WWE Hall of Famer The Iron Sheik’s cause of death has been revealed to be the result of a cardiac arrest, according to the late-wrestler’s death certificate, following his passing in June at the age of 81.
The official document obtained by TMZ, found the Pro wrestling legend-born Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri-died of natural causes after suffering from congestive heart failure as well as hypertension before his death.
The wrestler, also known as Hulk Hogan’s nemesis, died in Georgia on June 7. His death was announced on Twitter, with family calling him a “devoted family man” and more.
RESPECT THE LEGEND FOREVER 😢 pic.twitter.com/Cr6CC9pXSO
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) June 7, 2023
“It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of The Iron Sheik, but we also take solace in knowing that he departed this world peacefully, leaving behind a legacy that will endure for generations to come,” the statement read.
“Beyond the wrestling persona that the world knew so well, The Iron Sheik was a devoted family man,” it added. “He cherished the love and support of his wife of 47 years Caryl, who stood by his side through thick and thin, offering unwavering encouragement throughout his life.”
“Their bond was an anchor, providing him with the strength to face the challenges that life presented,” the statement continued. “To his children, Tanya, Nikki, Marissa and son in law Eddie, he was not just a wrestling icon. He was a loving and dedicated father. He instilled in them the values of perseverance, determination, and the importance of following their dreams.”
Born March 15, 1943, in Iran, Vaziri idolized Iranian Olympic Gold-Medalist wrestler Gholamre Takhti, who later worked as a bodyguard for the Shah of Iran. He would eventually immigrate to the United States and become part of several U.S. Olympic Greco-Roman coaching squads in the 70s.
In 1979, he made his debut in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and became the only Iranian champion in WWE history after winning the WWF Heavyweight Championship in December 1983. He only managed to hold the title for a month until Hulk Hogan grabbed it from him, prompting a years-long rivalry. Their initial match took place in January 1984 and Hogan’s stunning victory became a moment that triggered “Hulkamania.”
The Iron Sheik was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.