Professional wrestler <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/john-cena">John Cena</a> announced he will retire from professional wrestling after his final match at next year&#8217;s WWE WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas. 
The 47-year-old athlete, who has also worked as an actor, made the announcement during a speech in <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/canada">Toronto</a> in front of a crowd at Scotiabank Arena.
“Thank you so much for letting me play in the house that you built for so many years,” Cena said. 
The 16-time WWE champ also mentioned there will be a farewell tour with dozens of dates before he steps out of the ring for good.
“I hear a mixed opinion out there. A lot of questions maybe, right? Like, why here? I want to talk about that for a second. I want to talk about Toronto. Matter of fact, I want to talk about Canada. Matter of fact, I want to talk about Canadians,” Cena continued in his speech, per <a href="https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/john-cena-set-to-retire-from-wwe-in-2025/">US Weekly</a>.
He added, “I’ve been doing this a while. I’ve been in WWE for over two decades and in that time I’ve seen incredible waves of prosperity like we got right now. WWE is the hottest ticket in town, no doubt.”
“And I’ve also seen tremendous hardship and that’s when nobody knows your name, nobody wants to be your friend and only the most dedicated, hardcore fans stand by your side,” he went on.
“So in all those years one of the most important, one of the most impressive things that I learned was whether the WWE was hot or cold, Canadians always show up,” Cena said.
Cena became a mainstream celebrity with his character “Doctor of Thuganomics,” who was known for wearing gold chains and getting involved in rap battles, <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/john-cena-retirement-professional-wrestling-2025-season-1235940597/">The Hollywood Reporter</a> noted. 
He also appeared in the “Fast &amp; Furious” franchise,  the comedy thriller “Argylle” and last year’s summer blockbuster, “Barbie.” Cena had a guest role in season three of “The Bear” and will host Discovery’s Shark Week 2024 programming.

John Cena

John Cena Announces He Is Retiring From Pro Wrestling In 2025

John Cena Announces He Is Retiring From Professional Wrestling In 2025

Celebrities

Entertainment

U.S.

Wrestling

American wrestler Hulk Hogan was baptized this week at a church in Florida, and he declared it to be the best day of his life.
Hogan, 70, posted photos to his social media accounts on Wednesday of his baptism at Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Largo, Florida.
“Total surrender and dedication to Jesus is the greatest day of my life,” Hogan wrote. “No worries, no hate, no judgment… only love!”
His wife, Sky Daily Hogan, was also baptized, according to a video that he posted online.
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The baptism comes after Hogan posted information about his faith journey on social media earlier this year.
&#8220;I accepted Christ as my savior at 14yrs old, and the training, prayers and vitamins kept me in the game but now that I am one with God, the main event theme of surrender, service and love makes me the Real Main Event that can slam any giant of any size through the power of my Lord and Savior and so it is, even now brother, AMEN!&#8221; he wrote.
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I accepted Christ as my savior at 14yrs old, and the training, prayers and vitamins kept me in the game but now that I am one with God,the main event theme of surrender,service and love makes me the Real Main Event that can slam any giant of any size through the power of my Lord… <a href="https://t.co/SxcOJJwtRL">pic.twitter.com/SxcOJJwtRL</a>
&mdash; Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) <a href="https://twitter.com/HulkHogan/status/1645117819481206786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Hogan has also posted Bible verses on his social media accounts and wears a T-shirt with John 3:16 on it, which states: &#8220;For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.&#8221;
Earlier this month, another major media figure came forward publicly to dedicate his life to his Christian faith.
Latin rapper Daddy Yankee, whose real name is Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/latin-rapper-daddy-yankee-announces-hes-retiring-so-he-can-spread-the-gospel">announced</a> at the start of the month that he was retiring from his highly successful musical career to embark on “a new beginning&#8221; spreading the Gospel.
Rodríguez made the announcement during a concert on December 4 and shared the video on social media, where he has more than 100 million followers.
“This day for me is the most important of my life… tonight I recognize and I am not ashamed to tell the whole world that Christ lives in me and that I will live for him,” he wrote in the caption. “This is the end of one chapter and the beginning of a completely new one.”
Speaking to a crowd in Puerto Rico at The Coliseo de Puerto Rico José, he said: “For many years, I’ve tried filling a void in my life that no one could fill. I tried finding a purpose, on many occasions it seemed as if I was happy, but something was missing for me to feel complete.”
“I have to confess that those days are over and someone was able to fill that void that I felt for a lot of time. I realized that for everyone I was someone, but I was no one without him,” he continued. “Throughout the years, I was able to travel the world, win many awards, applause, and praise, but I realized something that’s in the Bible: For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
“A chapter has ended but a new one will begin,” he noted. “All the tools that I have in my power, like music, social media, platforms, a microphone, everything that God has given me is now for his kingdom. Thank you, Puerto Rico, and I hope you walk with me in this new beginning and I hope you remember something very important: Don’t follow any person. I am human. To all the people who follow me, follow Jesus Christ, he’s the way, the truth, and the life.”

