The wrestling world was shocked and saddened by the news of the death of The Iron Sheik, one of the most iconic and controversial figures in the history of the sport. The Iron Sheik, whose real name was Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, died on June 7, 2023, at the age of 81. His family announced his passing in a statement on Twitter, calling him a “true legend, a force of nature, and an iconic figure who left an incredible mark on the world of professional wrestling”.
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The Iron Sheik’s Wrestling Career
The Iron Sheik was born in Iran in 1942 and became an amateur wrestler in his native country. He competed for a spot on Iran’s Olympic team in 1968, but failed to qualify. He later moved to the United States and became an assistant coach for the U.S. Olympic wrestling team in 1972.
He joined the WWE (then known as WWF) in 1979 and adopted the persona of The Iron Sheik, a villainous character who played on the political tensions between Iran and the U.S. at the time. He would wave an Iranian flag and insult American audiences with his anti-American rhetoric.
He became one of the most hated wrestlers in the industry, but also one of the most successful. He won the WWF World Heavyweight Championship from Bob Backlund in 1983, ending Backlund’s six-year reign. He then lost the title to Hulk Hogan in 1984, in a match that is considered one of the most famous and influential in wrestling history. Hogan’s victory launched his career as the biggest star of the 1980s and ushered in a new era of popularity for the WWE.
The Iron Sheik later formed a tag team with Nikolai Volkoff, a Soviet wrestler, and they won the WWF Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania I in 1985. They feuded with patriotic wrestlers like Sgt. Slaughter and The U.S. Express. The Iron Sheik also had memorable rivalries with other legends like Bruno Sammartino, Andre the Giant, and Randy Savage.
He left the WWE in 1988 and wrestled for various promotions until his retirement in 2010. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
The Iron Sheik’s Health Issues
The Iron Sheik had a troubled life outside the ring. He struggled with drug addiction, depression, and personal tragedies. He admitted to using crack cocaine, steroids, and other substances during his wrestling career. He also suffered a heart attack in 2005 after a drug binge.
He lost his eldest daughter Marissa to a drug overdose in 2003. He also lost his nephew Reza to a car accident in 2009.
He had several run-ins with the law, including arrests for drug possession, assault, and disorderly conduct.
He also suffered from chronic pain and mobility issues due to his years of wrestling. He had multiple surgeries on his knees, back, and neck. He used crutches and a wheelchair to get around.
The Iron Sheik’s Cause of Death
According to his death certificate obtained by TMZ, The Iron Sheik’s cause of death was cardiac arrest. His manner of death was ruled to be natural.
He died at his home in Fayetteville, Georgia, where he lived with his wife Caryl. They had been married for 47 years and had two other children, Tanya and Nikki.
His family said he was “a loving and dedicated father” who instilled in them “the values of perseverance, determination, and the importance of following their dreams”. They also said he was “a trailblazer, breaking barriers and paving the way for a diverse range of wrestlers who followed in his footsteps”.
The Iron Sheik’s Legacy
The Iron Sheik was one of the most influential wrestlers of all time. He helped shape the wrestling industry with his charismatic personality, his memorable matches, and his controversial character.
He was also a pop culture icon who gained popularity on social media with his hilarious and outrageous tweets. He had over 600,000 followers on Twitter, where he would often rant about his enemies, especially Hulk Hogan.
He also appeared on several radio shows and podcasts, such as The Howard Stern Show and The Artie Lange Show. He was known for his candid and vulgar language and his apparent dislike for some of his fellow wrestlers.
He was the subject of a documentary film called The Sheik, which chronicled his life story and his struggles with addiction and depression. The film was released in 2014 and received positive reviews from critics and fans.
The Iron Sheik will always be remembered as one of the greatest wrestlers ever and a legend of the sport. He will be missed by his family, friends, and fans around the world. Rest in peace, The Iron Sheik.
