Wrestling legend "The Iron Sheik" has died at the age of 81.
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) confirmed the star's death yesterday.
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
Any wrestling fan in the 80s knew the charismatic heel well. He loved playing the bad guy and had epic feuds with fellow wrestler "Sargeant Slaughter."
The two played off each other beautifully, with Sheik playing the anti-American villain and Slaughter, the American hero.
Born Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, he grew up in a small village in Iran, where he began wrestling at a young age. He eventually became a grappler in the Iranian Army.
REMEMBERING THE IRON SHEIK
— Mick Foley (@foleyispod) June 7, 2023
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
Years later, he landed in what was then known as the WWF, winning the championship in 1983.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
Over the last several years, he became well-known for his Twitter posts.
This will always be the most memorable Iron Sheik moment for me, RIP. pic.twitter.com/6aXr9kMuE9
— Stewshine Premium ⑨ (@AnimuStewshine) June 7, 2023
feature image AP by Matt Sayles
