Dwayne Johnson Pays Heartfelt Tribute To Late WWE Legend The Iron Sheik

The wrestling world is in mourning following the passing of legendary wrestler, The Iron Sheik at the age of 81. The former heavyweight champion and WWE Hall of Fame inductee leaves behind a lasting legacy in professional wrestling, including defeating Bob Backlund for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship in 1983.

The Iron Sheik's iconic "Camel Clutch" finishing maneuver and his contributions to the sport will be remembered by fans and wrestlers alike.

Condolences and tributes have already poured in from the wrestling community, including wrestlers Drew Gulak and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and commentator Ian Riccaboni.

Keep on reading to learn more.

The wrestling world was plunged into sorrow as news broke of the passing of The Iron Sheik, 81, a former heavyweight champion and a revered member of the WWE Hall of Fame.

In a statement shared on social media, representatives of the legendary wrestler confirmed the heartbreaking loss and expressed their deep sadness.

"Today, we gather with heavy hearts to bid farewell to a true legend, a force of nature, and an iconic figure who left an incredible mark on the world of professional wrestling. It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of The Iron Sheik, but we also take solace in knowing that he departed this world peacefully, leaving behind a legacy that will endure for generations to come," the statement read.

The Iron Sheik is survived by his wife, Caryl Peterson, whom he married in 1976. His children, Tanya, Nikki, Marissa, and his son-in-law Eddie mourn the loss of a remarkable father and a wrestling legend.

Hailing from Damghan, Iran, Sheik was born in 1942. His journey began with a remarkable stint in amateur wrestling, representing Iran's national team at the 1968 Summer Olympics. He later ventured to the 1972 Summer Games in Munich, serving as an assistant coach for the esteemed U.S. national team.

Soon, Verne Gagne, a renowned WWE Hall of Fame wrestler and wrestling promoter, recognized his potential and recruited him for the American Wrestling Association promotion in Minneapolis.

Under Gagne's tutelage, Sheik honed his skills and collaborated with wrestling pros such as Ricky Steamboat and Japanese heavyweight Antonio Inoki.

There, Sheik learned how to become a pro wrestler and worked with the likes of Ricky Steamboat and famed Japanese heavyweight Antonio Inoki before leaving to join the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).

Sheik's path eventually led him to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) grand stage. One of his most iconic contributions was the creation of the devastating "Camel Clutch" finishing maneuver. This move continues to be used by numerous stars in professional wrestling to this day.

Renowned as one of the biggest WWE stars, the Iron Sheik's illustrious career reached its zenith in 1983 with an unforgettable showdown at Madison Square Garden, where he defeated WWE Hall of Famer Bob Backlund, who is revered as one of professional wrestling's greatest world champions.

Backlund had held the prestigious title since 1978, making his reign the second-longest in WWE history. The Iron Sheik's win shattered Backlund's dominance. Ultimately, Hulk Hogan dethroned the Sheik, claiming the coveted WWF World Heavyweight Championship and giving rise to "Hulkamania."

In 1985, he partnered with Nikolai Volkoff to capture the WWF Tag Team Championship. In 2005, Sheik was inducted into the prestigious WWE Hall of Fame by Sgt. Slaughter, a long-time rival and former partner.

Upon the news of his passing, the world of professional wrestling mourned the loss of a true icon. The WWE expressed their condolences, stating, "WWE is saddened to hear of the passing of WWE Hall of Famer The Iron Sheik, and extends its condolences to his family, friends, and fans."

Several tributes poured in to honor the iconic wrestler in the wake of his passing. Drew Gulak, a WWE star, took to social media to express his condolences tweeting, "He was a great performer! Wrestlers should continue to study his body of work."

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson joined in mourning the loss of the Iron Sheik. He bid farewell to the icon in a tweet, writing, "Rest in Power, Uncle Sheiky. Thank you for paving the way. Love, light, and strength to Caryl & the ohana x."

Wrestling commentator Ian Riccaboni also tweeted, "There will never be another Iron Sheik. The world, not just wrestling, was better for having Sheik here."