Tributes are pouring in for WWE legend ‘The Iron Sheik’ after his death at the age of 81.
The wrestler, real name Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, was born in Iran but became a global superstar in the 1980s, winning the WWF World Heavyweight Championship in 1983.
Previously he competed on Iran’s Greco-Roman wrestling team at the 1968 Summer Games, and later won a national AAU title in 1971 after moving to the United States.
But it was when he made the transition to the fledgling WWF in 1979 that he became an international superstar, along with the likes of Hulk Hogan, Jesse ‘The Body’ Ventura, and Andre ‘The Giant’ Roussimoff.
Confirming the news on Twitter, his family paid tribute to ‘a true legend, a force of nature, and an iconic figure who left an incredible mark on the world of professional wrestling.’ A cause of death has not been released.
‘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,’ read a tweet from the circuit formerly known as the WWF.
The Iron Sheik made his way to theatrical wrestling after being invited to train at promoter Verne Gagne’s gym in the early 1970s. It was there that the barrel-chested, 6-foot, 250-pound Vaziri learned the business and soon began working as a trainer. He even taught the likes of Ricky Steamboat, Greg Gagne and Jim Brunzell.
Following in the footsteps of a previous wrestler known as ‘The Sheik,’ Vaziri became a heel – another word for ‘bad guy’ – and quickly caught the eye of the World Wrestling Federation.
He’d go on to win the first ever Battle Royal at Madison Square Garden before bouncing around to several rival circuits, and eventually finding a home with the WWF.
Known as the tag-team partner of Nikolai Volkoff, Sheik became a Wrestlemania staple and one of the biggest stars in the sport.
The Iron Sheik’s family released a statement on his Twitter account Wednesday.
‘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,’ read the posthumous tweet.
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.
‘Beyond the wrestling persona that the world knew so well, The Iron Sheik was a devoted family man. 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. Their bond was an anchor, providing him with the strength to face the challenges that life presented.
‘To his children, Tanya, Nikki, Marissa and son in law Eddie, he was not just a wrestling icon. He was a loving and dedicated father. He instilled in them the values of perseverance, determination, and the importance of following their dreams.
‘The Iron Sheik’s guidance and unwavering belief in their potential served as a driving force for his children, empowering them to become the best versions of themselves.’