A New Era In Florida Gaming Event At Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

Hulk Hogan Gets Baptized: ‘Total Surrender And Dedication To Jesus Is The Greatest Day Of My Life’

Christianity

Florida

Hulk Hogan

<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/hulk-hogan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hulk Hogan</a>’s daughter, Brooke Hogan, explained why she decided not to attend her father’s <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/marriage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wedding</a> to yoga instructor Sky Daily.
The small, intimate ceremony took place on Friday in Florida. It was the third time tying the knot for the 70-year-old <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/wrestling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrestling</a> legend. 
&#8220;As many of you know, I value my privacy, but unfortunately, a lot of media outlets are making assumptions as to why I did not attend my father&#8217;s third wedding,&#8221; Brooke, a singer and former reality TV star, shared on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CxoQHk_pHu3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>. &#8221; Instead of leaving it to speculation, I decided it&#8217;s better to shut it all down here.&#8221;
&#8220;As we all experience this with our own families, the dynamics of a family unit continuously changes over the years. With that being said, my family has experienced a LOT of change,&#8221; Brooke continued. 
The &#8220;Hogan Knows Best&#8221; star said she’s been working hard to address family drama while under public scrutiny.  &#8220;I&#8217;ve had to learn how to best navigate those changes as they come, which has been difficult, to say the least.&#8221;
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&#8220;For my own journey to healing and happiness, I have chosen to create some distance between myself and my family, am focusing on people and things that heal my heart and align with my own personal beliefs, goals, and values,&#8221; Brook went on, concluding by saying, &#8220;I wish him well.&#8221;
Hogan made headlines in 2013 after suing Gawker for publishing a video of him having sex with Heather Clem, who was at the time married to radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge. The jury found Gawker liable and awarded the wrestling icon $115 million in compensatory damages and $25 million in punitive damages. The media company filed for bankruptcy and was put up for sale shortly after.
The 6-time WWE champion shared a few social media updates on his personal life leading up to the wedding. &#8220;Life just keeps on getting better and better! Jumping on another lightning bolt at 70!&#8221; he <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv2vY_gsBF6/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote</a> in the caption of a video that appeared to show him and Daily at a surprise birthday party. 
&#8220;70 years young and happier than I’ve ever been! Brother!&#8221; he <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv5NL9rucJV/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote</a> alongside a photo of the couple posing together around his milestone birthday in August. 
Hogan, whose real name is Terry Gene Bollea, married Linda Claridge in 1983 and shares daughter Brooke, 35, and son Nick with her. The couple divorced in 2007. He next married Jennifer McDaniel in early 2008 and divorced for a second time in 2022. The pro wrestler proposed to Daily in July.
RELATED: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/gawker-demonstrates-it-horrific-clown-show-chase-stephens">Gawker Demonstrates It Is A Horrific Clown Show</a>

Brooke Hogan and Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan’s Daughter On Why She Skipped His Wedding: ‘Chosen To Create Some Distance’

Hulk Hogan's Daughter On Why She Skipped His Wedding: 'Chosen To Create Some Distance'

