Pro Wrestling Legend The Iron Sheik Dead At 81

etcanada.com:

WWE fans are mourning a legend. On Wednesday, the family of former pro wrestler Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, known worldwide as The Iron Sheik, shared the sad news that he has passed away at age 81. READ MORE: Billy Graham, WWE Hall of Fame Legend ‘Superstar,’ Dead At 79 “With his larger than life persona, incredible charisma, and unparalleled in-ring skills, he captivated audiences around the globe,” he family said in a statement on his Twitter account. “He was a trailblazer, breaking barriers and paving the way for a diverse range of wrestlers who followed in his footsteps.” “Beyond the glitz and glamour of the squared circle, The Iron Sheik was a man of immense passion and dedication,” the statement continued. “He embodied resilience.

He overcame countless challenges in his life, both inside and outside the wrestling ring. His journey from a small village in Iran to becoming one of the most recognized figures in the world of wrestling is a testament to his unwavering dedication.” READ MORE: Hail To The Chief: Inside Roman Reigns’ 3 Years As WWE Champ Vaziri was a legendarily hated heel in the wrestling ring, facing off against big names like Hulk Hogan, Sgt.

Slaughter and Bob Backlund. He joined WWE in 1979, going on to become a World Heavyweight Champion, and famously going up against Hogan in a 1984 match at Madison Square Garden.

In 2004, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. In recent years, the Sheik earned himself a big following on Twitter, where he shared his unfiltered opinions on a variety of subjects.