The wrestling world is mourning the passing of legendary wrestler, The Iron Sheik at the age of 81. The former heavyweight champion and WWE Hall of Fame inductee left a lasting legacy in professional wrestling, including defeating Bob Backlund for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship in 1983.
The Iron Sheik’s iconic “Camel Clutch” finishing maneuver and his contribution to the sport will be remembered by fans and wrestlers alike.
Condolences and tributes have already poured in from the wrestling community, including wrestlers Drew Gulak and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and commentator Ian Riccaboni.
Read on to learn more.
Sheik Besi Died At 81
Instagram | Sheikh Besi
The wrestling world was saddened by the news of the passing of The Iron Sheik, 81, former heavyweight champion and esteemed WWE Hall of Famer.
In a statement shared on social media, representatives of the legendary wrestler confirmed the heartbreaking loss and expressed their deep sorrow.
“Today, we gather with heavy hearts to say goodbye to a true legend, a force of nature and an iconic figure who left an incredible mark on the world of professional wrestling. It is with great sadness that we share the news of The Iron Sheik’s death, but we are also honored to know that he has left this world in peace, leaving a legacy that will live on for generations to come,” the statement said.
The Iron Sheik is survived by his wife, Caryl Peterson, whom he married in 1976. His children, Tanya, Nikki, Marissa, and son-in-law Eddie mourn the loss of an amazing father and wrestling legend.
The Early Age of Sheikh Besi
Instagram | Sheikh Besi
A native of Damghan, Iran, Sheik was born in 1942. His journey began with a remarkable performance in amateur wrestling, representing the Iranian national team at the 1968 Summer Olympics. He then participated in the 1972 Summer Games in Munich, serving as an assistant coach for the team respected US national.
Not long after, Verne Gagne, a famous WWE Hall of Fame wrestler and wrestling promoter, recognized his potential and recruited him to the American Wrestling Association promotion in Minneapolis.
Instagram | Sheikh Besi
Under Gagne’s tutelage, Sheik honed his skills and teamed with wrestling professionals such as Ricky Steamboat and Japanese heavyweight Antonio Inoki.
There, Sheik learned how to become a pro wrestler and worked with the likes of Ricky Steamboat and famous Japanese heavyweight Antonio Inoki before leaving to join the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).
The Sheik’s path eventually led him to the big stages of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). One of his most iconic contributions was the creation of the devastating “Camel Clutch” finishing maneuver. This move continues to be used by many stars in professional wrestling to this day.
Notable Wrestling Careers
Instagram | Sheikh Besi
Known as one of WWE’s biggest stars, the Iron Sheik’s illustrious career reached its peak in 1983 with an unforgettable match at Madison Square Garden, where he defeated WWE Hall of Famer Bob Backlund, who is revered as one of professional wrestling’s greatest world champions.
Backlund has held the prestigious title since 1978, making his reign the second longest in WWE history. The Iron Sheik’s victory shattered Backlund’s dominance. Ultimately, Hulk Hogan deposed the Sheik, claiming the coveted WWF World Heavyweight Championship and sparking “Hulkamania.”
Remembering the one and only Sheikh Besi. pic.twitter.com/vVkOv39yp4
— WWE (@WWE) June 7, 2023
In 1985, he teamed with Nikolai Volkoff to capture the WWF Tag Team Championship. In 2005, Sheik was inducted into the prestigious WWE Hall of Fame by Sgt. Slaughter, old rivals and ex-partners.
Upon news of his passing, the professional wrestling world mourned the loss of a true icon. WWE offers its condolences, state“WWE is saddened to hear of the passing of WWE Hall of Famer The Iron Sheik, and our condolences to his family, friends and fans.”
The Wrestling Community Pays Tribute To The Iron Sheik
Instagram | Sheikh Besi
Several tributes poured in to honor the iconic wrestler after his passing. Drew Gulak, a WWE star, took to social media to express his condolences tweeting, “He’s a great entertainer! Wrestlers should continue to study the results of their work.”
Rest in Power, Uncle Sheiky ❤️Thank you for paving the way ??Love, light and strength to Caryl & the ohana x pic.twitter.com/p9c9wwQz6U
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) June 7, 2023
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson also mourned the loss of the Iron Sheik. He said goodbye to the icon in a tweets, wrote, “Rest in Power, Uncle Sheiky. Thank you for paving the way. Love, light and strength to Caryl & the ohana x.”
Wrestling commentator Ian Riccaboni also tweeted, “There will be no more Iron Sheik. The world, not just wrestling, is better for having the Sheik here.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
