FAYETTEVILLE, USA – The wrestling world lost a giant. Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, better known by his moniker, The Iron Sheik, passed away at 81, as confirmed by his representatives on Thursday, June 8, 2023.
“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,” said the heartfelt statement released on the wrestler’s social media accounts.
“We take solace in knowing that he departed this world peacefully, leaving behind a legacy that will endure for generations to come.”
Born in Iran in 1942, The Iron Sheik first stepped into the wrestling ring as a heavyweight contender, quickly gaining notoriety as one of the sport’s most formidable heels. In 1983, he cinched the wrestling world’s attention when he snatched the title from then-champ Bob Backlund.
The Iron Sheik became a crucial figure in the ascension of Hulk Hogan, after Hogan wrestled the championship belt from him, kick-starting the Hulkamania phenomenon. He also held the WWF Tag Team title with Nikolai Volkoff in 1985.
His contributions to the wrestling world earned him a place in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, an honor bestowed upon him by Sgt. Slaughter, his former partner and longtime rival.
“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,” World Wrestling Entertainment said in a statement.
The wrestling community mourned, with figures like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, and Booker T posting personal tributes. Actor Ken Jeong also shared an anecdote about a touching interaction with The Iron Sheik during the pandemic’s onset.
Rest in Power, Uncle Sheiky ❤️
Thank you for paving the way 🙏🏾
Love, light and strength to Caryl & the ohana x pic.twitter.com/p9c9wwQz6U— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) June 7, 2023
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Will never forget when @the_ironsheik checked in at the start of the pandemic. Rest in peace, and much love to his family. RESPECT THE LEGEND FOREVER ❤️🙏 pic.twitter.com/fgYnSqCOuc
— Ken Jeong (@kenjeong) June 7, 2023
Our family is sad to hear that the Iron Sheik has passed. May his family and friends be surrounded with love at this time. Our sincere condolences for your loss. Rest in Peace Sheik. pic.twitter.com/obfSEDMJVw
— Rowdy Roddy Piper (@R_Roddy_Piper) June 7, 2023
The Iron Sheik’s outspoken and larger-than-life persona was evident until the end, with his final tweet characteristically reading, “F*** THE WILDFIRES.”
FUCK THE WILDFIRES
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) June 7, 2023
The Iron Sheik is survived by his wife of 47 years, Caryl, and their children. His iconic legacy as a groundbreaking, passionate, and highly influential figure in professional wrestling endures.
