An icon to all those in the wrestling fraternity, Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, better known as ‘The Iron Sheik’, has died ‘peacefully’ at the age of 81. News of his passing was shared via his own Twitter account.
The statement on social media read: "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. 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."
Iranian-born Vaziri won the WWF World Heavyweight Championship in 1983. His celebrity status was cemented thanks to his villainous on-stage rivalry with Hulk Hogan in the 1980s and in 2005 he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
WWE took to Twitter to pay tribute saying: "WWE is saddened to learn that Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, known the world over as WWE Hall of Famer The Iron Sheik, passed away on Wednesday, June 7, at age 81. WWE extends its condolences to The Iron Sheik’s family, friends, and fans."
WWE is saddened to learn that Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, known the world over as WWE Hall of Famer The Iron Sheik, passed away on Wednesday, June 7, at age 81.
— WWE (@WWE) June 7, 2023
WWE extends its condolences to The Iron Sheik’s family, friends and fans.https://t.co/FGE0yKeuWA pic.twitter.com/yVLpLObxFA
May you RIP Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri.
