Former WWE heavyweight star 'The Iron Sheik' passed away at the age of 81 yesterday.
The former WWF World Heavyweight champion, whose real name is Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri competed on Iran's Greco-Roman wrestling team at the 1968 Summer Games.
Vaziri later won a national AAU title in 1971 after moving to the United States. Vaziri became a star after he transitioned to the WWF in 1979. His rivalries with the likes of Hulk Hogan, Jesse 'The Body' Ventura, and Andre 'The Giant' Roussimoff proved to catch the eyes of many in the 1980s.
Outside of the wrestling world, Vaziri was married to Caryl J. Peterson for nearly fifty years prior to his death.
But who is The Iron Sheik's wife, Caryl J. Peterson? Do the pair have any children? Mail Sport provides the answers below.
Former WWE star Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, known as 'The Iron Sheik' has passed away aged 81
Tributes from key figures in the WWE community have come pouring in since Vaziri's death which includes Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson
Who is The Iron Sheikh's wife Caryl Vaziri?For nearly 50 years, Vaziri was married to Caryl J. Peterson after they tied the knot in 1976.
Gene Okerlund, who was well-known for his role as an interviewer, an announcer and a television host in the wrestling industry, was the best man at the wedding.
While Caryl is not well-known to the public eye, it is believed that she supported Vaziri throughout his career and attended several events.
In a statement released by the family following his death, it mentions the fact that Caryl 'stood by his side through thick and thin' and would offer 'unwavering encouragement throughout his life.
'Their bond was an anchor, providing him with the strength to face the challenges that life presented.'
Do they have any children?
Vaziri has three daughters, Tanya, Nikki, Marissa with Caryl.
The Iron Sheik is survived by his five grandchildren, Marissa, Xahra, Alexis, Chloe and Niko.
What's been said on The Iron Sheik's death?
While the cause of his death is yet to be revealed, the Iron Sheik's family released a statement on his Twitter account Wednesday.
'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,' read the posthumous tweet.
'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.
'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.
RESPECT THE LEGEND FOREVER �� pic.twitter.com/Cr6CC9pXSO
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) June 7, 2023
Vaziri's family took to social media to confirm the news of 'The Iron Sheik's' passing yesterday
Dwayne Johnson was one of several stars who paid tribute to Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri
'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.'
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson was quick to lead the tributes for the former wrestler, tweeting: 'Rest in Power, Uncle Sheiky Thank you for paving the way Love, light and strength to Caryl & the ohana x [sic],' he tweeted.
In a video uploaded to social media, Johnson said: 'I grew up calling the Iron Sheik 'Uncle Sheiky.
Triple H was also quick to offer his condolences to The Iron Sheik's family following his passing
'When my dad and the Iron Sheik used to wrestle together—not only in the WWE—but also before that when we were living in the Carolinas, in North Carolina. And my dad and the Iron Sheik were wrestling together there for the National Wrestling Alliance, Uncle Sheiky would come over to the house and his wife would babysit me.'
Chief content officer, 'Triple H,' was also quick to send his condolences to the Vaziri family.
'The legend. An all-time great performer and WWE Hall of Famer who brought his character to life and transcended our business,' he tweeted.
'My condolences to The Iron Sheik’s family, friends and fans.
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