Marriage

World Wrestling Entertainment boss Vince McMahon was the target of a federal search warrant and a grand jury subpoena, according to a statement from the corporation on Wednesday.
A <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/02/feds-subpoena-wwe-boss-vince-mcmahon-serve-search-warrant-.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">report</a> published by CNBC tied the subpoena and the search warrant – which was reportedly executed on July 17 by federal law enforcement – to the allegations against McMahon regarding payments he reportedly made to a number of women following accusations of sexual impropriety.
The search came one year after the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and federal prosecutors launched an investigation into the payments, which were <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/07/25/federal-prosecutors-sec-probing-ex-wwe-ceo-vince-mcmahon-hush-payments.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">disclosed</a> by the WWE just days after McMahon retired as CEO. At the time, the WWE reported $14.6 million in expenses that were paid out personally by McMahon — none of which had been recorded previously. He still serves as executive chairman of the company.
In addition to the news about the search and subpoena, the WWE <a href="https://otp.tools.investis.com/clients/us/wwe/SEC/sec-outline.aspx?FilingId=16828943&amp;amp;Cik=0001091907&amp;amp;PaperOnly=0&amp;amp;HasOriginal=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">revealed</a> that McMahon is currently on medical leave due to his recent spinal surgery – and he was expected to remain on leave for some time.
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&#8220;[McMahon] went on medical leave after undergoing major spinal surgery,&#8221; the report said, adding that he would &#8220;remain on medical leave until further notice but will remain Executive Chairman&#8221; of the corporation.
The WWE also noted that the corporation &#8220;has received voluntary and compulsory legal demands for documents, including from federal law enforcement and regulatory agencies, concerning the investigation and related subject matters.&#8221;
&#8220;We continue to fully cooperate with any investigation. Outside of that we are not going to comment on any legal matter,&#8221; CEO Nick Khan <a href="https://deadline.com/2023/08/wwe-ufc-merger-smackdown-raw-wrestlemania-money-in-the-bank-vince-mcmahon-1235453013/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>. No charges have yet been brought against McMahon or the corporation.
The WWE is still <a href="https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/36066332/endeavor-ufc-wwe-merger-2023-explained" target="_blank" rel="noopener">expected to merge</a> with the UFC to form a new company controlled by The Endeavor Group. That merger is expected to take place later this year, according to the WWE&#8217;s latest report. According to ESPN, Endeavor will own 51% of the new company. Those who currently own shares in the WWE shareholders will hold 49% of the new company.

Press Conference To Announce A Major International Event At MetLife Stadium

Feds Hit Vince McMahon With Subpoena And Search Warrant, WWE Reveals

Crime

Sports

WWE Hall of Famer The Iron Sheik&#8217;s cause of death has been revealed to be the result of a cardiac arrest, according to the late-wrestler&#8217;s death certificate, following his passing in June at the age of 81.
The official document obtained by <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2023/07/19/iron-sheik-died-of-cardiac-arrest/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TMZ,</a> 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&#8217;s nemesis, died in Georgia on June 7. His death was announced on Twitter, with family calling him a &#8220;devoted family man&#8221; and more.
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RESPECT THE LEGEND FOREVER 😢 <a href="https://t.co/Cr6CC9pXSO">pic.twitter.com/Cr6CC9pXSO</a>
&mdash; The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) <a href="https://twitter.com/the_ironsheik/status/1666462933604265990?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&#8220;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,&#8221; the statement read.
&#8220;Beyond the wrestling persona that the world knew so well, The Iron Sheik was a devoted family man,&#8221; it added. &#8220;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.&#8221;
&#8220;Their bond was an anchor, providing him with the strength to face the challenges that life presented,&#8221; the statement continued. &#8220;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.&#8221;
Born March 15, 1943, in Iran, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/hulk-hogan-nemesis-the-iron-sheik-dies-at-81" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vaziri</a> idolized Iranian Olympic Gold-Medalist wrestler Gholamre Takhti, who later worked as a bodyguard for the Shah of Iran. He would eventually <a href="https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/hulk-hogan-iron-sheik/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">immigrate</a> 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 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jljPR7opQac" target="_blank" rel="noopener">initial match</a> took place in January 1984 and Hogan&#8217;s stunning victory became a moment that triggered &#8220;Hulkamania.&#8221;
The Iron Sheik was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.

