Only One WWE Legend Attended The Iron Sheik’s Funeral

The Iron Sheik is recognized as one of the most iconic WWF/WWE heels in the 1980s.

Also known for his signature move, the Camel Clutch, Sheik reigned as the World Heavyweight Champion for 28 days before he was dethroned by Hulk Hogan at Madison Square Garden on January 23, 1984.

Hogan’s victory at MSG launched Hulkamania, propelling him to superstardom. Despite his short title reign, Sheik’s heel persona played a crucial role in evoking emotions among fans amid real-life geopolitical tensions at the time.

A year later, Sheik also held the WWF/WWE World Tag Team Championship with Nikolai Volkoff for 78 days before being defeated by The US Express duo of Barry Windham and Mike Rotunda.

In 1984, he was also involved in a bitter feud with Sgt. Slaughter that carried a jingoistic angle, drawing massive heat every time he appeared in the arena.

Sgt. Slaughter recently revealed that he was the only wrestler at Iron Sheik’s funeral, calling it ‘pretty horrendous.’

WWE Legend Recalls The Iron Sheik’s Passing And Funeral

Despite being foes on screen, WWE legends The Iron Sheik and Sgt. Slaughter shared a close friendship backstage.

Slaughter recently appeared for an interview with Going Ringside, where he recalled Shiek’s legacy, while also sharing that he was present at his funeral.

He was one of those guys that no matter how many times you knocked him down, he’s back up looking you right in the eye. Two years ago he passed. And I was the only wrestler at his funeral, which I thought was pretty horrendous, that I was the only wrestler to go to his funeral.

Slaughter recalled that Shiek’s funeral took place in Atlanta, where many wrestlers resided, yet no one turned up.

He lived in Atlanta, where all the wrestlers lived. So I thought that was kind of a slap in the face.

H/T: WrestlingNews.co