(CNN) — Professional wrestler “The Iron Sheik” has died, according to a post on his Twitter page, at the age of 81.
“Today, we gather with heavy hearts to bid farewell to a true legend, a natural force, and a distinguished personality who left an incredible mark on the world of professional wrestling,” the post read.
Sheikh Hadidi, whose real name is Hossein Khosrow Ali Waziri, was born in Iran where he first started his wrestling career. He rose to prominence in the United States in the 1980s as “one of the greatest wrestling villains in the history of sports entertainment”, and was best known for his “twisting boots and camel-clutch move” according to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
The Iron Sheik became the then World Wrestling Federation Champion in 1983 and held the title for just under a month before losing it to Hulk Hogan, according to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
“Throughout his career, The Iron Sheik has become a cultural phenomenon, transcending the world of professional wrestling to become a pop culture icon,” the post read on Twitter. “His memorable catchphrases and unforgettable moments are etched in the memories of fans all over the world. He left an indelible mark on the industry, and his influence can still be felt in the wrestling world today.”
Here is a look at the infographic above on the most prominent facts about the wrestling champion, nicknamed the Iron Sheikh.