2010 Wizard World Convention

WWE Hall Of Famer Iron Sheik’s Cause Of Death Revealed

WWE Hall Of Famer Iron Sheik's Cause Of Death Revealed

All Elite Wrestling (AEW) star CM Punk turned heads on social media over the weekend after he spoke about supporting &#8220;trans kids&#8221; from the ring.
In the wrestler’s return to wrestling after an injury-induced hiatus on Saturday, he saw a sign from the crowd that read “Support LGBTQ+ Youth” and invited the sign’s holder into the ring with him. He then spoke for about two minutes.
“I don’t know what it feels like to be trapped in a body that I don’t feel I belong [in]. That is why I support that. Until I found pro-wrestling, and all the freaks and geeks in the locker room were just like me … Support trans kids, support for gays and lesbians,” Punk <a href="https://twitter.com/abbipaperbag/status/1670254452324925442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1670254452324925442%7Ctwgr%5E6aff9af6c203687197a30a616be8c305486c4a5f%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thepinknews.com%2F2023%2F06%2F18%2Faew-collision-cm-punk-lgbtq-youth%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>.
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CM PUNK SAID LGBTQ+ RIGHTS. HE SAID SUPPORT TRANS PEOPLE <a href="https://t.co/LUj9zzsH4x">pic.twitter.com/LUj9zzsH4x</a>
— abbi (@abbipaperbag) <a href="https://twitter.com/abbipaperbag/status/1670254452324925442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Joined by the tag team FTR, which comprises Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood, he held up the fan’s sign and mentioned his promotion of a company that sends proceeds to “support trans youth.”
“I reposted something for <a href="https://www.prettycoolicecream.com/pretty-cool-ice-cream" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pretty Cool Ice Cream</a>. It was an ice cream bar that some of the proceeds, if you purchased a bar, went to support trans youth,” Punk <a href="https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/06/18/aew-collision-cm-punk-lgbtq-youth/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told</a> the audience. “I got a lot of hate for reposting that message.”
“Somebody … on the Internet said, why do you support that trash? And I thought about replying, but you can’t argue with stupid, okay? You just both look stupid.”
Punk concluded his remarks by saying, “I want everybody to be themselves. Just do no harm to everybody else. Thank you. I love you.”
Punk’s words <a href="https://firstsportz.com/wwe-news-wrestling-twitter-slams-cm-punk-for-promoting-the-lgbtq-community-in-a-wrestling-promo/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sparked</a> mixed reactions from fans on Twitter, with one person saying, “Even if you agree with him, just wrestle, entertain us. Who cares about your political view[?] [T]his is wrestling not CNN.”
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This is why I don’t watch AEW. Why are they shoving this down our throats on live TV? Even if you agree with him, just wrestle, entertain us. Who cares about your political view this is wrestling not CNN. <a href="https://t.co/hZSXSxDr5j">pic.twitter.com/hZSXSxDr5j</a>
— BJ 😃 (@WWETalkTime3) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWETalkTime3/status/1670444320686481409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Others supported Punk’s speech, bringing up the fact that his remarks came after the live TV show concluded. Another Twitter user pointed out that WWE had pushed LGBTQ issues on wrestling fans with a picture of WWE star Finn Baylor in front of an entourage of fans wearing Pride rainbow colors.
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&#8220;This is why I don&#8217;t watch AEW. Why are they shoving it down our throats on live TV?&#8221; 🙄 <a href="https://t.co/BBnZmoHQId">pic.twitter.com/BBnZmoHQId</a>
— Cactus Jackhausen (@CactusJackhause) <a href="https://twitter.com/CactusJackhause/status/1670448079508520961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The speech sparked a Twitter <a href="https://wrestlingnews.co/aew-news/aews-brody-king-rips-dutch-mantel-for-lgbtq-comments" target="_blank" rel="noopener">skirmish</a> between AEW wrestler Brody King and retired WWE wrestler Dutch Mantel. Mantel criticized Punk for bringing “political issues on a wrestling show.” He also alluded to the controversies surrounding Bud Light and Target, which have both been impacted by conservative-led boycotts over their endorsement of trangenderism.
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Is this a wise move…involving a political issues on a wrestling show? I guess the issue that <a href="https://twitter.com/budlight?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@budlight</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Target?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@target</a> have had with the LGBTQ topic has not reached <a href="https://twitter.com/AEW?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AEW</a>. This shot didn’t make the show but the still photo is there. Comments. <a href="https://twitter.com/WSI_YouTube?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WSI_YouTube</a> <a href="https://t.co/5EIU3WvruD">pic.twitter.com/5EIU3WvruD</a>
— 𝔻𝕣. 𝔻𝕦𝕥𝕔𝕙 (@DirtyDMantell) <a href="https://twitter.com/DirtyDMantell/status/1670601435770241024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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King shared Mantel’s post and compared him to racists and sexists, calling the retiree an “old bag of s***.”
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You probably thought it was a political issue when Black people and Women wanted equal rights too, you old bag of shit. <a href="https://t.co/ZvIJJOsPFS">https://t.co/ZvIJJOsPFS</a>
— Big Bad Brody King (@Brodyxking) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brodyxking/status/1670822820660539394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Punk is arguably AEW’s biggest star, having won two AEW World Championship titles since he joined the up-and-coming wrestling company in 2021. Punk previously performed for AEW’s established competitor, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), winning several championships before parting ways with the company in 2014.
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The speech comes amid several states passing protections against sex change drugs and surgeries being performed on minors — some of which have <a href="https://legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1330154" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bipartisan</a> support.

