Pro Wrestling Legend , The Iron Sheik , Dies at 81.<br />NBC reports that the death of pro wrestling <br />legend the Iron Sheik was announced <br />on the wrestler's popular Twitter feed. .<br />NBC reports that the death of pro wrestling <br />legend the Iron Sheik was announced <br />on the wrestler's popular Twitter feed. .<br />The Iron Sheik, , born Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, , was 81 years old.<br />According to the statement to his over <br />640,000 followers, the Iron Sheik , "transcended the realm of sports entertainment.".<br />The statement also noted "his larger-than-life <br />persona, incredible charism, and unparalleled in-ring <br />skills" that "captivated audiences around the globe." .<br />WWE is saddened to hear of <br />the passing of WWE Hall of Famer <br />The Iron Sheik, and extends <br />its condolences to his <br />family, friends, and fans, WWE statement, via NBC.<br />WWE is saddened to hear of <br />the passing of WWE Hall of Famer <br />The Iron Sheik, and extends <br />its condolences to his <br />family, friends, and fans, WWE statement, via NBC.<br />NBC reports that the Sheik became "one of the most <br />notorious villains" in wrestling, rising to prominence amid <br />tensions between the United States and his native Iran.<br />NBC reports that the Sheik became "one of the most <br />notorious villains" in wrestling, rising to prominence amid <br />tensions between the United States and his native Iran.<br />In 1983, he captured the world <br />heavyweight belt with a win over <br />Bob Backlund at Madison Square Garden.<br />In 1983, he captured the world <br />heavyweight belt with a win over <br />Bob Backlund at Madison Square Garden.<br />One month later, the Sheik would <br />start a career-defining rivalry with fellow <br />wrestling legend, Hulk Hogan.<br />One month later, the Sheik would <br />start a career-defining rivalry with fellow <br />wrestling legend, Hulk Hogan.<br />NBC reports that the Sheik later would become <br />known for using over-the-top caustic <br />language to address current events on social media.<br />NBC reports that the Sheik later would become <br />known for using over-the-top caustic <br />language to address current events on social media.<br />His last tweet made reference to a series <br />of wildfires across Canada that have impacted <br />air quality across the northeastern U.S., writing , "F*** THE WILDFIRES." .<br />His last tweet made reference to a series <br />of wildfires across Canada that have impacted <br />air quality across the northeastern U.S., writing , "F*** THE WILDFIRES."
