The Iron Sheik, a Professional Wrestler and Social Media Personality, Passes Away at 81

The Iron Sheik, a professional wrestler and social media personality, has died at the age of 81, his family announced on Wednesday. The Iranian-born wrestler, whose real name was Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, was memorialized in an online statement as a devoted family man and a “force of nature.”

His family said in a statement that he died “peacefully” after a decadeslong career in the wrestling world. “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,” they wrote on Twitter.

The Iron Sheik was a WWE Hall of Famer and a popular social media personality. He was known for his iconic wrestling moves and his larger-than-life persona. He was also known for his feuds with other wrestlers, such as Hulk Hogan and Bruno Sammartino.

His representative Jian Magen confirmed the death to CBS News. They did not release the cause of his death.

The Iron Sheik was a beloved figure in the wrestling world, and his family said they are “overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from his fans all over the world.” They asked for privacy during this difficult time.

The Iron Sheik will be remembered for his larger-than-life persona and his impact on the wrestling world. His family said they take solace in knowing that he left behind a legacy that will endure for generations to come.