The Iron Sheik
- Dan Mitchell
- Jun 8, 2023
- 1 min read
Updated: May 4
Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri was born on March 15th, 1942. Before the world knew him as The Iron Sheik, Hossein spent his early years working as a bodyguard and competing as an amateur wrestler.
His amateur wrestling career took him all the way to the Olympics — not as a competitor, but as a respected coach who helped guide the U.S. team through multiple Games.
In 1972, Hossein transitioned from amateur to professional wrestling. Training alongside Ric Flair at Verne Gagne’s legendary camp, he quickly became a standout performer. Under the name The Iron Sheik, he made his mark across AWA, Jim Crockett Promotions, Mid‑South, WWF, and more.
It was in the WWF (now WWE) that he reached his greatest fame. In 1983, The Iron Sheik defeated Bob Backlund to win the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. His reign was short, but historically important — he would lose the title to Hulk Hogan, igniting the beginning of Hulkamania.
The Iron Sheik continued to appear for WWF/WWE on and off for decades, becoming a beloved figure at conventions, signings, and in countless “shoot interviews,” many of which became cult favourites thanks to his unfiltered humour.
Outside the ring, Hossein also acted, made appearances on shows like The Jerry Springer Show, and was the subject of the documentary The Sheik, which explored both his career and personal struggles.
Hossein Vaziri passed away at his home in Fayetteville, Georgia, on June 7th, 2023, at the age of 81.
PHOTOS
VIDEOS
Comments