Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, the Iranian-born pro wrestler better known as the Iron Sheik, has died, the caretakers of his official social media accounts announced Wednesday. He was 81.

"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," reads a note posted to the Iron Sheik's Twitter and Facebook accounts. "It is with great sadness that 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."