In a recent interview with the Going Ringside podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Sgt. Slaughter expressed his disappointment and outrage at what he perceives as a lack of support from his fellow wrestlers at the funeral of his longtime rival, the late Iron Sheik. The Iron Sheik, whose real name was Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, passed away in 2023.
A Lonely Tribute
Sgt. Slaughter claimed that he was the only wrestler to attend the Iron Sheik’s funeral, held in Atlanta, a city that is home to a large number of professional wrestlers. This lack of turnout, according to Slaughter, was a slap in the face and a testament to the often-cold nature of the wrestling community.
“I thought that was pretty horrendous,” Slaughter said, his voice laced with frustration and disappointment. “I mean, we’re talking about a man who dedicated his life to this business, and yet, when he passes away, there’s nobody there to pay their respects. It’s just a sad commentary on the state of our industry.”
A Legacy of Rivalry
For those who may not be aware, the Iron Sheik and Sgt. Slaughter were long-time rivals in the WWE, with their feud spanning several years during the 1980s. Their matches were often intense and physical, with the two men engaging in a series of brutal brawls that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Despite their animosity towards each other in the ring, Slaughter and the Iron Sheik reportedly developed a begrudging respect for one another outside of the wrestling world. However, it seems that this respect was not shared by their fellow wrestlers, who chose to stay away from the Iron Sheik’s funeral.
A Backstage Reaction
According to a source close to the WWE locker room, the news of Sgt. Slaughter’s comments has sparked a mix of reactions among his fellow wrestlers.
“Some guys are surprised that they didn’t know about the funeral and didn’t attend,” the source said. “Others are saying that they’re not surprised, given the way the wrestling business operates. Either way, it’s clear that the Iron Sheik’s passing has left a void in the wrestling community.”
The Iron Sheik’s Legacy
Despite his passing, the Iron Sheik’s legacy lives on in the world of professional wrestling. His feuds with Sgt. Slaughter and other top stars of the 1980s are still widely talked about today, and his impact on the sport cannot be overstated.
As one wrestling historian noted, the Iron Sheik’s influence can be seen in the way that modern-day wrestlers approach the character of the heel, or villain. His ability to bring a level of depth and nuance to the role of the bad guy has been an inspiration to many, and his legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.
A Final Thought
In the end, Sgt. Slaughter’s comments serve as a reminder of the often-cold and unforgiving nature of the wrestling business. While the Iron Sheik may have been a rival in the ring, he was still a human being who deserved respect and dignity in death.
As Slaughter noted, the lack of turnout at the Iron Sheik’s funeral was a slap in the face, and a sad commentary on the state of our industry. It’s a reminder that, despite the hype and glamour of the wrestling world, we are all human beings, and we all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
Sources:
- Sgt. Slaughter’s interview with the Going Ringside podcast
- A source close to the WWE locker room
- A wrestling historian