The Iron Sheik

The Iron Sheik: biography

The Iron Sheik, whose real name is Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, was a retired professional wrestler. The Iron Sheik gained fame and recognition in the 1980s as a villainous character in the World Wrestling Federation (now known as WWE).

Childhood and youth

The Iron Sheik, born Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri on March 15, 1943, in Damghan, Iran, had an eventful childhood and youth that shaped his path towards becoming a professional wrestler. Growing up in Iran, Vaziri displayed a natural talent for sports, particularly wrestling. He began his wrestling journey as an amateur and quickly gained recognition for his skills.

Vaziri represented Iran in various wrestling competitions, ultimately achieving a significant milestone by winning a bronze medal in the freestyle category at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. His Olympic success propelled him into the spotlight and laid the foundation for his future wrestling career.

Embracing the persona of the Iron Sheik, Vaziri embraced his Iranian heritage and played a villainous character, antagonizing American audiences. His portrayal of a patriotic Iranian wrestler captured attention and catapulted him to fame during the 1980s in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).

The Iron Sheik's childhood and youth experiences, from his early involvement in amateur wrestling in Iran to his Olympic achievements and subsequent pursuit of a professional wrestling career in the United States, laid the groundwork for his success in the industry. His journey exemplifies the combination of talent, determination, and a bold persona that propelled him to become one of the most recognizable figures in professional wrestling.

Wrestling career

The Iron Sheik's professional wrestling career spanned several decades and left a lasting impact on the industry. After transitioning from amateur wrestling to professional wrestling in the United States, he made his mark as one of the most memorable and controversial characters in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now known as WWE.

Debuting in the late 1970s, the Iron Sheik quickly established himself as a formidable villain. His portrayal of an Iranian wrestler, proudly displaying his Persian heritage, ignited intense rivalries with American wrestlers and stirred strong emotions among audiences. He became known for his aggressive in-ring style and his ability to generate tremendous heat from fans.

In 1983, the Iron Sheik achieved his greatest career milestone when he captured the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. He defeated Bob Backlund in a surprise victory, ending Backlund's nearly six-year reign. However, the Iron Sheik's championship reign was short-lived, as he lost the title to Hulk Hogan just a month later in a highly publicized match. This match, known as the "Hulk Hogan vs. Iron Sheik - The Birth of Hulkamania," marked a pivotal moment in wrestling history and played a significant role in launching Hulk Hogan's iconic career.

Throughout his career, the Iron Sheik engaged in numerous feuds and formed partnerships with other wrestlers. He formed a notable tag team with Nikolai Volkoff, creating the duo known as "The Foreign Legion." Together, they won the WWF Tag Team Championship in 1985, further solidifying the Iron Sheik's status as a top heel in the company.

The Iron Sheik's signature move, the camel clutch, became synonymous with his character. This submission hold, where he would sit on his opponent's back and pull their chin back, inflicting pain on their neck and back, became a feared and iconic maneuver in professional wrestling.

After retiring from full-time wrestling in the early 1990s, the Iron Sheik continued to make sporadic appearances in the industry. He remained a beloved and respected figure among fans, thanks to his larger-than-life personality and his engaging presence on social media.

The Iron Sheik's professional wrestling career showcased his ability to captivate audiences and elicit strong reactions. His portrayal of the Iron Sheik character, with his proud Iranian persona and intense in-ring style, solidified his status as a wrestling legend. His contributions to the industry continue to be celebrated and remembered by fans worldwide.

Personal life

The Iron Sheik, Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, has had a complex personal life that has garnered attention both inside and outside of the wrestling world. He has been open about his struggles and triumphs, which have shaped his public image.

In his personal life, The Iron Sheik has faced various challenges, including battles with addiction. He has been candid about his past struggles with substance abuse and has used his platform to raise awareness about the dangers of addiction. Despite the difficulties he faced, he has managed to overcome these obstacles and become an advocate for recovery.

Additionally, The Iron Sheik's outspoken and often controversial presence on social media has garnered attention. He has gained a large following with his humorous and sometimes controversial tweets, where he shares his thoughts on a wide range of topics, from wrestling to pop culture. His social media presence has allowed him to connect with fans in a unique and engaging way.

Outside of wrestling, The Iron Sheik has maintained a relatively private personal life. He was married to Caryl Peterson and they had three children together.

Death

On June 7, 2023, at the age of 81, The Iron Sheik passed away at her home in Fayetteville, Georgia.

Accomplishments and achievements

The Iron Sheik's notable achievements include:

• ACCW Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
• CWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
• George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee (Class of 2016)
• NWA National Television Championship (1 time)
• IAW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
• IAW Tag Team Championship (3 times)
• IWA Intercontinental Championship (1 time)
• IWA United States Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
• NWA Canadian Heavyweight Championship (Toronto version) (2 times)
• NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
• NWA Canadian Tag Team Championship (Vancouver version) (1 time)
• NWA Canadian Tag Team Championship Tournament winner (1978)
• NWA New Zealand British Commonwealth Championship (1 time)
• NWA 2000 American Heritage Championship (1 time)
• NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship (1 time)
• PWI ranked him No. 134 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003
• PWI ranked him No. 96 of the 100 best tag teams of the "PWI Years" with Nikolai Volkoff in 2003
• WWF World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
• WWF Tag Team Championship (1 time)
• WWE Hall of Fame inductee (Class of 2005)
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter Most Underrated Wrestler (1980)

These accomplishments reflect The Iron Sheik's success and recognition in the world of professional wrestling.