Hossein Khosrow Vaziri, the Iran-born wrestler known as the Iron Sheik, who channeled America’s hatred of his homeland to build a career as one of the most despised ring villains of his era, died Wednesday. He was 81.
“Today, we gather with heavy hearts to bid farewell to a true legend, a force of nature and an iconic figure who left an incredible mark on the world of professional wrestling,” read a statement posted to the Iron Sheik’s Twitter account announcing his death. The WWE also paid tribute on Twitter; a cause of death was not disclosed.
A former bodyguard for the Shah of Iran, Vaziri came to the U.S. in the late 1960s. For his wrestling persona, he shaved his head, grew a mustache, sported a ghutra headdress and curled-toe boots, and swung a pair of 75-pound Persian meels above his head as a demonstration of his strength.
“Today, we gather with heavy hearts to bid farewell to a true legend, a force of nature and an iconic figure who left an incredible mark on the world of professional wrestling,” read a statement posted to the Iron Sheik’s Twitter account announcing his death. The WWE also paid tribute on Twitter; a cause of death was not disclosed.
A former bodyguard for the Shah of Iran, Vaziri came to the U.S. in the late 1960s. For his wrestling persona, he shaved his head, grew a mustache, sported a ghutra headdress and curled-toe boots, and swung a pair of 75-pound Persian meels above his head as a demonstration of his strength.
- 6/7/2023
- by Rhett Bartlett
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Perhaps the name Khosrow Vaziri isn't immediately familiar to you, but if you're a person of a certain age, than you remember growing up with The Iron Sheik. One the most fearsome villains in the heyday of the WWF, the wrestler has gained a new life outside the ring thanks to his unique, outrageous social media presence. And the forthcoming documentary "The Sheik" dives right into his digital world. Directed by Igal Hecht, and featuring Hulk Hogan, Dwayne Johnson, Mick Foley, Seth Green, Jack Black, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Bret Hart, King Kong Bundy, Koko B Ware, Brother Love, Ron Jeremy, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, and more, the doc goes all the way back to tell the story of Vazirir's journey to America, and what's it like to be a 72-year-old father, husband, and grandfather, who also happens to be a sensation online. And in this exclusive clip, you can get...
- 11/26/2014
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
There are so many great docs on the various institutions, characters, fans and businessmen that make up professional wrestling. Stories about Hulk Hogan, the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, Bret Hart, and even the feature film "The Wrestler" have not only stocked festivals like Tiff and Hot Docs, they have also been very successful in theatres and on television. "The Sheik" is yet another tale from this so-called sport, but this time it features one of the most disliked heels to ever enter the ring. Lucky for us, the story of Khosrow Vaziri and his roller-coaster of a life is just as compelling as fake wrestling.
The Iron Sheik is one of the most memorable and iconic characters to ever come out of Vince McMahon's WWF/E machine. In a time when caricature (or maybe even racism) was something a little more up-front in the culture, the Sheik and his...
The Iron Sheik is one of the most memorable and iconic characters to ever come out of Vince McMahon's WWF/E machine. In a time when caricature (or maybe even racism) was something a little more up-front in the culture, the Sheik and his...
- 4/25/2014
- by Mark Wigmore
- Moviefone
Documentary lovers, get ready! North America's biggest documentary film festival, Hot Docs, is set to gear up for 2014 in Toronto. The 21st Hot Docs runs from April 24 - May 4, and this year's slate presents 197 titles from 43 countries in 12 screening programs.
"We are so proud to be showing these incredible films and combining them with amazing live events and experiences." says Hot Docs director of programming Charlotte Cook. "We truly hope it will be a festival of ideas, discussion and amazement and we're looking forward to bringing the best filmmaking in the world to the world's greatest audience."
Article Continues Below Slideshow!
In addition to the opening night international premiere of Brian Knappenberger's "The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz," an inspiring and emotional portrait of a young Internet visionary, other notable films in the Special Presentations program include: Pavel Loparev and Askold Kurov's "Children 404," a...
"We are so proud to be showing these incredible films and combining them with amazing live events and experiences." says Hot Docs director of programming Charlotte Cook. "We truly hope it will be a festival of ideas, discussion and amazement and we're looking forward to bringing the best filmmaking in the world to the world's greatest audience."
Article Continues Below Slideshow!
In addition to the opening night international premiere of Brian Knappenberger's "The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz," an inspiring and emotional portrait of a young Internet visionary, other notable films in the Special Presentations program include: Pavel Loparev and Askold Kurov's "Children 404," a...
- 3/18/2014
- by Chris Jancelewicz
- Moviefone
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