WWE Announces Death of Wrestling Legend
The WWE announced on Wednesday the sad death of one of its legends, The Iron Sheik, one of the most famous wrestlers in the 70s and 80s; he was a member of the World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame and was Hulk Hogan's number one enemy.
Real Name and Background
His real name was Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, born on March 15, 1942 in Damghan, Iran, and died at the age of 81 "peacefully surrounded by his loved ones," according to the official statement issued by the company.
Condolences from WWE
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.
Legacy of The Iron Sheik
He is considered one of the greatest villains in WWE history. He started his career in amateur Greco-Roman wrestling and became a gold medalist in 1971. He won the WWE Championship in 1983 after defeating Bob Backlund at the iconic Madison Square Garden.
In 1985, he became a tag team champion with Nikolai Volkoff at the first Wrestlemania and they were seen as one of the most dangerous duos in the ring.
Rivalry with Hulk Hogan
His reign as the top figure in WWE was ended by Hulk Hogan. From that moment, a rivalry emerged between the two, as Hogan was seen as the hero defending the United States from someone like Sheik, who came from the Middle East.
This rivalry became one of the most memorable for fans, as there was symbolism between them. Hogan was the hero defending the country from someone like Sheik, and that's why he was seen as a "villain".
The Iron Sheik's Last Appearance
His last appearance in a wrestling ring was at Wrestlemania 17, the biggest event of the franchise.
