The wrestling world has been reacting to the news that The Iron Sheik died at the age of 81.
Sheik won the WWE Championship in December 1983, ending Bob Backlund’s 1,470-day reign at a house show from Madison Square Garden, and held it for 28 months before losing it to Hulk Hogan the following January, kicking off Hulkamania in WWE.
Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff later won the WWE Tag Team Titles at WrestleMania 1 after defeating Mike Rotunda and Barry Windham. The Sheik, a 2014 biography, was inspired by his life story. In 2005, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Everyone at PWMania.com would like to send our best wishes to family and friends of The Iron Sheik during this difficult time.
Here are the reactions from various wrestlers and promotions:
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!”… pic.twitter.com/MG4PO69wP1
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) June 7, 2023
inna lillahi wa inallah-e-raji'oon
all love, Sheiky Baby. pic.twitter.com/La9hvIjCUO
— Mustafa Ali / Adeel Alam (@AliWWE) June 7, 2023
Iron Sheik had a huge influence in my career. Back in FCW ( WWE DEVELOPMENTAL SYSTEM )DAYS I had no idea about speaking on the microphone. then i went and studied his ability and that’s where things started to turn. Legit wrestler, pro wrestler and amazing entertainer. RIP
— Miro (@ToBeMiro) June 7, 2023
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
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
I remember working small shows throughout the north east in the very late 80’s/ early 90s… Trying to learn my way Sheik was one of the very few veterans that always helped the young guys. Condolences to his family & friends. #Legend pic.twitter.com/etB316V1gb
— taz (@OfficialTAZ) June 7, 2023
I was there when @the_ironsheik had his greatest career achievement 12/26/83 @TheGarden
I was blessed to call him my friend
Respect the Legend
Sad day pic.twitter.com/P1AO63cd42— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) June 7, 2023
What a legend. Condolences to his friends and family. Any time I get to see or use Persian Meels for a workout, I think of the Iron Sheik. He was a great performer! Wrestlers should continue to study his body of work. https://t.co/2Quks4BVPK
— Drew Gulak (@DrewGulak) June 7, 2023
RIP to the legend The Iron Sheik ??#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/NfXVaMP6xn
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 7, 2023
.@the_ironsheik, you'll always be number 1. Thank you so much ?? pic.twitter.com/tt9y6boNeU
— Ariya Daivari (@AriyaDaivari) June 7, 2023
RIP Iron Sheik
— EVIL UNO of DARK ORDER (@EvilUno) June 7, 2023
RIP Iron Sheik. Very sad news. An integral part of the success of the 80’s wrestling boom and an extraordinary talent and incredible “bad guy” I have a lot of Sheik stories and many great memories. Thank you for all you gave to our industry. Godspeed sir. pic.twitter.com/qMkAPGIhGt
— Frankie Kazarian (@FrankieKazarian) 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
RIP The Iron Sheik. Respect the Legend, always. https://t.co/4CeYqyTAfR pic.twitter.com/yEF1z38uYt
— Lance Storm (@LanceStorm) 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
There will never be another like him. ?#RIPIronSheik pic.twitter.com/CBecu8Cxhf
— Nick Aldis (@RealNickAldis) June 7, 2023
#RIP Sheiky Baby
Glad I got a chance to help honor your legacy @the_ironsheik ?? https://t.co/KOvTwFP6Ix pic.twitter.com/lWAY41ynND
— Top Dolla ?? (@AJFrancis410) June 7, 2023
“Love you forever Bubba” Rest in Power to the Mighty Iron Sheik. My sincerest condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/ct41brPIBn
— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) June 7, 2023
