Iron Sheik Death – Iranian-born American retired professional wrestler Iron Sheik has passed away unexpectedly. The Iron Sheik was announced dead today, Wednesday, the 7th of June 2023. He died at age 81. Sheik had a legendary career including being a Former WWF World & Tag Team Champion. Iron Sheik dropped the WWF Championship to Hulk Hogan in 1984, a moment that kickstarted “Hulkamania”. There was no cause of death reported for Iron Sheik.
CauliflowerAlleyClub released a statement regarding the passing of an Iranian-born American retired professional wrestler:
The legendary and iconic pro wrestling bad guy the Iron Sheik has passed away at the age of 81. We send our sincerest condolences to his family, friends and fans of the world over and thank him for the many incredible memories he lives behind. R.I.P. Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri.
The Iron Sheik: Bio
On December 26, 1983, The Iron Sheik achieved the ultimate glory in the WWE by clinching the championship title after defeating Bob Backlund at Madison Square Garden. Despite the controversy surrounding Backlund’s manager Arnold Skaaland throwing in the towel, The Iron Sheik enjoyed his championship reign for nearly a month before losing to Hollywood Hogan on January 23, 1984, in what remains one of the most iconic matches in wrestling history.
Although Hogan emerged victorious, it was this match that catapulted his career and put professional wrestling into the mainstream spotlight for the first time. As a former amateur wrestler in Iran, The Iron Sheik was a force to be reckoned with in the ring, especially when it came to his mastery of suplexes and his signature Camel Clutch move.
Following his defeat, The Iron Sheik engaged in a legendary rivalry with Sgt. Slaughter, culminating in a famous Boot Camp Match at Madison Square Garden. Afterwards, The Iron Sheik transitioned to the tag team division, teaming up with Nikolai Volkoff. Together, they defeated the U.S. Express at WrestleMania in 1985 to win the World Tag Team Championship.
Though he departed from WWE in 1988, The Iron Sheik made intermittent appearances in WCW in 1989 and returned to WWE in 1991 as Colonel Mustafa, standing alongside former rival Sgt. Slaughter. He later managed The Sultan in 1997 and made one last appearance at WrestleMania X-Seven, emerging victorious in a Gimmick Battle Royal and reigniting his feud with Slaughter.
Iron Sheik obituary and funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date by the family.
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