United States Air Force 2nd Lieutenant Wyatt Hendrickson stopped to salute President Donald Trump, his commander in chief, just after he won his NCAA wrestling championship.
Hendrickson could be seen just after his win turning to President Trump, snapping to the position of attention, and rendering a salute. Trump, who was attending the event and seated in the front row, raised his fist in salute to Hendrickson.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Wyatt Hendrickson — a second lieutenant in the <a href="https://twitter.com/usairforce?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@usairforce</a> — salutes President Donald J. Trump after winning an <a href="https://twitter.com/NCAAWrestling?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NCAAWrestling</a> national championship 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/KK4ngwH7mW">pic.twitter.com/KK4ngwH7mW</a>
&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1903633710462775472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The announcers could be heard referring to Hendrickson as &#8220;Captain America,&#8221; laughing as the Air Force LT draped himself in an American flag. &#8220;I can&#8217;t believe it,&#8221; one said, and another added, &#8220;My jaw is on the floor.&#8221;
<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/23/sport/wyatt-hendrickson-gable-steveson-trump-ncaa-wrestling-spt-intl/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hendrickson&#8217;s win</a> against Olympic champion Gable Steveson came after he delivered a stunning takedown — the only takedown Steveson allowed the entire season — in the final moments of the match, coming from behind to win the heavyweight title.
&#8220;All the matches were terrific last night, but they saved the best for last! Wyatt Hendrickson, an Air Force Academy graduate, pulled off a huge upset — something I know a little bit about — beating an Olympic champion. When I say when I watch wrestling, I see America — this is what I’m talking about,&#8221; Senator David McCormick (R-PA) commented.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
All the matches were terrific last night, but they saved the best for last! Wyatt Hendrickson, an Air Force Academy graduate, pulled off a huge upset &#8211; something I know a little bit about &#8211; beating an Olympic champion.
When I say when I watch wrestling, I see America &#8211; this is… <a href="https://t.co/GIyeYTyNg6">https://t.co/GIyeYTyNg6</a> <a href="https://t.co/L8WAAaginU">pic.twitter.com/L8WAAaginU</a>
&mdash; Senator Dave McCormick (@SenMcCormickPA) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenMcCormickPA/status/1903820472023749076?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Hendrickson, who wrestles for Oklahoma State University, made an appearance Monday morning on Fox News and told &#8220;America&#8217;s Newsroom&#8221; anchor Bill Hemmer about how &#8220;special&#8221; it was to have Trump in the audience when he won the title.
&#8220;That&#8217;s pretty special, I gotta be very honest with you,&#8221; he said. &#8220;That is very special, you know when we talk about the final boss — like that is the boss of my boss of my boss, so, you know, having him be there and support the great sport of wrestling and be able to watch me have a historic moment like that, I mean, that&#8217;s something I&#8217;ll remember for the rest of my life.&#8221;
WATCH:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Oklahoma State wrestler and Air Force Second Lieutenant Wyatt Hendrickson on winning the national championship with President Trump watching: &quot;Having him be there and support the great sport of wrestling and be able to watch me have a historic moment like that &#8212; that&#39;s something… <a href="https://t.co/qg4LE8MNsX">pic.twitter.com/qg4LE8MNsX</a>
&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1904179323906437626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

2025 NCAA Division I Men’s Wrestling Championship

Air Force LT Wins NCAA Wrestling Title, Stops In His Tracks To Salute President Trump

Donald Trump

General

NCAA

Sports

U.S.

U.S. Air Force

Wrestling

College wrestling champions rallied around President Donald Trump during the 2024-25 NCAA wrestling championships on Saturday.
The president entered the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday evening around 7 p.m. in Philadelphia to loud chants of &#8220;USA! USA! USA!&#8221; The tightly-packed arena erupted in to chants as Trump entered, according to pool reports, and Trump waved his hand and pumped his fist in response.
The president sat in the front row of the event to watch the wrestling matches take place. Photos and videos captured by attendees, including White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, show the wrestling competitors posing for photos with the president.
One of these photos shows Trump pretending to wrestle Nebraska wrestler Caleb Smith, who beams for the photo next to the president. In a separate video, Penn State&#8217;s Carter Starocci shakes hands with the president after winning his 5th NCAA D1 Wrestling Championship.
Leavitt also posted a video of an unnamed wrestler shaking hands with Trump while wearing a &#8220;dark MAGA&#8221; hat, captioning her video: &#8220;Win National Championship. Throw on your dark MAGA hat. Shake hands with your favorite President.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Coolest. President. Ever. <a href="https://t.co/Q616mSW5vo">pic.twitter.com/Q616mSW5vo</a>
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) <a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec/status/1903610590980931602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2025</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
1 selfie. 2 champions! <a href="https://t.co/mEW9MdTj2h">pic.twitter.com/mEW9MdTj2h</a>
— Karoline Leavitt (@karolineleavitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/karolineleavitt/status/1903605517009785271?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2025</a></blockquote>
&#8220;President Trump walks out to USA chants and a standing ovation in Philadelphia for the NCAA wrestling championships,&#8221; said Outkick founder Clay Travis, who flew on board Air Force One as part of the travel pool and interviewed the president. &#8220;Awesome scene. Sold out arena. Electric environment.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
President Trump walks out to USA chants and a standing ovation in Philadelphia for the NCAA wrestling championships. Awesome scene. Sold out arena. Electric environment. <a href="https://t.co/8FIOhhEby8">pic.twitter.com/8FIOhhEby8</a>
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClayTravis/status/1903594184906277354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
<div id="attachment_896037" style="width: 960px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/college-wrestling-champions-rally-around-president-trump-in-philly/us-politics-trump-166" rel="attachment wp-att-896037"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-896037" class="wp-image-896037 size-large" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/03/GettyImages-2205816045-950x576.jpg" alt="" width="950" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/03/GettyImages-2205816045-950x576.jpg 950w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/03/GettyImages-2205816045-300x182.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/03/GettyImages-2205816045-768x466.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/03/GettyImages-2205816045.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px" /></a>Attendees cheer as US President Donald Trump arrives to watch the men&#8217;s NCAA wrestling competition at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 22, 2025. (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)</div>
The president will fly back to the White House on Saturday evening. He was joined at the event by Travis, Leavitt, former WWE executive turned Education Secretary Linda McMahon, Republican Pennsylvania Sen. Dave McCormick, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, Republican Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, and others.
&#8220;We&#8217;re going to the big fight,&#8221; Trump said of the event on Friday, speaking with reporters at the White House. &#8220;They have the NCAA, world, wrestling for college. And I&#8217;ve always supported the wrestlers.&#8221;
&#8220;So, I want to support them,&#8221; he added. &#8220;These are the great college wrestlers from the various schools. I think Penn State is leading, and Nebraska is in second place right now. And a lot of good things.&#8221;

