At any time when a legend passes away, we frequently hear the phrase: “There’ll by no means be one other,” and within the case of Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, recognized to hundreds of thousands all over the world as professional wrestling’s “The Iron Sheik,” that phrase matches completely. Having handed away on the age of 81 on June 7, 2023, we collectively mourn the lack of one in every of standard cultures most charismatic stars. However we additionally have a good time the life and work of a person that gained medals as an elite athlete, and as a professional wrestler was skillfully in a position to attract love and hate in equal measure.
M&F takes a loving take a look at six of the methods “The Iron Sheik” earned a everlasting place in all of our hearts.
1. The Iron Sheik was a Legit Robust Man
Born in Iran, in 1942, The Sheik fell in love with the nation’s hottest sports activities of Greco-Roman and Freestyle Wrestling. A talented competitor, he was later employed as a bodyguard to final King of Iran. When hyping himself up as a professional wrestler, The Sheik typically made the incorrect declare that he represented Iran within the Olympic Video games, however regardless of that simply being hoopla, he did tryout for a spot. The truth is, The Sheik was a professional powerful man, wrestling for Iran internationally and having moved to the USA, he gained two silver medals in AAUU Greco-Roman tournaments. In 1970, he adopted up by profitable the gold medal in the identical event. The Iron Sheik additionally served as an assistant coach to Group USA, however got here to the belief that there was extra money to be made within the booming professional wrestling trade.
2. The Iron Sheik Made Loads of Historical past
Educated by Billy Robinson, in the identical class as Ric Aptitude, The Iron Sheik performed as much as the stereotypical “heel” standing of international wrestlers throughout that point. He made his debut with the WWF in 1979, profitable the primary ever over-the-top-rope Battle Royale at Madison Sq. Backyard. On Dec. 26, 1983, The Iron Sheik defeated the vastly standard and lengthy reigning title holder, Bob Backlund, when Backlund’s supervisor was compelled to throw within the towel to avoid wasting him from The Sheik’s “Camel Clutch” submission maintain. Sheik later misplaced the title to Hulk Hogan in a match thought of to be the start of “Hulkamania” the next yr, however The Iron Sheik stays the one Iranian in historical past to elevate the WWF/E world heavyweight championship to this present day.
3. He Was All the time Should-See TV
Whether or not he was taking part in the “international villain” or difficult his opponents to see what number of occasions they may swing a Persian membership (a tackle the Indian membership swinging train), The Iron Sheik was all the time must-see-television. Whereas his professional wrestling profession started to wind up within the early ’90s following a stint as “Colonel Mustafa” in a feud the place he teamed with Sgt. Slaughter to focus on the likes of Hulk Hogan and The Final Warrior, the brand new millennium gave rise to The Iron Sheik’s performing profession, and he made appearances in a number of movies and tv reveals. He even made an look, taking part in himself, in Robotic Rooster. Within the late 90s, The Sheik had appeared on “The Howard Stern Present,” and actually cemented his place in standard tradition with a surreal however unforgettable spot on “The Jerry Springer Present,” the place he had the studio viewers within the palm of his arms in 1999.
No query. The @the_ironsheik might have any crowd within the palm of his arms. Even on the Jerry Springer present. pic.twitter.com/Pct5j54dHH
— Scott “Future” Felstead (@scottfuture) June 7, 2023
4. The Iron Sheik Slapped His Camel Clutch on Social Media
It wasn’t simply wrestling, radio, movie, and tv that The Iron Sheik mastered. Extremely, he additionally put a submission maintain on social media, turning into a controversial “poster” on Twitter. The vast majority of his tweets would comprise expletives, typically leveled at his seemingly real-life foe, Hulk Hogan, or no matter was within the information or taking over area in his mind at any given time, however followers quickly started to query whether or not The Iron Sheik was as hateful as his Twitter account made him out to be. He earned new followers within the Twittersphere, primarily based on the truth that he appeared to be taking a tongue-in-cheek take a look at the loopy world round him. It is usually understood that his Twitter account was closely or utterly influenced by his enterprise managers. The ultimate tweet? “F*** the wildfires.”
5. The Iron Sheik Was a Survivor
Coming to the USA from humble beginnings in Iran, The Iron Sheik grew to become a worldwide principal occasion professional wrestling expertise, however his private battles had been higher than something that he might have skilled within the squared circle. When his eldest daughter, Marissa was tragically murdered by her boyfriend, The Iron Sheik plotted revenge and developed a critical cocaine behavior. His spouse, Caryl, left him and he later hit all-time low, however fortunately was capable of kick the behavior and restore his marriage. The couple remained in loving matrimony till The Iron Sheik’s passing. He’s additionally survived by two different daughters and 5 grandchildren.
6. He Was Revered by His Friends
The Iron Sheik was inducted into the WWE Corridor of Fame in 2005, and can dwell on within the fond recollections of followers and friends alike. “WWE is saddened to be taught that Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, recognized the world over as WWE Corridor of Famer The Iron Sheik, handed away on Wednesday, June 7, at age 81,” learn an official assertion. “WWE extends its condolences to The Iron Sheik’s household, associates and followers.” 1000’s of followers and distinguished wrestlers additionally took to social media to precise their disappointment and deep lack of one of many greats. And, there was one tweet that summed The Iron Sheiks many presents up completely.
“My pricey good friend Khosrow Vaziri,” wrote his longtime colleague Ric Aptitude in a Twitter submit. “We began wrestling collectively In 1972. Looks like so way back! We crossed paths so many occasions through the years and also you had been all the time so entertaining. The best line you ever mentioned to me In 1972: ‘If I had your hair, I’d be with Elizabeth Taylor!’ Relaxation In Peace My Good friend. Be as entertaining to God as you had been to all of us! 🙏🏻”
My Pricey Good friend Khosrow Vaziri!!! We Began Wrestling Collectively In 1972. Appears Like So Lengthy In the past! We Crossed Paths So Many Instances Over The Years & You Had been All the time So Entertaining. The Best Line You Ever Mentioned To Me In 1972: “If I Had Your Hair, I Would Be With Elizabeth Taylor!”… pic.twitter.com/MG4PO69wP1
— Ric Aptitude® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) June 7, 2023
