Pro wrestling lost an undeniable legend today with the passing of The Iron Sheik who left us at the age of 81.
The sad news came from Sheik’s official social media account which shared some great insight on the man behind the persona. Talent from all generations took the time to share their thoughts, prayers and condolences to a man who left an indellible mark on the “one true sport.” Both WWE and AEW paid tribute to the late great Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri.
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/FGE0yKeuWApic.twitter.com/yVLpLObxFA
— WWE (@WWE) June 7, 2023
AEW joins the wrestling world in mourning the passing of the Iron Sheik. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and his fans. pic.twitter.com/RXLF5TIFDt
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 7, 2023
Legends And Stars Mourn The Passing Of Iron Sheik
Many of Sheik’s colleagues both of yesteryear and the modern era, took a moment to pay their respects to a legend who helped pave the way for so many.
Ric Flair, who got his start with Sheik in Verne Gagne’s barn, reflected back on the memories with his fellow legend.
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!
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
WWE Chief Content Officer in Triple H took some time to honor Sheik.
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
Jake Roberts is another name who had a history with Vaziri and “The Snake” dubbed him as a “true icon.”
RIP to my old friend The Iron Sheik.
A true icon and someone who left a mark on wrestling that can never be erased. Another great one gone. pic.twitter.com/SfTziHjwkR
— JakeSnakeDDT (@JakeSnakeDDT) June 7, 2023
Mick Foley paid beautiful tribute to Sheik, who unfortunately has to celebrate a birthday today under such sad circumstances.
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
Tommy Dreamer is someone who had a strong relationship with The Sheik outside the ring and The Innovator Of Violence was able to pay his respects on this morning’s Busted Open Radio.
You can hear our FULL comments on The ONE & ONLY Iron Sheik on our podcast with @THETOMMYDREAMER:https://t.co/rTlNy9wWCfpic.twitter.com/s3Lleu3pmy
— SiriusXM Busted Open (@BustedOpenRadio) June 7, 2023
So sorry to hear of one of the all time greats passing away, Iron Sheik
Had a lot of funny times with “Sheiky Baby”
My prayers and condolences to his family, friends and fans.— Michael PS Hayes (@MichaelPSHayes1) June 7, 2023
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of @the_ironsheik. He is one of the very best to ever to do it. God speed.
— Booker T. Huffman (@BookerT5x) June 7, 2023
RIPSheik, legend we all loved.
— Gerald BRISCO 🤼♂️ (@Fgbrisco) June 7, 2023
RIP IRON SHIEK 🙏🏽💪🏽
Respect the Legend Forever. pic.twitter.com/3P4G5NJuIl
— Bully Ray (@bullyray5150) June 7, 2023
There will never be another like him. 🖤#RIPIronSheikpic.twitter.com/CBecu8Cxhf
— Nick Aldis (@RealNickAldis) 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
Heartbreaking! What an icon. A legend. An Iranian who became a part of Americana. So many stories. All good. My heart goes out to the family. Rest In Peace Shieky baby. I love you. https://t.co/TU7WGLUFlD
— Brian Heffron aka The Blue Meanie (@BlueMeanieBWO) June 7, 2023
MLW is saddened to hear of the passing of the Iron Sheik, Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri. RIP, legend. pic.twitter.com/5VMrPPgXIh
— MLW (@MLW) June 7, 2023
Love Mr Sheik! So many good times. He thought my name was Brad Shaw, two names. He met my dad and said “ah, Mr Shaw, your boy Brad is such a fine young man”. Love you Mr Sheik. RIP you legend. https://t.co/sjHpx2pukX
— John Layfield (@JCLayfield) June 7, 2023
RIP @the_ironsheik! pic.twitter.com/WUCh8tjth8
— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) June 7, 2023