RIP: WWE Icon The Iron Sheik's Legacy Lives On
WWE icon, Hall of Famer, and wrestling legend, The Iron Sheik, has passed away at the age of 81 His legacy in the sport will forever be remembered by fans around the world
The wrestling world mourns the loss of WWE icon, The Iron Sheik, who passed away at the age of 81. Born Hossein Khrosrow Ali Vaziri, The Iron Sheik played a pivotal role in the 1980s wrestling boom, delivering a memorable defeat to Bob Backlund for the WWE Championship title before succumbing to Hulk Hogan, an unforgettable event that kickstarted the Hulkamania phenomenon and paved the way for the first-ever WrestleMania.
Despite his brief foray into the main event scene, The Iron Sheik remained a prominent figure in WWE broadcasts, while also making appearances in WCW and various independent promotions in later years. He was deservedly inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. In recent times, the legendary wrestler gained notoriety for his outrageous, in-character tweets and comedic outbursts, frequently aimed at his longtime adversary, Hulk Hogan. The Iron Sheik's popularity soared on social media, with over 641,000 followers on Twitter at the time of his passing.
No cause of death has been announced for The Iron Sheik, but his passing was first announced on his Twitter account. Given his significant impact on the pro wrestling industry, it's possible that various wrestling programs airing this week, such as WWE SmackDown on Friday, may honor his career with tributes. Fans of The Iron Sheik may want to tune in to watch. Additionally, those looking to relive his greatest moments can do so through either Peacock or the WWE Network, depending on their location. Many of The Iron Sheik's most notable moments in the industry can be found on the Peacock streaming platform, making it a must-see for those wanting to take a trip down memory lane.
The Iron Sheik has been a popular character in various wrestling video games throughout the years, including WWE 2K16, WWE 2K15, WWE SuperCard, and WWE Legends of WrestleMania, among others. While it remains to be seen if he will appear in future wrestling games, fans eagerly await the announcement of WWE 2K24 and its roster of legends. Given his past appearances, there is a good chance that The Iron Sheik will make the cut.
