The Iron Sheik, a WWE legend who was one of Hulk Hogan’s greatest rivals during the 1980s, has died according to a statement posted to his Twitter account Wednesday.
He was 81.
“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,” the statement read. “It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of The Iron Sheik, but we also take solace in knowing that he departed this world peacefully, leaving behind a legacy that will endure for generations to come.”
The Iranian native, whose real name was Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, was a onetime WWE champion and won the tag team championships with Nikolai Volkoff.
“Throughout his career, The Iron Sheik became a cultural phenomenon, transcending the real of professional wrestling to become a pop culture icon,” the statement read. “His memorable catchphrases and unforgettable moments are etched into the memories of fans worldwide. He left an indelible mark on the industry, and his influence can still be felt in the world of wrestling today.”
After starting off as a Greco-Roman wrestler, he began his pro wrestling career in 1972, when he was recruited to the midwestern AWA by legendary promoter Verne Gagne, in the same training class as Ric Flair.
He spent about eight years there, before traversing other territories such as the WWF (now WWE), Jim Crockett Promotions, Mid-South Wrestling, Championship Wrestling in Florida and Georgia Championship Wrestling.
His return to the WWF in 1983 kicked off his time as a nationally recognized figure, culminating in his defeat of Bob Backlund for the world championship the night after Christmas at Madison Square Garden.
The Iron Sheik had trapped Backlund in his submission maneuver, the Camel Clutch. Though Backland did not tap out, his manager, Arnol Skaaland, threw in the towel, and the Sheik became champ.
Some of The Iron Sheik’s wrestling peers mourned him on Twitter.
“A true icon and someone who left a mark on wrestling that can never be erased,” Jake “The Snake” Roberts wrote. “Another great one gone.”
“Although I never got to know The Sheik well, I was fortunate to have been on hand for two of his most iconic matches — his WWE title victory over Bob Backlund at Madison Square Garden on December 26, 1983 and his ‘Boot Camp Match’ with Sgt Slaughter at MSG in August, 1984,” Mick Foley wrote. “I also had the honor of wrestling the iron sheik for the first and only time — on a tour of Dominica in 1987. Khosrow Vaziri was truly one of a kind.”
Flair, whose relationship with The Iron Sheik went back more than 50 years, also posted a tribute.
“My Dear Friend Khosrow Vaziri!!!” Flair tweeted, using his trademark capital letter for each word. “We Started Wrestling Together In 1972. Seems Like So Long Ago! We Crossed Paths So Many Times Over The Years & You Were Always So Entertaining. … The Greatest Line You Ever Said To Me In 1972: “If I Had Your Hair, I Would Be With Elizabeth Taylor!” Rest In Peace My Friend. Be As Entertaining To God As You Were To All Of Us!”
Khosrow is survived by his wife, Caryl Vaziri, whom he married in 1976, two children and five grandchildren.
The couple’s eldest daughter, Marissa, was murdered by her boyfriend, Charles Warren Reynolds, in 2003. Marissa was 27.
