WWE Legend Iron Sheik Dead: Triple H, Mick Foley, and More Pay Tribute
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The Iron Sheik—whose real name was Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri—passed away on Wednesday. He was 81.
"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," a statement on his Twitter account read.
"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,” it concluded.
The WWE Hall of Famer took on many wrestling greats in his time—like rival Hulk Hogan and Bob Backlund—and many of them took a moment to pay tribute following the news of his death.
“The wrestling world lost a true legend today,” Mick Foley began in a statement on Twitter, recalling, “I also had the honor of wrestling the iron sheik for the first and only time – on a tour of Dominica in 1987.”
“Khosrow Vaziri was truly one of a kind. I send my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those who loved him,” he concluded.
REMEMBERING THE IRON SHEIK
The wrestling world lost a true legend today, with the passing of Khosrow Vaziri, better known to fans across the globe as The Iron Sheik. Although I never got to know The Sheik well, I was fortunate to have been on hand for two of his most iconic… pic.twitter.com/mVMqTaeXtE— Mick Foley (@foleyispod) June 7, 2023
“The legend. An all-time great performer and WWE Hall of Famer who brought his character to life and transcended our business. My condolences to The Iron Sheik’s family, friends and fans,” Triple H shared.
The legend. An all-time great performer and WWE Hall of Famer who brought his character to life and transcended our business.
My condolences to The Iron Sheik’s family, friends and fans.— Triple H (@TripleH) June 7, 2023
“My Dear Friend Khosrow Vaziri!!! We Started Wrestling Together In 1972. Seems Like So Long Ago! We Crossed Paths So Many Times Over The Years & You Were Always So Entertaining. The Greatest Line You Ever Said To Me In 1972: 'If I Had Your Hair, I Would Be With Elizabeth Taylor!' Rest In Peace My Friend. Be As Entertaining To God As You Were To All Of Us,” Ric Flair wrote alongside a throwback photo.
My Dear Friend Khosrow Vaziri!!! We Started Wrestling Together In 1972. Seems Like So Long Ago! We Crossed Paths So Many Times Over The Years & You Were Always So Entertaining. The Greatest Line You Ever Said To Me In 1972: “If I Had Your Hair, I Would Be With Elizabeth Taylor!”… pic.twitter.com/MG4PO69wP1
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) June 7, 2023
Other tributes poured in in his memory:
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.https://t.co/FGE0yKeuWA pic.twitter.com/yVLpLObxFA— WWE (@WWE) June 7, 2023
Will never forget when @the_ironsheik checked in at the start of the pandemic. Rest in peace, and much love to his family. RESPECT THE LEGEND FOREVER ❤️🙏 pic.twitter.com/fgYnSqCOuc
— Ken Jeong (@kenjeong) June 7, 2023
Our family is sad to hear that the Iron Sheik has passed. May his family and friends be surrounded with love at this time. Our sincere condolences for your loss. Rest in Peace Sheik. pic.twitter.com/obfSEDMJVw
— Rowdy Roddy Piper (@R_Roddy_Piper) June 7, 2023
RIP to the legend The Iron Sheik 🙏🙏#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/NfXVaMP6xn
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 7, 2023
He is survived by his wife since 1976, Caryl Vaziri, three children—Marissa, Tanya, and Nikki—son-in-law Eddie, five grandchildren and two nephews, all mentioned in the tribute on Twitter.
