Childhood and Education Journey of The Iron Sheik in Timeline
An overview of the childhood and early education of The Iron Sheik, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.
Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, famously known as The Iron Sheik, was an Iranian-American professional and amateur wrestler, and actor. He achieved significant recognition in WWE, becoming the only Iranian champion in the company's history by winning the WWF World Heavyweight Championship in 1983. His career spanned various wrestling promotions, and he maintained a memorable persona both inside and outside the ring. He was known for his patriotic fervor for Iran and his intense rivalries, most notably with Hulk Hogan.
March 15, 1942: Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri Born
On March 15, 1942, Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, later known as The Iron Sheik, was born.
1942: Birth in Damghan, Iran
In 1942, Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri was born in Damghan, Imperial State of Iran, growing up in a working-class family.
1968: Olympic Aspirations and Emigration Decision
In 1968, Vaziri competed for a spot on Iran's Greco-Roman wrestling team for the Summer Olympics in Mexico City. Following Gholamreza Takhti's death in 1968, Vaziri decided to emigrate to the United States to advance his career due to safety concerns.
1972: Assistant Coach for Olympic Games
In 1972, Vaziri became the assistant coach for the USA team for the Olympic Games in Munich.
March 21, 1976: Marriage to Caryl Peterson
On March 21, 1976, Vaziri married American Caryl Peterson.
1980: Departure from WWF
In 1980, after feuding with Chief Jay Strongbow and Bruno Sammartino, The Great Hossein Arab left the WWF.
February 1981: Feud with Blackjack Mulligan Begins
In February 1981, Vaziri, as The Iron Sheik, began feuding with Blackjack Mulligan, engaging in cage matches and Texas street fights.
May 1981: End of Feud with Blackjack Mulligan
The feud between Vaziri (as The Iron Sheik) and Blackjack Mulligan ended in May 1981.
August 1981: Departure from Jim Crockett Promotions
In August 1981, Vaziri left Jim Crockett Promotions.
January 1982: Leaves Mid-South Wrestling
In January 1982, Vaziri left the Mid-South Wrestling promotion.
February 1982: Leaves Championship Wrestling from Florida
In February 1982, Vaziri left Championship Wrestling from Florida.
May 1987: Arrest with Jim Duggan
In May 1987, Jim Duggan and Vaziri were arrested in New Jersey for drug-related offenses, leading to the end of their angle, the Sheik's release, and Duggan's temporary departure from the WWF.
October 1987: Departure from WWF
In October 1987, The Iron Sheik left the WWF following his arrest and subsequent appearances at house shows.
1987: Feud with Matt Borne in WCCW
In 1987, The Iron Sheik competed in WCCW, where he feuded with Matt Borne over the WCWA Texas Heavyweight Championship.
January 1990: Final WCW match against Norman
In January 1990, The Iron Sheik finished his initial WCW tenure in house show matches against Norman.
January 26, 1991: Final WCW Match
On January 26, 1991, The Iron Sheik's final WCW match was against the Junkyard Dog in Columbia, South Carolina, after which he left the company.
May 19, 1992: Final Match in WWF
On May 19, 1992, Colonel Mustafa had his final match at a Superstars taping, defeating Reno Riggins, after which he left the promotion again.
May 2003: Daughter's Murder
In May 2003, Vaziri's eldest daughter Marissa Jeanne Vaziri was murdered by her boyfriend.
August 2013: Crowdfunding for Documentary
In August 2013, Iron Sheik's managers crowdsourced $40,441 to write, direct and produce a documentary.
2013: Claimed Sobriety
In 2013, Vaziri said he had been off cocaine for four years.
May 31, 2016: Death of Daughter's Killer
On May 31, 2016, Charles Warren Reynolds, who was convicted of murdering Vaziri's daughter, died in prison.
