Sad news from the wrestling world today. Former WWF legend The Iron Sheik has died at the age of 81.
His real name was Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, and he actually was from Iran, but fled after things went badly for him in Iran. Nevertheless, he played the part of a pro-Iranian heel, who flew the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran which he had fled. Years later, when Iraq became the villainous country in the eyes of many Americans, he became an Iraqi general.
As "The Iron Sheik" he won the WWF Heavyweight Title belt in December of 1983, defeating Bob Backlund. About one month later, he lost the belt to Hulk Hogan, who went on to become the iconic wrestler of the 1980's.
My family used to watch WWF Wrestling back in the eighties. And the one time that we saw a wrestling even in person when it came to our hometown of West Milford in February of 1987, the Iron Sheik was one of the biggest stars present. I personally was glad to see him.
Many years later, I saw a documentary about him, and his life in Iran before he fled to the United States. Quite fascinating, actually.
RIP, Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, aka The Iron Sheik.
The Iron Sheik, pro wrestling legend and Hall of Famer, dies at 81 by Marc Raimondi, ESPN Staff Writer Jun 7, 2023:
https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/37812697/the-iron-sheik-pro-wrestling-legend-hall-famer-dies-81
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