The Iron Sheik, a hall-of-Famer and former WWE heavyweight champion, has passed away at age 81, according to his family.
He was described as a “true legend, a force of nature, and an iconic figure who left an incredible mark” on the wrestling business in a statement released on Wednesday. “We are announcing the news with deep sorrow.”
Khosrow Hossein The illustrious wrestler’s real name was Ali Vaziri, and he was from Iran. His cause of death is still a mystery.
Vaziri engaged in ring bouts against luminaries like Bob Backlund, Sgt. Slaughter, and Hulk Hogan in the 1980s, when his wrestling career was at its peak.
He defeated Backlund to win the WWF World Heavyweight title in December 1983.
One month later, Hogan defeated Vaziri and became the first person to ever wield the title belt in front of a loud crowd of more than 20,000 fans in New York’s Madison Square Garden. The shock launched Hogan’s career.
The event was dubbed “one of the most famous wrestling matches of all time” by the WWE. Vaziri was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
His family saw him as a trailblazer who dismantled obstacles and cleared the way for several wrestlers to follow in his footsteps.
Vaziri’s manner, which was exemplified by his handlebar mustache, curled-toe shoes, and noticeably shaved head, reflected his Iranian heritage.
According to ESPN, he was Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi of Iran’s bodyguard before turning professional wrestler.
He nearly made his country’s Olympic wrestling team in 1968.
Vaziri joined the WWE (then known as the WWF) in 1979 after eventually settling in the US and subsequently worked as an assistant coach for the US wrestling team.
Tanya, Nikki, and Marisa, as well as his wife of 47 years, Caryl Vaziri, are his surviving children.
His family says he was a kind and caring parent.
He taught them the value of going for their goals and the characteristics of persistence and determination. The Iron Sheik’s leadership and unwavering trust in his children’s potential motivated them to become the best versions of themselves.
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