2019 Beyond Fest Premiere Of “Girl On The Third Floor”

AEW Wrestler Makes In-Ring Speech Supporting ‘Trans Youth,’ Sparks Reaction On Social Media

AEW Wrestler Makes In-Ring Speech Supporting 'Trans Youth,' Sparks Reaction On Social Media

Transgender

Pro wrestling legend ”The Iron Sheik,” whose rivalry with fellow legend Hulk Hogan made him one of the most famous personalities in the sport, has <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/iron-sheik-wrestling-legend-social-media-star-dies-81-rcna88160">died</a> at the age of 81.
Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri became the only Iranian champion in WWE history after winning the WWF Heavyweight Championship in 1983, which he held for barely a month until Hulk Hogan grabbed it from him, prompting a years-long rivalry.
As recently as Monday, The Iron Sheik, whose Twitter feed was laced with profanity, tweeted, “F*** Hogan.”
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FUCK HOGAN
&mdash; The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) <a href="https://twitter.com/the_ironsheik/status/1665770231464177665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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His last tweet read, “F*** the wildfires.”
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FUCK THE WILDFIRES
&mdash; The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) <a href="https://twitter.com/the_ironsheik/status/1666246676409905152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Yet his pinned tweet read, “TAKE A MINUTE OF YOUR DAY TO BE NICE TO SOMEONE YOU DUMB SON OF A B****.”
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TAKE A MINUTE OF YOUR DAY TO BE NICE TO SOMEONE YOU DUMB SON OF A BITCH
&mdash; The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) <a href="https://twitter.com/the_ironsheik/status/1005469381126643717?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Sheik’s death was announced on his Twitter feed, which stated:
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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. Beyond the wrestling persona that the world knew so well, The Iron Sheik was a devoted family man. 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. 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.
</blockquote>
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RESPECT THE LEGEND FOREVER 😢 <a href="https://t.co/Cr6CC9pXSO">pic.twitter.com/Cr6CC9pXSO</a>
&mdash; The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) <a href="https://twitter.com/the_ironsheik/status/1666462933604265990?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Vaziri was born on March 15, 1943, in Iran. As a boy, he idolized Iranian Olympic Gold-Medalist wrestler Gholamreza Takhti, who later worked as a bodyguard for the Shah of Iran. He tried for a spot on Iran’s Greco-Roman wrestling team for the 1968 Olympics, then immigrated to the U.S., where he became the assistant coach of two U.S. Olympic squads in the 1970s. He served as the assistant coach to the USA team for the 1972 Olympic Games.
That same year, Vaziri was invited to become a professional wrestler by promoter Verne Gagne. He made his debut with the WWF in 1979.
In his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jljPR7opQac">initial match</a> with Hogan, Vaziri locked Hogan in the “Camel Clutch,” but Hogan rose to his feet with Vaziri still on his back and rammed him backward into the turnbuckles, then used a leg drop for the pin and the championship, a moment that triggered “Hulkamania.”

