In the storied world of professional wrestling, few figures loom as large as the late Iron Sheik. Born on March 15, 1942, in Tehran, Iran, as Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, the Iron Sheik would go on to become one of the most iconic villains in the history of the business. As we take a moment to remember his life and legacy, it’s worth reflecting on how he shaped the world of wrestling and how he became a symbol of bravado, pride, and patriotism – albeit, one that was often controversial.

Sheik’s life story is one of perseverance and determination. Born into a working-class family, he showed an early aptitude for wrestling and quickly rose through the ranks of Iranian wrestling. He won his first national championship at 18 and went on to represent Iran in the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. Vaziri even caught the eye of the Shah of Iran and served as the Shah’s personal bodyguard!

After the Olympics, he moved to the United States to pursue his dream of becoming a professional wrestler. In America, he continued to compete as an amateur, eventually becoming an assistant coach for the U.S. wrestling team. However, it was his transition to professional wrestling that would catapult him to stardom. Adopting the moniker of the Iron Sheik, Vaziri soon began making a new name for himself in the ring—one by which he would be remembered for the rest of his life.

The Iron Sheik’s persona was defined by his Iranian heritage, his exaggerated accent, and his trademark mustache. His character was the embodiment of the anti-American sentiment that gripped the U.S. during the Iran hostage crisis of 1979. He would often enter the ring waving the Iranian flag and shouting anti-American slogans, much to the chagrin of the audience.

Of course, the Iron Sheik’s persona was a carefully crafted character designed to provoke a reaction. In this sense, he was immensely successful. He was the perfect foil for American heroes like Hulk Hogan, and their battles in the ring provided the drama and spectacle that wrestling fans craved.

You’ve still got to appreciate the balls the Iron Sheik had coming to places below the Mason-Dixon line waving the Iranian Flag, wearing pointed boots and screaming phrases like “Iran Number 1! USA Number 2!” He would usually follow this by spitting on the crowd, or if he could get away with it, an American flag. This got him massive heat as he wrestled Southern fan favorites like “Wildfire” Tommy Rich and Mr. Wrestling 2.

Sheik’s wrestling style was a blend of traditional Iranian wrestling moves and the more theatrical elements of American pro wrestling. He was known for his signature move, the Camel Clutch, which he used to devastating effect in countless matches. This combination of technical skill and showmanship helped to establish the Iron Sheik’s reputation as one of the most formidable and memorable villains in wrestling history.

As far as the Iron Sheik’s in ring accomplishments are concerned, he is most famously known for being the WWF champion that bridged the years where Bob Backlund and Hulk Hogan were the promotion’s top guys.

Sheik’s personal life was not without its challenges. He battled drug addiction and faced numerous legal issues throughout his life. However, he also demonstrated remarkable resilience, overcoming these obstacles and ultimately finding redemption in his later years.

One side story about Sheik’s drug use is worth mentioning. After the Iron Sheik was caught breaking kayfabe in a New Jersey parking lot as he smoked a joint with hated rival “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, the WWF started drug testing. Because the Sheik was considered a “shooter,” or someone who could stretch you like you were made of taffy if he so desired, everyone feared telling the Sheik he failed a drug test.

So when it happened, the front office decided to do it as a committee. The Iron Sheik was told he tested positive by five executives from the WWF in the same room. Sheik’s simply nodded his head at this, smiling and telling his bosses “Oh yes! Of course! Sheik is very positive all the time!”

In the early 2000s, the Iron Sheik began to embrace his role as a pop culture icon. He appeared on talk shows, reality TV programs, and even started a popular Twitter account. Through these appearances, he revealed a more vulnerable side of himself, allowing fans to see beyond the villainous persona that had defined his career. The Iron Sheik’s honesty and self-awareness endeared him to a new generation of fans, who saw him as a symbol of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.

His appearances on Howard Stern in particular blessed us with moments like this. Make sure you don’t listen to this clip at work…just saying. You’ve been warned.

Sheik’s impact on the world of professional wrestling cannot be overstated. He was a pioneer in many ways, helping to popularize the sport in the U.S. and around the world. His larger-than-life personality and his role as the ultimate wrestling villain made him a fixture of the wrestling world for decades.

There is no denying the Iron Sheik’s contributions to the sport of wrestling. He was a master of his craft, and his in-ring abilities were matched only by his ability to draw the ire of wrestling fans everywhere. His lasting legacy is one of determination, showmanship, and a willingness to push boundaries. The Iron Sheik will forever be remembered as a true icon, and his influence on professional wrestling will be felt for generations to come.

As we bid farewell to this legend, we must acknowledge the unique role he played in shaping the world of professional wrestling. The Iron Sheik will be remembered not only for his in-ring prowess but also for the indelible mark he left on the sport, helping to create the over-the-top ridculous world of wrestling that we know and love today. Rest in peace, Iron Sheik – your legacy will live on in the hearts of wrestling fans everywhere.

I hope you enjoyed this look at one of the truly larger than life personalities the wrestling business gave us. We’ll get back to the funny stuff next time. For today, however, if you care to join me at Scotch-o-Clock in raising one to a true legend, I certainly won’t call you a no-god jabroni with a cheeseburger ass who deserves to be “hombled old country style.”

See you next Friday!