Wrestlers Post Tributes for WWE Hall of Famer The Iron Sheik

RIP to a legend.

WWE Hall of Famer The Iron Sheik has died, his family announced Wednesday. 

Born Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri in Iran, he competed in Greco-Roman wrestling in his native country. After moving to the United States, he won the AAU championship at 180.5 pounds in 1971. Soon after, he transitioned to professional wrestling, getting his start with the Minnesota-based American Wrestling Association. He made his WWF debut as “Hussein Arab” in ’79. In ’83, he wrestled for the first time in a WWF ring under his Iron Sheik persona. 

As The Iron Sheik, he became one of the WWF’s most popular performers, winning the world heavyweight championship in December 1983 and the tag team championships (with Nikolai Volkoff) in ’85. 

The wrestling legend’s death sparked an outpouring of remembrances from those around the industry. 

RIP IRON SHIEK 🙏🏽💪🏽

Respect the Legend Forever. pic.twitter.com/3P4G5NJuIl

— Bully Ray (@bullyray5150) June 7, 2023

RIP @the_ironsheik Thank you for all the memories and positive thoughts and prayers to all family and friends. 🙏

— RYBACK (@Ryback) June 7, 2023

What a legend. Condolences to his friends and family. Any time I get to see or use Persian Meels for a workout, I think of the Iron Sheik. He was a great performer! Wrestlers should continue to study his body of work. https://t.co/2Quks4BVPK

— Drew Gulak (@DrewGulak) June 7, 2023

Newer generations were introduced to The Iron Sheik in his later years through his prolific Twitter account, which posted a host of viral tweets over the years. The account, which was run by his management team, captured the essence of his character perfectly.