Wrestling legend The Iron Sheik dies at 81

(The Iron Sheik, 1942 – 2023)

Today, the professional wrestling world lost a true icon. Hulk Hogan’s nemesis, The Iron Sheik, died today at 81. It was announced on his Twitter account.

“Today, we gather with heavy 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. 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 statement posted to his Twitter account said.

Born as Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri on March 15, 1942, in Tehran, Iran, he captured the hearts of millions with his unparalleled charisma, in-ring skills, and larger-than-life persona. On June 5, 2023, the world bid farewell to a legend as The Iron Sheik took his final bow.

From his early days, it was evident that The Iron Sheik possessed a natural talent and a ferocious spirit. His journey in the world of wrestling began when he represented his homeland of Iran in the 1968 Olympic Games, competing as a Greco-Roman wrestler. He was passionate and dedicated, and his determination led him to win a gold medal, bringing pride to his nation.


REELated:


Following his Olympic triumph, The Iron Sheik transitioned into professional wrestling, where he would leave an indelible mark. Debuting in the late 1970s, he quickly became a fan favorite with his imposing presence, his signature Persian clubs, and his notorious finishing move, the Camel Clutch. The Iron Sheik’s battles in the ring against some of the industry’s biggest names, such as Hulk Hogan and Bob Backlund, became legendary encounters that are still talked about today.

Beyond his in-ring accomplishments, The Iron Sheik will be remembered for his captivating personality. He had an unmatched ability to entertain, with his bombastic interviews and unforgettable catchphrases that would have audiences both cheering and jeering. He had a unique charisma that transcended the wrestling world, making him a pop culture icon and a household name.

Throughout his career, The Iron Sheik faced personal struggles but always managed to bounce back. He inspired many with his resilience and his unwavering passion for his craft. Even in retirement, he remained a beloved figure, participating in various wrestling events and making appearances that delighted fans around the globe.

The Iron Sheik’s impact extends far beyond the wrestling ring. He was an inspiration to countless aspiring wrestlers, motivating them to pursue their dreams and never give up. His legacy will continue to live on through the generations of grapplers he inspired and the enduring memories he created.

A true icon and someone who left a mark on wrestling that can never be erased,” Jake “The Snake” Roberts wrote. “Another great one gone.”

“Although I never got to know The Sheik well, I was fortunate to have been on hand for two of his most iconic matches – his WWE title victory over Bob Backlund at Madison Square Garden on December 26, 1983 and his ‘Boot Camp Match’ with Sgt Slaughter at MSG in August, 1984,” Mick Foley wrote. “I also had the honor of wrestling the iron sheik for the first and only time – on a tour of Dominica in 1987.Khosrow Vaziri was truly one of a kind.”

Ric Flair, whose relationship with The Iron Sheik went back more than 50 years, also posted a tribute.

“My Dear Friend Khosrow Vaziri!!!” Flair tweeted, using his trademark capital letter for each word. “We Started Wrestling Together In 1972. Seems Like So Long Ago! We Crossed Paths So Many Times Over The Years & You Were Always So Entertaining. The Greatest Line You Ever Said To Me In 1972: “If I Had Your Hair, I Would Be With Elizabeth Taylor!” Rest In Peace My Friend. Be As Entertaining To God As You Were To All Of Us!” 

“Remember, everybody want to be the legend, but only the Iron Sheik is the legend. HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”


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(The Iron Sheik, 1942 – 2023)

Today, the professional wrestling world lost a true icon. Hulk Hogan’s nemesis, The Iron Sheik, died today at 81. It was announced on his Twitter account.

“Today, we gather with heavy 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. 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 statement posted to his Twitter account said.

Born as Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri on March 15, 1942, in Tehran, Iran, he captured the hearts of millions with his unparalleled charisma, in-ring skills, and larger-than-life persona. On June 5, 2023, the world bid farewell to a legend as The Iron Sheik took his final bow.

From his early days, it was evident that The Iron Sheik possessed a natural talent and a ferocious spirit. His journey in the world of wrestling began when he represented his homeland of Iran in the 1968 Olympic Games, competing as a Greco-Roman wrestler. He was passionate and dedicated, and his determination led him to win a gold medal, bringing pride to his nation.


REELated:


Following his Olympic triumph, The Iron Sheik transitioned into professional wrestling, where he would leave an indelible mark. Debuting in the late 1970s, he quickly became a fan favorite with his imposing presence, his signature Persian clubs, and his notorious finishing move, the Camel Clutch. The Iron Sheik’s battles in the ring against some of the industry’s biggest names, such as Hulk Hogan and Bob Backlund, became legendary encounters that are still talked about today.

Beyond his in-ring accomplishments, The Iron Sheik will be remembered for his captivating personality. He had an unmatched ability to entertain, with his bombastic interviews and unforgettable catchphrases that would have audiences both cheering and jeering. He had a unique charisma that transcended the wrestling world, making him a pop culture icon and a household name.

Throughout his career, The Iron Sheik faced personal struggles but always managed to bounce back. He inspired many with his resilience and his unwavering passion for his craft. Even in retirement, he remained a beloved figure, participating in various wrestling events and making appearances that delighted fans around the globe.

The Iron Sheik’s impact extends far beyond the wrestling ring. He was an inspiration to countless aspiring wrestlers, motivating them to pursue their dreams and never give up. His legacy will continue to live on through the generations of grapplers he inspired and the enduring memories he created.

A true icon and someone who left a mark on wrestling that can never be erased,” Jake “The Snake” Roberts wrote. “Another great one gone.”

“Although I never got to know The Sheik well, I was fortunate to have been on hand for two of his most iconic matches – his WWE title victory over Bob Backlund at Madison Square Garden on December 26, 1983 and his ‘Boot Camp Match’ with Sgt Slaughter at MSG in August, 1984,” Mick Foley wrote. “I also had the honor of wrestling the iron sheik for the first and only time – on a tour of Dominica in 1987.Khosrow Vaziri was truly one of a kind.”

Ric Flair, whose relationship with The Iron Sheik went back more than 50 years, also posted a tribute.

“My Dear Friend Khosrow Vaziri!!!” Flair tweeted, using his trademark capital letter for each word. “We Started Wrestling Together In 1972. Seems Like So Long Ago! We Crossed Paths So Many Times Over The Years & You Were Always So Entertaining. The Greatest Line You Ever Said To Me In 1972: “If I Had Your Hair, I Would Be With Elizabeth Taylor!” Rest In Peace My Friend. Be As Entertaining To God As You Were To All Of Us!” 

“Remember, everybody want to be the legend, but only the Iron Sheik is the legend. HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”


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