WWE Hall of Famer and legendary fan favorite heel has died

The Iron Sheik attends the 2014 ESPY Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on July 16, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. He died Wednesday at 81. (Photo by C Flanigan/Getty Images)Getty Images

Hossein Khosrw Ali Vaziri, better known as professional wrestling legend "The Iron Sheik," has died.

He was 81.

His death was announced via his Twitter page with a long statement titled, "Respect The Legend Forever."

"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," the statement read. "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 generations to come."

The Iron Sheik began wrestling in 1973 and retired in 2010.

He was a colorful character in the ring – there are some shoot interviews floating around the interview that are pretty wild — who led a colorful life outside the squared circle, too. But he was authentic all the way, and as he might say, he was "the real."

In fact, while professional wrestling is indeed scripted, The Iron Sheik was a talented amateur wrestler who competed for a spot on Iran's team for the 1968 Summer Olympics. And, after moving to the United States, he won an AAU national title in 1971 and went on to become an assistant coach for the United States in the 1972 Olympics.

His big break came that year when Verne Gagne invited him to try out to become a professional wrestler. By 1979 he was in the WWE — then the WWF — and, although he had stints with other organizations along the way, he made his name there, particularly in his second and then third returns to the company in the early to mid-80s.

He was a one-time World Heavyweight Champion and a one-time WWF Tag Team Champion, along with Nikolai Volkoff, for the promotion. There was also a long list of other titles with other organizations such as the IWA and NWA.

There were some dark times, too, for The Iron Sheik which he spoke openly about in his later years. That included drug problems, and a widely reported and visible arrest which pulled back the curtain on professional wrestling in 1987. Back then, he was pulled over while riding in a car with "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan — the two were supposed to be enemies in the ring — in New Jersey. Police reportedly found marijuana on Duggan and cocaine on The Iron Sheik. The Sheik was released from WWE after the arrests made headline and Duggan was also out of the company for a time.

But The Iron Sheik was known for his strength in the ring, and he always found a way to rebound. So, he made it back to the WWE, and despite being such a good, and highly hated heel during his wrestling days, he became a beloved figure in his later years.

RESPECT THE LEGEND FOREVER 😢 pic.twitter.com/Cr6CC9pXSO

"Beyond the wrestling persona that the world knew so well, The Iron Sheik was a devoted family man," the post on his Twitter page Wednesday read. "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 band 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," the statement continued. "He was a loving and dedicated father. He instilled in them the values of perseverance, determination, and the importance of following their dreams. The Iron Sheik's guidance and unwavering belief in their potential served as a driving force for his children, empowering them to become the best versions of themselves."

The post went on to explain that his love extended to his grandchildren and noted that he left "an incredible impression on their hearts," while he "transcended the realm of sports entertainment."

"With his larger-than-life persona, incredible charisma, and unparalleled in-ring skills, he captivated audiences around the globe. He was a trailblazer, breaking barriers and paving the way for a diverse range of wrestlers who followed in his footsteps," the statement read. "Beyond the glitz and glamour of the squared circle, The Iron Sheik was a man of immense passion and dedication. He embodied resilience. He overcame countless challenges in his life, both inside and outside the wrestling ring. His journey from a small village in Iran to becoming one of the most recognizable figures in the world of wrestling is a testament to his unwavering determination."

The post noted that it wasn't just his "in-ring prowess that defined him."

"He embraced his role as a heel, becoming one of the most notorious villains in wrestling history," the statement read. "But he also won the hearts of millions with his charm and infectious spirit."

"As we bid farewell to The Iron Sheik, let us remember him not only for his athletic prowess but also for the joy and inspiration he brought into our lives," the statement said. "His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of fans, as well in the annals of wrestling history."

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