In 1983, the Iranian-born wrestler won the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. He was known as a “devoted family man” outside of the ring.
The Iron Sheikh, a World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) figure most known for his on-stage rivalry with Hulk Hogan, has died at the age of 81.
Khosrow Vaziri, an Iranian-born professional wrestler, won the WWF World Heavyweight Championship in 1983.
He rose to prominence in the wrestling industry by portraying a villainous role against Hulk Hogan, which helped solidify their identities in wrestling history.
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“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,” a statement on Twitter said.
“We share the news of The Iron Sheik’s death with great sadness, but we also take comfort in knowing that he left this world peacefully, leaving behind a legacy that will endure for generations to come.”
It didn’t say anything about how Vaziri died.
He was characterised as a “devoted family man” who had been married to Caryl for 47 years.
Tanya, Nikki, and Marissa were the couple’s three children, and they had five grandkids.
Athletes and celebrities paid tribute to the hero, including WWE’s 14-time world wrestling champion and chief content officer, Triple H.
“An all-time great performer and WWE Hall of Famer who brought his character to life and transcended our business,” he said of Vaziri.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to The Iron Sheik’s family, friends, and fans.”
WWE is saddened to learn that Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, known the world over as WWE Hall of Famer The Iron Sheik, passed away on Wednesday, June 7, at age 81.
WWE extends its condolences to The Iron Sheik’s family, friends and fans.https://t.co/FGE0yKeuWA pic.twitter.com/yVLpLObxFA
— WWE (@WWE) June 7, 2023
WWE stated that it was “saddened” to hear the news and sent sympathies to his family, friends, and fans.
Vaziri amassed a sizable social media following after retiring from wrestling, having 645,000 followers on Twitter alone.
His career was also the topic of a 2014 Apple TV documentary titled The Sheikh, which explored how he began as a great athlete from Iran who established his career as a professional wrestler in the United States.
