Since the news broke of The Iron Sheik passing away at the age of 81, the wrestling world has been reacting.
Sheik became the WWE Champion in December 1983 when he ended Bob Backlund’s 1,470 reign at a house show from Madison Square Garden, where he held it for 28 when dropping it to Hulk Hogan that January, leading to the start of Hulkamania in WWE.
Sheik later won the WWE Tag Team Titles with Nikolai Volkoff when they beat Mike Rotunda and Barry Windham at WrestleMania 1. His life story was developed into the 2014 biography, The Sheik. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
You can see the reactions from various wrestlers and promotions here:
RIP to @The_IronSheik 🕯️
An integral part of the ‘80s wrestling boom, he played the part of the “foreign heel” to perfection and became an unlikely pop culture icon in his post-wrestling life.
Our condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/iFQSqZb7DN
— Dark Side of the Ring (@DarkSideOfRing) June 7, 2023
The legend. An all-time great performer and WWE Hall of Famer who brought his character to life and transcended our business.
My condolences to The Iron Sheik’s family, friends and fans.
— Triple H (@TripleH) June 7, 2023
RIP to my old friend The Iron Sheik.
A true icon and someone who left a mark on wrestling that can never be erased. Another great one gone. pic.twitter.com/SfTziHjwkR
— JakeSnakeDDT (@JakeSnakeDDT) June 7, 2023
Iron Sheik had a huge influence in my career. Back in FCW ( WWE DEVELOPMENTAL SYSTEM )DAYS I had no idea about speaking on the microphone. then i went and studied his ability and that’s where things started to turn. Legit wrestler, pro wrestler and amazing entertainer. RIP
— Miro (@ToBeMiro) June 7, 2023
AEW joins the wrestling world in mourning the passing of the Iron Sheik. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and his fans. pic.twitter.com/RXLF5TIFDt
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 7, 2023
NOTHING BUT LOVE AND RESPECT to the Iron Sheik. The wrestling world has lost an icon and a very special person. 😔 pic.twitter.com/bJRukaf8qA
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) June 7, 2023
https://twitter.com/foleyispod/status/1666479859709739013
I was there when @the_ironsheik had his greatest career achievement 12/26/83 @TheGarden
I was blessed to call him my friend
Respect the Legend
Sad day pic.twitter.com/P1AO63cd42— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) June 7, 2023
RIP to the legend The Iron Sheik 🙏🙏#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/NfXVaMP6xn
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 7, 2023
#RIP Sheiky Baby
Glad I got a chance to help honor your legacy @the_ironsheik 🙏🏽 https://t.co/KOvTwFP6Ix pic.twitter.com/lWAY41ynND
— Dolla 💰 (@AJFrancis410) June 7, 2023
.@the_ironsheik, you'll always be number 1. Thank you so much 🇮🇷 pic.twitter.com/tt9y6boNeU
— Ariya Daivari (@AriyaDaivari) June 7, 2023
“Love you forever Bubba” Rest in Power to the Mighty Iron Sheik. My sincerest condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/ct41brPIBn
— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) June 7, 2023
