Wrestling legend Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri — better known as The Iron Sheik — passed away on Wednesday at the age of 81.
The news was first announced on Sheik’s personal Twitter account in a note written by his family. In the note, his family says that the icon passed away peacefully and is survived by his wife Caryl of 47 years, his children Tanya, Nikki, Marissa, and son-in-law Eddie, as well as five grandchildren.
“The Iron Sheik (whose real name was Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri) transcended the realm of sports entertainment,” reads a section of the family’s statement. “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 Iron Sheik began his wrestling career in the early 1970s and would quickly go on to establish himself in the business. Known for his outlandish nature, The Iron Sheik was one of the greatest heels ever, with his rivalry with Hulk Hogan in the 1980s becoming one of the best rivalries in wrestling history and catapulting Hogan into superstardom as a result.
The Iron Sheik is also the only Iranian champion in WWE history and would later transcend the world of wrestling by becoming an actor and known internet personality, becoming even more popular on Twitter due to his tweets denouncing various things.
ComingSoon sends condolences to The Iron Sheik’s friends and family during this tough time.
