Wrestling icon The Iron Sheik dead at 81
WWE Hall of Famer and 1980s professional wrestling icon The Iron Sheik died Wednesday at the age of 81.
His death was announced on his official Twitter account. No cause of death was given for the Sheik, whose real name was Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri.
"Today, we gather with heavy hearts to bid farewell to a true legend, a force of nature, and an iconic figure who left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling," the lengthy post began. "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 Sheik was known for his rivalries with Hulk Hogan, Bob Backlund and Sgt. Slaughter among others. He was a former WWF world heavyweight champion, earning induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
The Iranian-born Iron Sheik often referred to himself as "the legend" while his opponents might get tagged with the "jabroni" label.
"The Iron Sheik became a cultural phenomenon, transcending the realm of professional wrestling to become a pop culture icon," the Twitter post went on. "His memorable catchphrases and unforgettable moments are etched into the memories of fans worldwide. He left an indelible mark on the industry, and his influence can still be felt in the world of wrestling today."
According to the Twitter post, Vazziri is survived by his wife, Caryl, and his children Tanya, Nikki and Marisa.
--Field Level Media
CTVNews.ca Top Stories

LIVE UPDATES 'A very exciting day': Ukraine's Zelenskyy on Parliament Hill, Canada to offer more aid
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and cabinet on Parliament Hill, where he will give an address. Ahead of that, CTV News has confirmed the federal government will announce $650M in additional military assistance, including supplying more Leopard 2 tanks. Follow along for live updates.
BREAKING Cyber security officials urge 'vigilance' against threats as Zelenskyy visits Canada
As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visits Canada, top security officials are re-issuing a call to 'adopt a heightened state of vigilance, and to bolster … awareness of and protection against malicious cyber threats.'
McNaughton is third Ford cabinet minister to resign in past 3 weeks
Ontario Labour Minister Monte McNaughton announced on Friday he is stepping away from politics after accepting a job in the private sector. McNaughton is the third minister to resign from Premier Doug Ford's cabinet this month, though he said his departure is not connected to the unfolding Greenbelt development scandal.
Ukrainian missile strikes headquarters of Russia's Black Sea Fleet, building smolders
Ukraine carried out a missile strike Friday on the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea Fleet, a Russian official said, and images on social media showed large plumes of smoke said to be coming from Sevastopol harbour in the annexed Crimea.
How to tell if your symptoms are from COVID, a cold or the flu
Telling the difference between a developing case of the flu, a cold or COVID-19 is even more difficult than before, as more distinctive symptoms such as the loss of taste or smell have become less common over time, experts say.
Amazon Prime Video will soon come with ads, or a US$2.99 monthly charge to dodge them
Amazon Prime Video will include advertising during shows and movies starting early next year, joining other streaming services that have added different tiers of subscriptions.
Is a 'no-tipping' policy ready to be adopted by Canadian restaurants?
As Canadians report their frustrations with 'out-of-control' tipping culture, some wonder whether it is time to remove the option to tip at restaurants and is it even possible amid rising food costs?
Ontario woman issues warning about scam involving fake Service Canada employee that cost her $50K
An Ontario woman is warning others after a fraudster impersonating a Service Canada employee convinced her to empty out $50,000 from her bank account.
Canada ranked 8th among 11 developed countries in seniors' care. How can we improve?
A new study from the C.D. Howe Institute compares seniors’ care in Canada to that of other wealthy nations, providing insights into its relative performance and areas for improvement.