The Iron Sheik, WWE Legend Dies At Age 81

The Iron Sheik, a WWE legend dead at 81!

He was one of Hulk Hogan’s greatest rivals during the 1980s.

WWE Hall of Famer was a one-time WWE champion and won the tag team championships with Nikolai Volkoff.

A statement posted to his official Twitter account on June 7, said Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, better known to the world as The Iron Sheik passed away peacefully.

“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.

“Throughout his career, The Iron Sheik became a cultural phenomenon, transcending the realm 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.”

The Iranian-born Iron Sheik started his pro wrestling career began in 1972, when he was recruited to the midwestern AWA by legendary promoter Verne Gagne, in the same training class as Ric Flair.

 

Tributes continue to pour in on social media timelines: