The Iron Sheik, a member of the WWE Hall of Fame, has died at the age of 81

Correction: A previous version of this article contained inaccurate information about the surviving family members of the deceased.

(KTLA) – Former professional wrestler The Iron Sheik has died, according to reports an announcement published on his Twitter page Wednesday mornings. He was 81 years old.

The Sheikh – real name Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri – was born in Iran but rose to fame in 1979 in the United States with World Wrestling Entertainment, then known as the World Wrestling Federation.

He was a mainstay of professional wrestling in the 1980s, developing a fierce rivalry with Hulk Hogan and later Sgt. Schlachten. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.

More recently, his Twitter account @the_ironsheik has attracted hundreds of thousands of followers, who have come to read his often mundane reactions, mostly in all caps and using the word “JABRONI”.

“F – THE APPLE VISION PRO HEADSET,” he wrote in one of his last letters.

The former wrestler is survived by Caryl, his wife of 47 years.

“Their bond was an anchor and gave him the strength to face the challenges that life has thrown at him,” the announcement reads.

He was preceded by his daughter Marissa, who was murdered by her boyfriend in 2003.

To Marissa and his surviving children, Tanya, Nikki and his son-in-law Eddie, he “wasn’t just a wrestling icon. He was a loving and dedicated father,” the announcement said.

“We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone who was touched by his overwhelming presence,” the announcement said. “May you find comfort in knowing that the legacy of the Iron Sheikh will forever be cherished and celebrated. Rest in peace dear sheik and thank you for the memories.”

The WWE lamented the death of the Iron Sheikh on Twitter on twitter.

“WWE is saddened by the passing of WWE Hall of Famer The Iron Sheik and extends its condolences to his family, friends and fans,” the company wrote.