy hearts and bid farewell to a true legend, a force of nature, and an iconic figure who profoundly influenced the world of professional wrestling. The tweet also emphasized the peaceful nature of his departure and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.
Beyond his wrestling persona, The Iron Sheik was known as a devoted family man. He held his wife of 47 years, Caryl, dear to his heart, as she stood by his side through thick and thin, offering unwavering support throughout his life.
