As we reported earlier today here on eWn, The Iron Sheik (real name, Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri) has tragically passed away at the age of 81 years old. The announcement came via his official Twitter account earlier this morning.
RESPECT THE LEGEND FOREVER 😢 pic.twitter.com/Cr6CC9pXSO
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) June 7, 2023
Taking to Twitter, fellow WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair, one among Sheik’s legendary contemporaries and rivals, shared a heartfelt message. He tweeted,
“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
Meanwhile, Triple H also shared his respect and condolences to The Iron Sheik. He tweeted,
“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.”
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
AEW also issued a statement on Sheik’s passing, while Miro also paid tribute to the Hall of Famer, acknowledging his influence on his career. Jake Roberts, Natalya, Pat McAfee, Bayley, and several other members of the wrestling fraternity also reacted the sad news.
RIP to the legend The Iron Sheik 🙏🙏#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/NfXVaMP6xn
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 7, 2023
NOTHING BUT LOVE AND RESPECT to the Iron Sheik. The wrestling world has lost an icon and a very special person. 😔 pic.twitter.com/bJRukaf8qA
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) 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
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
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
