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The professional wrestling world has been left in mourning as the iconic 1980s figure and renowned heel, The Iron Sheik, whose real name was Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, passed away at age 81. The loss of this legendary Iranian wrestler was conveyed through a solemn announcement on his social media platforms.
Farewell to a Wrestling Legend
The statement read, "We gather today with profound sorrow to bid farewell to a genuine legend, an indomitable spirit, and a larger-than-life personality who indelibly imprinted his mark on professional wrestling's landscape.
It brings us immense grief to announce The Iron Sheik's passing. Still, we find comfort in the knowledge that he left us peacefully, his legacy undoubtedly etched in the annals of wrestling for forthcoming generations to admire."
Vaziri's wrestling journey was initiated as a Greco-Roman competitor, proudly representing Iran at the 1968 Summer Olympics hosted in Mexico City.RESPECT THE LEGEND FOREVER 😢 pic.twitter.com/Cr6CC9pXSO — The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) June 7, 2023
Subsequently, he brought his talents to American soil, serving as an assistant coach for Team USA at the 1972 Munich Games. Making his grand entrance into the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1979, The Iron Sheik rapidly rose through the ranks.
His crowning moment came in 1983 when he seized the WWF World Heavyweight Championship, a feat unmatched by any other Iranian wrestler. His enduring enmity with Hulk Hogan was instrumental in catapulting Hogan to the pinnacle of pro-wrestling glory during the 1980s.
Furthermore, The Iron Sheik's union with Nikolai Volkoff proved fruitful, as the duo clinched the WWF Tag Team Championship at the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985. Recognizing his indomitable spirit and significant contributions to wrestling, The Iron Sheik was honored with a WWE Hall of Fame induction in 2005.
He also leaves behind a personal legacy, survived by his two daughters and five grandchildren, to whom his legend will continue to live.
Iron Sheik's cause of death: cardiac arrest
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