The Iron Sheik, whose real name was Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, was the first and only Iranian champion in WWE history, having defeated Bob Backlund for the WWE championship, ending Backlund's 648-day reign. Khosrow was one of the greatest heel characters in wrestling history during his in-ring career, which included a rivalry with Hulk Hogan that concluded with Hogan winning his first WWE championship in 1983, launching his Hulkamania run and leading the company's 1980s boom in popularity.

Khosrow, a former National AAU Greco-Roman wrestling gold medalist, wrestled as 'The Iron Sheik' in numerous wrestling promotions during the territory era, which also included Jim Crockett Promotions, Mid-South Wrestling and Georgia Championship Wrestling, as well as later run with World Championship Wrestling, prior to returning full-time to the then-World Wrestling Federation from 1991-92 and later making sporadic appearances for WWE until his death.

Khosrow also gained popularity outside of wrestling in his latter years for his social media presence, denouncing various wrestlers and celebrities through handlers of his Twitter account.

Lionel Messi to Sign With MLS Team: Report

Nick Wright: The Real Reason the LeBron James-to-Mavericks Rumors Came Out

Colin Cowherd on Garoppolo Injury: 'Raiders Should Tank For Caleb Williams'

‘Shame on You PGA Tour’: Colin Cowherd Mocks PGA After Merging With LIV

Shakira is Rumored to Be Dating This Top Athlete

Jason Whitlock Rips 'Woke' ESPN For Not Defending Sam Ponder on Lia Thomas

Colin Cowherd Makes His NBA Finals Predictions After Heat Steal Game 2

Here's What Colin Cowherd Had to Say About the LeBron-to-Mavericks Rumors

Jason McIntyre Ranks His Top 10 Most Improved NFL Teams

Reason Gervonta 'Tank' Davis' Was Taken Back Into Custody is Revealed

On-Air Schedule