US-POLITICS-TRUMP

College Wrestling Champions Rally Around President Trump In Philly

Philadelphia

Governor Tim Walz (D-MN) is suddenly silent in the wake of a direct challenge from WWE wrestling champion-turned-Republican-politician Glenn Jacobs, who is currently serving as Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee.
Walz had boasted just days earlier — while on a podcast with fellow Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) — that conservatives who had criticized his <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/tim-walz-baffled-americans-dont-think-hes-masculine-i-could-kick-most-of-their-a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">masculinity</a> during the 2024 election had only done so because he intimidated them: &#8220;I think I could kick most of their a**.&#8221;
A number quickly <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/republicans-have-field-day-after-tim-walz-claims-he-can-kick-most-of-their-a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pushed back</a>, including Jacobs — who had great success as &#8220;Kane&#8221; in the WWE before transitioning to a life of public service in Tennessee — who initially just laughed off Walz&#8217;s comments.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
This morning I ran into <a href="https://twitter.com/GlennJacobsTN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GlennJacobsTN</a>, aka Kane, and asked him about Tim Walz saying he’d kick any MAGA voter’s ass. 
Here’s what he has to say: <a href="https://t.co/DsT8b7b8SN">pic.twitter.com/DsT8b7b8SN</a>
&mdash; Brent Scher (@BrentScher) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrentScher/status/1902756309507658037?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
But a short time later, after some consideration, Jacobs dropped a <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/former-wrestler-calls-walzs-bluff-challenges-him-to-charity-match" target="_blank" rel="noopener">serious challenge</a> on the Minnesota Governor.
&#8220;All joking aside, @GovTimWalz, let&#8217;s put our money where our mouth is&#8230;in a charity wrestling match. We&#8217;ll split the gate 50/50 between our chosen organizations. I&#8217;ll kick things off myself with a $10,000 donation. What do you say #TennesseeWalz #LetsDance.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
All joking aside, <a href="https://twitter.com/GovTimWalz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GovTimWalz</a>, let&#39;s put our money where our mouth is&#8230;in a charity wrestling match. We&#39;ll split the gate 50/50 between our chosen organizations. I&#39;ll kick things off myself with a $10,000 donation. What do you say? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennesseeWalz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennesseeWalz</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetsDance?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LetsDance</a> <a href="https://t.co/2VV6j4RYs2">pic.twitter.com/2VV6j4RYs2</a>
&mdash; Glenn Jacobs (@GlennJacobsTN) <a href="https://twitter.com/GlennJacobsTN/status/1902846106679079132?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Walz did not respond to Jacobs&#8217; challenge, however, opting instead to post a number of complaints about tariffs, Elon Musk, and about President Donald Trump fulfilling his campaign promise to end the Department of Education.
Meanwhile, others joined Jacobs in offering to put up the funding for a potential charity bout: &#8220;Yes! We already have close to $50k in pledges and a corporate title sponsor! C&#8217;mon, @GovTimWalz, let&#8217;s raise some money for a good cause!&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Yes! We already have close to $50K in pledges and a corporate title sponsor! C&#39;mon, <a href="https://twitter.com/GovTimWalz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GovTimWalz</a>, let&#39;s raise some money for a good cause! <a href="https://t.co/60jeDeWnKg">https://t.co/60jeDeWnKg</a>
&mdash; Glenn Jacobs (@GlennJacobsTN) <a href="https://twitter.com/GlennJacobsTN/status/1903071847605813717?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) joined in as well, offering to host the match in Florida because it would be &#8220;neutral.&#8221;
&#8220;Florida can serve as the neutral site host. We’ve got a lot of great spots and a lot of wrestling fans &#8230;&#8221; DeSantis said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Florida can serve as the neutral site host. 
We’ve got a lot of great spots and a lot of wrestling fans… <a href="https://t.co/ZSt4VVLqp4">https://t.co/ZSt4VVLqp4</a>
&mdash; Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) <a href="https://twitter.com/RonDeSantis/status/1903119645017505950?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
&#8220;Just name the venue, Mr. Governor, and we&#8217;ll make it happen!&#8221; Jacobs agreed, but still no response from Walz.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Just name the venue, Mr. Governor, and we&#39;ll make it happen! <a href="https://t.co/pEGm7WyuAw">https://t.co/pEGm7WyuAw</a>
&mdash; Glenn Jacobs (@GlennJacobsTN) <a href="https://twitter.com/GlennJacobsTN/status/1903130190349213964?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Walz did respond to Fox News host Jesse Watters, who had mocked the failed vice presidential candidate once for using a straw, over his list of rules for men — which included, among other things, not using straws and never eating soup in public.
&#8220;There’s nothing weird about Jesse Waters secretly enjoying a bowl of soup alone in the dark,&#8221; Walz mocked.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
There’s nothing weird about Jesse Waters secretly enjoying a bowl of soup alone in the dark. <a href="https://t.co/qgNUyTaSgj">pic.twitter.com/qgNUyTaSgj</a>
&mdash; Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tim_Walz/status/1902787553402441800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
He still has not responded to Jacobs&#8217; challenge — but the Tennessee mayor&#8217;s alter ego appears ready to step into the ring.
&#8220;Everyone is always asking me if I have one last match left. I think I have found my final victim, er, I mean opponent,&#8221; the wrestling legend posted.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Everyone is always asking me if I have one last match left. I think I have found my final victim, er, I mean opponent. <a href="https://t.co/NYOraw0ES6">pic.twitter.com/NYOraw0ES6</a>
&mdash; Kane (@KaneWWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/KaneWWE/status/1902409973063151759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Barack Obama Campaigns With Tim Walz On First Day Of Early Voting In Wisconsin

Tim Walz Strangely Silent After Former WWE Champ Rallies Troops For Charity Match

