World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) star The Iron Sheik, recognized for his on-stage rivalry with Hulk Hogan, has died on the age of 81.

The Iranian-born skilled wrestler, actual title Khosrow Vaziri, gained the WWF World Heavyweight Championship in 1983.

He rose to fame within the wrestling world, portraying a villainous character towards Hogan, which helped to cement their names in wrestling historical past.

An announcement posted to Twitter confirmed his dying: "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."

It didn't provide any particulars of how Vaziri died.

He was described as a "devoted family man" having been married to his spouse Caryl for 47 years.

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The couple had three kids, Tanya, Nikki and Marissa and 5 grandchildren.

Athletes and numerous well-known faces paid tribute to the star, together with 14-time world wrestling champion and chief content material officer of WWE, Triple H.

He described Vaziri as a "legend", including: "An all-time great performer and WWE Hall of Famer who brought his character to life and transcended our business.

"My condolences to The Iron Sheik's household, buddies and followers."

WWE said it was "saddened" to listen to the news, extending condolences to his household, buddies and followers.

After retiring from wrestling, Vaziri gained a big social media following, with 645,000 followers on Twitter alone.

His profession was additionally the topic of a 2014 Apple TV documentary titled The Sheik, which explored how he began as a proficient athlete from Iran who constructed his occupation within the US as knowledgeable wrestler.