For so many years, Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri served as one of the most outspoken pro wrestling veterans of all time, with fans knowing him more familiarly by his moniker The Iron Sheik. The former WWE Superstar hadn’t formally wrestled in many years, as one of the rare wrestlers who embraced full-on retirement, but managed to build an even bigger fanbase in the aftermath thanks to shoot interviews and an explosion in popularity on Twitter and other social media platforms. Sadly, the legend reportedly passed away this week at the age of 81.
Details about Iron Sheik’s death are somewhat limited, with the news coming straight from his social media accounts, with the same message being shared by his managers Jian and Page Magen. (They’re actually responsible for the icon’s hilarious Twitter page over the years.) Read part of the message below.
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. . . . The Iron Sheik, (whose real name was Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri), transcended the realm of sports entertainment. With his larger-than-life persona, incredible charisma, and unparalleled in-ring skills, he captivated audiences around the globe. He was a trailblazer, breaking barriers and paving the way for a diverse range of wrestlers who followed in his footsteps.
The long and heartfelt farewell post did not directly address a possible cause of death, which remains unknown at the time of writing.
Manager Page Magen shared a post on Instagram that featured some excellent pics from over the years, as seen below.
We here at CinemaBlend send our thoughts and condolences to Iron Sheik’s family and friends during this time of mourning. See you in the next life, Bubba!