FAYETVILLE, Ga. – One of the best “bad guys” in professional wrestling history has died.
His family announced on Twitter that Hossein Khosrow Ali Varizi — better known as “The Iron Sheik” — died Wednesday. He was 81.
According to his family’s statement, “”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. 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.”
The Iron Sheik was in professional wrestling for decades, most notably in the then-World Wrestling Federation, winning the WWF Heavyweight Championship from Bob Baklund in 1983 before losing it to Hulk Hogan in 1984, giving rise to “Hulkamania.”
The Iron Sheik was also paired with Nikolai Volkoff as a tag team, among other versions of his character.
Varizi is survived by his wife of 47 years, Caryl, and his children, according to TMZ.
A cause of death wasn’t released.
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