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Pro Wrestling World Pays Tribute To WWE Hall Of Famer The Iron Sheik

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Pro Wrestling World Pays Tribute To WWE Hall Of Famer The Iron Sheik
Photo Credit: WWE

Today, the official Twitter account of the WWE Hall of Famer Iron Sheik announced that Sheik has passed away at the age of 81. You can read the full statement of Sheik’s family by clicking here.

The Iron Sheik was one of the greatest villains in the 80s. Sheik made his WWE debut in 1979 and was involved in a storyline with Bob Backlund, Chief Jay Strongbow, and Bruno Sammartino before leaving the promotion within a year.

The Iron Sheik found success in numerous territories such as Jim Crockett Promotions, Mid-South Wrestling, Championship Wrestling from Florida, and Georgia Championship Wrestling before returning to WWE in 1983. After that, Iron Sheik became a household name in professional wrestling. He was so much hated by the audience due to his villainess persona.

On December 26th, 1983, The Iron Sheik became the WWE Champion by defeating Bob Backlund who held the title for 2,138 days. On January 23rd, 1984, Sheik dropped the WWE Championship to Hulk Hogan which was the day that “Hulkamania” was born.

The Iron Sheik then feuded with Sgt. Slaughter and won a few matches. Sheik was then paired with Nikolai Volkoff. The duo became the most hated tag team at the time. Iron Sheik was then left WWE in 1988 before returning to the company in 1991. The legendary wrestler was then inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. Sheik’s Hall of Fame speech was one of the most interesting HOF speeches in WWE.

Here’s how the pro wrestling world reacted to the passing of The Iron Sheik.