Politics

Ron DeSantis

Tim Walz

Wrestler-turned-politician Glenn Jacobs — known also by his ring name, Kane — challenged Governor Tim Walz (D-MN) to a charity match on Thursday, responding to the latter&#8217;s claims that Republicans were intimidated by him and that he could &#8220;kick most of their ass.&#8221;
Walz made the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/tim-walz-baffled-americans-dont-think-hes-masculine-i-could-kick-most-of-their-a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">assertions</a> during a discussion with fellow Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) — for his new podcast — while complaining that Republicans had fixated on his masculinity during the 2024 presidential election cycle, and his assessment was that they criticized his mannerisms because they were really a little bit scared of him.
&#8220;How do you fight it?” Walz asked Newsom, adding, “I think I could kick most of their a**! I do think that … I know I can outrun them. I don’t know if we’re going to fall into that place where we, okay, we challenge you to, you know, a WWE fight here, type of thing.&#8221;
Jacobs, now an influential Republican politician in Tennessee, responded to Walz&#8217;s bluster in an interview with The Daily Wire&#8217;s Brent Scher.
WATCH:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
This morning I ran into <a href="https://twitter.com/GlennJacobsTN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GlennJacobsTN</a>, aka Kane, and asked him about Tim Walz saying he’d kick any MAGA voter’s ass. 
Here’s what he has to say: <a href="https://t.co/DsT8b7b8SN">pic.twitter.com/DsT8b7b8SN</a>
&mdash; Brent Scher (@BrentScher) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrentScher/status/1902756309507658037?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Jacobs later proposed an opportunity for Walz to make good on his threat — and even volunteered to get in the ring with him, for charity.
&#8220;All joking aside, @GovTimWalz, let&#8217;s put our money where our mouth is&#8230;in a charity wrestling match. We&#8217;ll split the gate 50/50 between our chosen organizations. I&#8217;ll kick things off myself with a $10,000 donation. What do you say?&#8221; Jacobs asked, adding, &#8220;#TennesseeWalz #LetsDance.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
All joking aside, <a href="https://twitter.com/GovTimWalz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GovTimWalz</a>, let&#39;s put our money where our mouth is&#8230;in a charity wrestling match. We&#39;ll split the gate 50/50 between our chosen organizations. I&#39;ll kick things off myself with a $10,000 donation. What do you say? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennesseeWalz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennesseeWalz</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetsDance?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LetsDance</a> <a href="https://t.co/2VV6j4RYs2">pic.twitter.com/2VV6j4RYs2</a>
&mdash; Glenn Jacobs (@GlennJacobsTN) <a href="https://twitter.com/GlennJacobsTN/status/1902846106679079132?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Radio host Dana Loesch offered to referee the match: &#8220;I would totally referee this.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
I would totally referee this. <a href="https://t.co/3xodfRhwL9">https://t.co/3xodfRhwL9</a>
&mdash; Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) <a href="https://twitter.com/DLoesch/status/1902869706253484331?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
&#8220;I would be front row!&#8221; VA Secretary Doug Collins said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
I would be front row! <a href="https://t.co/zKhoDGrSfm">https://t.co/zKhoDGrSfm</a>
&mdash; Doug Collins (@RepDougCollins) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDougCollins/status/1902882125642072550?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
&#8220;Should @CrainCompany referee this match?&#8221; David Cone asked.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Should <a href="https://twitter.com/CrainCompany?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CrainCompany</a> referee this match? <a href="https://t.co/nG0DilEtAY">https://t.co/nG0DilEtAY</a>
&mdash; David Cone (@davidadamcone) <a href="https://twitter.com/davidadamcone/status/1902847724531204568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
&#8220;Tell me where to send the check @GlennJacobsTN! Will pain me to see half the money go to the Minnesota Boys Tampon Fund though,&#8221; Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-NY) posted.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Tell me where to send the check <a href="https://twitter.com/GlennJacobsTN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GlennJacobsTN</a> ! Will pain me to see half the money go to the Minnesota Boys Tampon Fund though. <a href="https://t.co/6VGsDjvyg7">https://t.co/6VGsDjvyg7</a>
&mdash; Nick Langworthy (@NickLangworthy) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickLangworthy/status/1902887416806937072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
&#8220;Double or nothing for Hell in a Cell,&#8221; Shawn Farash added.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Double or nothing for Hell in a Cell
&mdash; Shawn Farash (@Shawn_Farash) <a href="https://twitter.com/Shawn_Farash/status/1902871924511768582?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
&#8220;Everyone is always asking me if I have one last match left. I think I have found my final victim, er, I mean opponent,&#8221; Jacobs, posting as his old wrestling persona Kane, said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Everyone is always asking me if I have one last match left. I think I have found my final victim, er, I mean opponent. <a href="https://t.co/NYOraw0ES6">pic.twitter.com/NYOraw0ES6</a>
&mdash; Kane (@KaneWWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/KaneWWE/status/1902409973063151759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The Federalist&#8217;s Sean Davis predicted that the challenge would end in disappointment, however: &#8220;Walz is going to run from this just like he ran away [from] the military to avoid being deployed.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Walz is going to run from this just like he ran away the military to avoid being deployed. <a href="https://t.co/9Y3o2uM7tW">https://t.co/9Y3o2uM7tW</a>
&mdash; Sean Davis (@seanmdav) <a href="https://twitter.com/seanmdav/status/1902847460168360392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Politicon 2019 – Day 2

Former Wrestler Calls Walz’s Bluff, Challenges Him To Charity Match

Gavin Newsom

Media

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

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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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
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

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***.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
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.

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

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