The wrestling world is mourning the loss of Khosrow Vaziri, better known by his ring name The Iron Sheik, who passed away at the age of 81. The Iranian-born professional wrestler, who rose to fame in the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), had an illustrious career and was best known for his on-stage rivalry with Hulk Hogan.
The Iron Sheik achieved a significant milestone in 1983 when he captured the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. His persona as a villainous character and his intense feud with Hulk Hogan helped solidify their names in wrestling history. The two iconic wrestlers brought a level of excitement and entertainment that captivated fans worldwide.
A statement posted on Twitter confirmed The Iron Sheik’s passing and paid tribute to his legendary status: “Today, we say goodbye to a true legend, a force of nature, and an iconic figure who made an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling. The Iron Sheik’s legacy will endure for generations to come, and while we mourn his loss, we find solace in knowing that he peacefully departed this world.”
No specific details regarding the cause of Vaziri’s death were provided in the statement.
Beyond his wrestling career, The Iron Sheik was known as a devoted family man. He was married to his wife Caryl for 47 years, and together they raised three children: Tanya, Nikki, and Marissa. He also had the joy of being a grandfather to five grandchildren.
Numerous athletes and well-known personalities from the wrestling community expressed their condolences and paid tribute to the legendary wrestler. Triple H, a 14-time world wrestling champion and the chief content officer of WWE, hailed The Iron Sheik as a “legend” and an “all-time great performer.” He extended his sympathies to the family, friends, and fans of The Iron Sheik.
WWE also expressed sadness upon hearing the news of Vaziri’s passing and offered heartfelt condolences to his loved ones and fans.
Following his retirement from professional wrestling, The Iron Sheik amassed a significant following on social media platforms, particularly Twitter, where he had 645,000 dedicated followers. His outspoken and humorous personality endeared him to fans around the world.
In 2014, The Iron Sheik’s remarkable career was the subject of a documentary titled “The Sheik,” which premiered on Apple TV. The documentary explored his journey from being a talented athlete from Iran to becoming a beloved and iconic figure in the world of professional wrestling.
The Iron Sheik’s impact on the wrestling industry and his larger-than-life persona will continue to be remembered and celebrated by fans and fellow wrestlers alike. He leaves behind a lasting legacy that will forever be etched in the annals of sports entertainment.
