Photo: randy stewart / CC BY-SA 2.0 (source: Wikimedia Commons)
My Take
The Iron Sheik was wrestling distilled to its purest form: a real amateur grappler turned unforgettable villain, and the only Iranian to ever hold the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. What I admire is how he became more beloved in his later years than in his prime, reinventing himself as a profane, hilarious social media icon who charmed an entirely new generation. That second act, turning a hated heel into a cult-favorite elder statesman, is rare and genuinely moving. He passed in 2023, but his blend of legitimacy, menace, and warmth made him a true legend. The business was richer for having him.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- The Iron Sheik
- Name (Japanese)
- コシロ・バジリ
- Reading
- こしろ・ばじり
- Born
- March 15, 1942 – June 7, 2023
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Pisces / Horse
- Origin
- Damghan, Semnan Province, Iran
- Blood type
- Private
- Height
- 183 cm
- Agency
- Private
- Occupation
- professional wrestler / actor / amateur wrestler / athlete
2. Background
- Elementary school
- Private
- Junior high
- Private
- High school
- Private
- University
- Private
Awards & achievements
- WWE Hall of Fame
3. Relationships
- Spouse
- Private
- Children
- Private
- Parents
- Private
- Siblings
- Private
4. Personality
Motto
Private
6. Links
Frequently asked questions
When was The Iron Sheik born?
March 15, 1942 – June 7, 2023.
Where is The Iron Sheik from?
The Iron Sheik is from Damghan, Semnan Province, Iran.
What does The Iron Sheik do?
The Iron Sheik works as professional wrestler, actor, amateur wrestler, athlete.
How tall is The Iron Sheik?
The Iron Sheik is 183 cm.
Professional wrestler — see all → · Actor — see all → · More people from Iran →
7. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-17
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public items are marked "Private / Unknown". English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.