Posted on 06/07/2023 9:56:49 AM PDT by Ciaphas Cain
The Iron Sheik, a WWE legend who was one of Hulk Hogan’s greatest rivals during the 1980s, has died, according to a statement posted to his Twitter account on Wednesday.
He was 81.
“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 said.
The Iranian-born Iron Sheik, whose real name was Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, was a one-time WWE champion and won the tag team championships with Nikolai Volkoff.
“Throughout his career, The Iron Sheik became a cultural phenomenon, transcending the real of professional wrestling to become a pop culture icon,” the statement said. “His memorable catchphrases and unforgettable moments are etched into the memories of fans worldwide. He left an indelible mark on the industry, and his influence can still be felt in the world of wrestling today.”
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
He hated Hulk for his freedoms. S/
Just saw his documentary on WWE Legends a few days ago, a true legend, RIP to one of the greatest
RIP Iron Sheikh. If I remember correctly, Sheikh was part of the Shah’s bodyguard thus him needing to get out of when the mullahs took over.
I met him at Dragon Con in Atlanta, a week and a half before 9/11 happened. Seemed like a pretty decent fellow in spite of his in-ring reputation for being a heel (pro-wrestling term for bad guy character).
And we just lost Superstar Billy Graham.
Of course though, there were no Sheiks in Iran.
Sheikh v. Sargent Slaugher was one of the best story lines.
“He’s loading his boot!”
Professional Wrestling isn’t fake, the moves and the holds and the occasional injuries are real. But the outcome of the matches is determined in advance.
His finishing move: the infamous Camel Clutch. You didn’t mess around with the Sheik.
81 years old is quite an impressive age for a TV wrestler to live to.
I remember him. Decades ago, he symbolized part of
“The Axis of EVIL”, aka GHWB term referring to Iran, Iraq and
Nort Korea.
Piper and the Sheik were two of my favorites. Both gone.
"Iran Number One! Russia Number One! USA ... (spit!)"
IIRC, all three are now gone.
I enjoyed him.
RIP. I hope he is with God.
During the Gulf War he was switched to being from Iraq.😆
He’s dead Jim
It’s a wonder the steroid popping freak lived that long imo
They used it to turn Slaughter into a "face." His "Boot Camp" matches against the Sheik were classics.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.