Hulk Hogan Nemesis ‘The Iron Sheik’ Dies at 81

Shocking <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/viral-video" target="_blank" rel="noopener">video</a> of a <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/kids-sports" target="_blank" rel="noopener">youth wrestler</a> getting sucker punched after a <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/sports" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrestling match</a> in Illinois started making the rounds on social media this week.
The incident took place at the &#8220;Beat The Streets&#8221; tournament on April 8 at Oak Park River Forest High School in Oak Park, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/illinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Illinois</a>, per <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2023/04/18/wrestler-sucker-punch-match-illinois-oak-park-police-investigation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TMZ</a>.
This <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/wrestling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrestling</a> tournament included athletes from ages 8 to 18. A video from the event, which just started making headlines, shows an 8th-grader from SPAR Wrestling Academy and his opponent from Maine West High School finishing up on the mat during a 125-128 pound freestyle third-place match. The SPAR wrestler won in a 14-2 decision.
But just before the competitors were meant to shake hands, the losing athlete suddenly sucker-punched the winner in the head. The SPAR wrestler instantly crumpled to the floor as onlookers rushed to his side. One woman could be heard screaming, “What the f***! Oh my God” as she rushed over.
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Hafid Alicea of Maine West (IL) throws a sucker punch at the line… <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wtf?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wtf</a> <a href="https://t.co/9m4HAxl2oF">pic.twitter.com/9m4HAxl2oF</a>
&mdash; The Wrestling Room (Pat Mineo) (@MrPatMineo) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrPatMineo/status/1646980265766518787?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&#8220;He is making the best of the situation and is already back to training,&#8221; SPAR Wrestling Academy founder Justin Pearch told TMZ Tuesday.
&#8220;As you may know, wrestling matches can get heated but nothing leading up to the punch would give cause to such bad decision-making on the opponent&#8217;s part,&#8221; he said. &#8220;It’s not tolerated in our sport and SPAR Wrestling will never condone that behavior.”
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An Oak Park Police Department spokesperson said the incident is under investigation and that the parents of both minors are cooperating. The victim&#8217;s parents have reportedly filed assault charges, according to Pat Mineo of The Wrestling Room.
The Daily Mail <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/othersports/article-11988559/Youth-wrestler-sucker-PUNCHES-opponent-suffering-defeat.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">noted</a> that the SPAR wrestler is a two-time Illinois state wrestling champion.

wrestling

WATCH: Illinois Youth Wrestler Sucker Punched After Match While Going For Handshake

General

Illinois

kids sports

viral video

James Pasquale, 34, the wrestling star nicknamed “Jimmy the Jester” who referred to himself as “The Clown Prince of Professional Wrestling,” has died from injuries suffered in a car crash.
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Jimmy the Jester, professional wrestler, dead at 34 <a href="https://t.co/Pab4DJNu0E">https://t.co/Pab4DJNu0E</a> <a href="https://t.co/zqGnzlXW7g">pic.twitter.com/zqGnzlXW7g</a>
&mdash; New York Post (@nypost) <a href="https://twitter.com/nypost/status/1646937542606856198?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Pasquale, a member of the famous wrestling school Monster Factory, competed in WWWA, Lucha Riot, Titan Championship Wrestling Entertainment, Atomic Championship Wrestling, and Stand Alone Wrestling. The Monster factory is considered the first publicly available professional wrestling school.
“I just lost somebody that I was hoping would walk through the doors of monster factory again &amp; be the charismatic goof he always was,” Monster Factory owner Danny Cage <a href="https://twitter.com/TheDannyCage/status/1646269751373578241?cxt=HHwWgoC-8brn3NgtAAAA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tweeted</a>. “Then I heard he was planning to come back. Going to miss you Jimmy the Jester!”
“We @4MonsterFactory lost one of our own in Jimmy The Jester!” Monster Factory coach Missy Sampson echoed. “He was a funny guy with a heart of gold! Gone too soon! Please hug your friends and family and remind them you love them! Say a prayer for his family and friends! Till we see you again buddy!”
Find Yourself Wrestling announced that Pasquale would be honored at a show Saturday, April 29, adding, “We here at FYW are very saddened to hear of the passing of James Pasquale AKA Jimmy the Jester.”
“My heart feels so heavy today, never in a million years did I think that I would be writing this,” his apparent partner Erin Trzeciak <a href="https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=James%20Pasquale" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote</a> on Facebook. “James Pasquale, you emulated such an contagious bright energy wherever you went. You gave me the courage to express myself however I wanted, and always made the unconditional love you had known, I don&#8217;t even know the person I would be now if I hadn’t had you in my life.”
“This doesn’t feel real,” she continued. “I can’t even begin to wrap my head around the fact that you’re gone. Thank you for being such a light in my life and for so so many amazing memories. You’re loved by so many people and will be very missed Jimmy.”
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In March, an Apple TV+ series titled “Monster Factory” <a href="https://www.inquirer.com/news/monster-factory-apple-tv-plus-wrestlers-new-jersey-20230317.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">premiered</a> featuring owner Danny Cage and some of his students. Some of Cage’s former students have gone on to star in WWE, AEW, and Ring of Honor.

