It doesn’t matter whether you were watching The Iron Sheik during the wrestling boom of the 1980s, when he cemented his legacy as one of the business’ best heels opposite Hulk Hogan, or came to love him in this century for his hilarious Twitter account, which never went long without reminding us what Sheik thought of Hogan. The WWE Hall of Famer made an impression on everyone.
That’s very evident on social media today (June 7) after the aforementioned Twitter account announced The Iron Sheik had died at age 81. Remembrances, farewells, and tributes have come from all over.
We’ve collected ones from the business where he rose to fame below, but you can find folks from all walks of life tweeting things like “FUCK THE GRIM REAPER! SHEIKY BABY #1” this afternoon.
NOTE: Where people have quote-tweeted the initial announcement or WWE’s message, we’ve cut & pasted their words and linked to their tweet.
The legendary and iconic pro wrestling bad guy the Iron Sheik has passed away at the age of 81. We send our sincerest condolences to his family, friends and fans of the world over and thank him for the many incredible memories he lives behind. R.I.P. Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri. pic.twitter.com/nAloUv8SUe
— CauliflowerAlleyClub (@CACReunion) June 7, 2023
WWE is saddened to learn that Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, known the world over as WWE Hall of Famer The Iron Sheik, passed away on Wednesday, June 7, at age 81.
— WWE (@WWE) June 7, 2023
WWE extends its condolences to The Iron Sheik’s family, friends and fans.https://t.co/FGE0yKeuWA pic.twitter.com/yVLpLObxFA
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
The legend. An all-time great performer and WWE Hall of Famer who brought his character to life and transcended our business.
— Triple H (@TripleH) June 7, 2023
My condolences to The Iron Sheik’s family, friends and fans.
REMEMBERING THE IRON SHEIK
— Mick Foley (@foleyispod) June 7, 2023
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
RIP to my old friend The Iron Sheik.
— JakeSnakeDDT (@JakeSnakeDDT) June 7, 2023
A true icon and someone who left a mark on wrestling that can never be erased. Another great one gone. pic.twitter.com/SfTziHjwkR
inna lillahi wa inallah-e-raji'oon
— Mustafa Ali / Adeel Alam (@AliWWE) June 7, 2023
all love, Sheiky Baby. pic.twitter.com/La9hvIjCUO
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
Our family is sad to hear that the Iron Sheik has passed. May his family and friends be surrounded with love at this time. Our sincere condolences for your loss. Rest in Peace Sheik. pic.twitter.com/obfSEDMJVw
— Rowdy Roddy Piper (@R_Roddy_Piper) June 7, 2023
So sorry to hear of one of the all time greats passing away, Iron Sheik
— Michael PS Hayes (@MichaelPSHayes1) June 7, 2023
Had a lot of funny times with “Sheiky Baby”
My prayers and condolences to his family, friends and fans.
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
“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
SHEIKY BABY pic.twitter.com/3MnfipZQZJ
— Bayley (@itsBayleyWWE) 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
— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) June 7, 2023
I was blessed to call him my friend
Respect the Legend
Sad day pic.twitter.com/P1AO63cd42
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
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
Lance Storm: RIP The Iron Sheik. Respect the Legend, always.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24709430/FyB8kB_aYAEk_7L.jpg)
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
Drew Gulak: 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.
.@the_ironsheik, you'll always be number 1. Thank you so much pic.twitter.com/tt9y6boNeU
— Ariya Daivari (@AriyaDaivari) 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
David Marquez: Sad, sad news on the passing of a great friend Khosrow Vaziri, better known as @the_ironsheik. Throughout my career, “Koz” was always there for me. He performed on my @worldleaguewlw, @nwa and @unitedwrestling broadcasts. If he loved you, you knew it. If he didn’t love you, you really knew it. I was excited to design the NWA Hall of Fame medal, I designed it with one person in mind, him. I knew he’s appreciate the sentiment and proved it my never taking it off in public (or in private as I’ve just learned). There will never be another Iron Sheik and thank you for helping a struggling, young promoter. My condolences to his family, friends and fans. Rest well Bubba. #ElbowWristShoulder #cameramanzoom #Legend #IronSheik
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24709441/FyCAs_baYAAH44D.jpg)
Wow RIP Sheik honestly thought you’d outlive us all ❤️ always break backs and make them humble.
— Joe Gacy (@JoeGacy) June 7, 2023
RIP to @The_IronSheik ️
— Dark Side of the Ring (@DarkSideOfRing) June 7, 2023
An integral part of the ‘80s wrestling boom, he played the part of the “foreign heel” to perfection and became an unlikely pop culture icon in his post-wrestling life.
Our condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/iFQSqZb7DN
Pat Buck: Sheiky baby. Thank you for making me humble. We will miss you
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24709485/FyB_WUCXgAAkrvd.jpg)
Thank you for always cheering us on @the_ironsheik
— Bollywood Boyz (@BollywoodBoyz) June 7, 2023
Respect ✊ pic.twitter.com/L2ueLjbsWP
RIP to the legend The Iron Sheik #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/NfXVaMP6xn
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 7, 2023
R.I.P. Bubba.
Loading comments...