WWE legend The Iron Sheik recently passed away at the age of 81. He is survived by his wife and three children.
The Iron Sheik passes away
The Iron Sheik was certainly one of the greatest names in the world of pro wrestling. He won the World Heavyweight Championship in late 1983 after defeating Bob Backlund. The Iron Sheik has had a storied career and his match against Hulk Hogan in January 1984 at Madison Square Garden remains to be one of the greatest chapters in pro wrestling.
At the show, Hogan defeated Sheik, which is considered the beginning of “Hulkamania,” the greatest babyface run in wrestling history. Apart from that, The Iron Sheik also won the WWE Tag Team Championship alongside Nikolai Volkaff.
The Iron Sheik’s death was also recently confirmed by his family via his Twitter account. They shared a touching note about the tragic development, revealing just how loved a man Sheik was out of the ring.
“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,” Sheik’s Twitter wrote. “The Iron Sheik, (whose real name was Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri), transcended the realm of sports entertainment. With his larger-than-life persona, incredible charisma, and unparalleled in-ring skills, he captivated audiences around the globe. He was a trailblazer, breaking barriers and paving the way for a diverse range of wrestlers who followed in his footsteps.”
The tweet continued by paying respect to the late icon, celebrating both his in-ring achievements and his off-camera personality.
“As we bid farewell to The Iron Sheik, let us remember him not only for his athletic prowess but also for the joy and inspiration he brought into our lives. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of fans, as well as in the annals of wrestling history,” Sheik’s Twitter continued. “To his family, friends, and all those who were touched by his larger-than-life presence, we offer our deepest condolences. May you find solace in the knowledge that The Iron Sheik’s legacy will forever be cherished and celebrated. Rest in peace, dear Sheik, and thank you for the memories.”
RESPECT THE LEGEND FOREVER 😢 pic.twitter.com/Cr6CC9pXSO
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) June 7, 2023
We at TheSportsRoom send condolences to his family.