Empty wrestling sport arena. Boxing ring dramatic sports vector background

Pro Wrestler ‘Jimmy The Jester’ Dies At 34

Car Crash

Death

WWE legend Jerry &#8220;The King&#8221; Lawler shared an update with fans on Wednesday after suffering a stroke at his Florida home earlier this week.
The 73-year-old former professional wrestler <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryLawler/status/1623391881848668161" target="_blank" rel="noopener">confirm</a> to his 1.4 million Twitter followers that he had a &#8220;massive stroke&#8221; as he thanked fans for their prayers and support.
&#8220;Update on Jerry: After suffering a massive Stroke Monday,&#8221; the tweet from the wrestling commentator&#8217;s verified account read. &#8220;He is now recovering in a Fort Myers, Florida hospital.&#8221;
&#8220;His speech is limited, but with rehabilitation will regain a full recovery,&#8221; the message added. &#8220;He thanks everyone for the continued prayers and will be back in the near future.&#8221;
The post included several photos of Lawler giving a &#8220;thumbs up&#8221; to fans while in a hospital room. Lawler&#8217;s pal and former wrestling manager, Jimmy Hart, can be seen in multiple photos.
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Update on Jerry: After suffering a massive Stroke Monday. He is now recovering in a Fort Myers, FL hospital. His speech is limited, but with rehabilitation will regain a full recovery. He thanks everyone for the continued prayers and will be back in the near future. <a href="https://t.co/2Ge4XuKVr4">pic.twitter.com/2Ge4XuKVr4</a>
&mdash; Jerry Lawler (@JerryLawler) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryLawler/status/1623391881848668161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;
Several former WWE stars took to social media to show their support for the wrestling icon.
&#8220;Jerry Lawler the real king of the earth. I love him and pray for him he is my brother,&#8221; the former wrestler known as the Iron Sheik tweeted.
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JERRY LAWLER THE REAL KING OF THE EARTH. I LOVE HIM AND PRAY FOR HIM HE IS MY BROTHER <a href="https://t.co/3FEvyx91pu">pic.twitter.com/3FEvyx91pu</a>
&mdash; The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) <a href="https://twitter.com/the_ironsheik/status/1623115480973148160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&#8220;The Nature Boy&#8221; Ric Flair, recognized by the WWE as a 16-time world champion, tweeted, &#8220;We Are Praying For You @JerryLawler!&#8221;
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We Are Praying For You <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryLawler?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JerryLawler</a>! 🙏🏻 <a href="https://t.co/U7U1mPepFi">pic.twitter.com/U7U1mPepFi</a>
&mdash; Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) <a href="https://twitter.com/RicFlairNatrBoy/status/1623020569993027588?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Former wrestler Lawrence Wendell Pfohl, who went by the name Lex Luger in the ring, tweeted with several praying hand emojis.
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🙏🙏🙏
&mdash; Lex Luger (@GenuineLexLuger) <a href="https://twitter.com/GenuineLexLuger/status/1623414920195850241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Former WWE star Matt Hardy, who is currently signed with rival All Elite Wrestling (AEW), posted, &#8220;Thinking about you &amp; wishing you all the best, @JerryLawler!&#8221;
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Thinking about you &amp; wishing you all the best, <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryLawler?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JerryLawler</a>! <a href="https://t.co/juKOba5dF5">pic.twitter.com/juKOba5dF5</a>
&mdash; MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) <a href="https://twitter.com/MATTHARDYBRAND/status/1623039604566724742?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;
Lawler has a history of heart issues, <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2023/02/08/jim-ross-spoke-jerry-lawler-health-scare-prognosis-positive-wwe/">TMZ</a> noted.
In 2018, Lawler suffered a stroke and underwent cardiac arrest on live television in 2012.
The former WWE star previously shared his 50th anniversary in the wrestling ring back in 2020. He was last seen in January when he appeared at WWE&#8217;s Royal Rumble show when he was on the Kickoff Show panel as a commentator.
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/breaking-son-of-wwe-hall-of-fame-wrestler-dies-at-26">Son Of WWE Hall Of Fame Wrestler Dies At 26</a>

