WWE star The Iron Sheikh has died at the age of 81, his official Twitter account announced on Wednesday.
The wrestling world was left bereft after news that the star - whose real name was Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri - had died.
Vaziri was born in Iran and became a worldwide superstar after winning the WWF World Heavyweight Championship in 1983.
Prior to finding fame, he had also competed on Iran's Greco-Roman wrestling team at the 1968 Summer Games and also won a national AAU title in 1971 after moving to the US.
He joined the WWF in its early days in 1979 and became globally renowned alongside Hulk Hogan, Andre 'The Giant' Roussimoff, and Jesse 'The Body' Ventura among others.
His family broke the news on Twitter, sharing a lengthy statement telling fans: "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."
They added 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.
"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."
WWE's official Twitter account also paid tribute to the legend, writing: "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."
The 6-foot, 250 lbs star made his way into theatrical wrestling after being invited to train at promoter Verne Gagne's gym in the early 1970s before becoming a trainer himself.
Vaziri soon caught the attention of the World Wrestling Federation as a 'bad guy', following in the footsteps of a previous wrestler known as The Sheik, going on to win the first ever Battle Royale at Madison Square Garden.
He became a staple figure in Wrestlemania as the tag-team partner of Nikolai Volkoff and found a new legion of fans in recent years thanks to his famed Twitter account.
While fans believed it may not have been him personally posting, the account was known for using the colorful and crass language he was known for.
His cause of death has not yet been revealed and he is survived by his wife of 47 years and his children.
Our thoughts are with The Iron Sheikh's family, friends, and fans at this heartbreaking time.
Featured image credit: Bobby Bank/WireImage