Jerry Lawler-3

WWE Legend Jerry Lawler Shares Update With Fans After Suffering A Stroke

Stroke

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan reportedly has been left without feeling in his lower body after his latest surgery.
Hogan, 69, a six-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion who spent 35 years in the organization, stands 6’7” and weighed roughly 300 pounds when he wrestled. His friend Kurt Angle revealed Hogan’s condition on his podcast.
“Hogan had his back surgery again. He had the nerves cut from his lower body. He can’t feel his lower body,” Angle stated, according to the <a href="https://torontosun.com/sports/other-sports/hulk-hogan-cant-feel-his-lower-body-kurt-angle">Toronto Sun</a>. “So let’s use his cane to walk around. I thought he was using the cane because he had pain in his back. He doesn’t have any pain. He has nothing at all. He can’t feel anything.
“So now he can’t feel his legs,” Angle continued. “So he has to walk with a cane which is, you know, that’s pretty serious, man. &#8230; I mean, I really feel for Hogan. He put his heart and soul into the business and it ate him up.”
“He’s the guy that revolutionized pro wrestling. I have so much respect for him,” Angle concluded.
In 2021, Brooke Hogan, Hogan’s daughter, spoke of the ordeal he had gone through over the previous ten years, saying, “We counted how many surgeries he’s had in the last 10 years and I think we’re at 25. He’s had both shoulders scoped and he had his whole bicep and his bursa sac and everything tied up in his shoulder last year. That was a disaster. He got MRSA and it was like a big thing. So we had to go back and undo tons of physical therapy. He’s had both of his knees replaced multiple times, I think twice on both. He’s had his hips done. He’s had his elbow scope.”
Hogan, who was nicknamed “The Immortal&#8221;, famously walked out to the ring to the song “Real American” inning in 1985. The first WWE match included nine professional wrestling matches. The main event featured Hogan and Mr. T defeating Paul Orndorff and Roddy Piper. Hogan’s most famous wrestling move was his leg drop.
As far back as 2005, Hogan <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/07/01/hulk-hogan-interview">said</a>:
<blockquote>
I can&#8217;t work every night because at 51 years old, you just don&#8217;t recover that quickly any more. I left the building in Anaheim the other night and I woke up the next morning anticipating feeling something really weird, but when I woke up in my hotel room the next morning, I was fine. I told Vince McMahon, when I woke up I was still smiling. It was unbelievable to get past that hurdle of the leg drop.
I thought when I dropped the leg they were going to have to break out the old dustpan. But to drop the leg and for my hip not to break and my back not to be in a million pieces, my whole back is screwed up, but physically, I&#8217;ve been training as hard as I can and I think it&#8217;s helped a lot that I keep my body tight. I&#8217;m 51 years old and I look as good as some of the young guys, so I&#8217;m just really excited to keep going and see how far I can go with this thing.
</blockquote>

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