WWE Hall of Famer The Iron Sheik left the wrestling world saddened with his sudden demise at the age of 81. Though he is no more now, Sheik’s legacy and the impact he had on the professional wrestling industry will live forever. As of now, several wrestling personalities and legends have granted their heartfelt condolences on the passing away of the legendary wrestler.
However, fans are surprised at the silence of Sheik’s greatest rival during his time in the WWE, Hulk Hogan. Hogan and The Iron Sheik had a notable and historic rivalry in the world of professional wrestling. Their feud, which took place in the 1980s, played a significant role in shaping the landscape of the industry at the time.
Before the Paul Orndorff and Roddy Piper rivalries there was the Iron Sheik rivalry & what a #1derful one it was with Hulk Hogan…#RespectTheLegend #RIPIronSheik pic.twitter.com/4e8KlZKJYa
— Mr. Wonderful – Paul Orndorff (@Pau1Orndorff) June 7, 2023
Their rivalry began in 1983 when The Iron Sheik won the WWE Championship, then known as the WWF Championship, by defeating Bob Backlund. Hogan, who was rising in popularity and had a massive following, set his sights on Sheik and the championship title. The pivotal moment in their rivalry came on January 23, 1984, at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
In what would become one of the most memorable matches in wrestling history, Hulkster challenged The Iron Sheik for the WWE Championship. Hogan emerged victorious, capturing the title and solidifying his place as the face of WWE’s expansion. The feud between Hogan and Sheik remains one of the most memorable and impactful rivalries in professional wrestling history.
Even after so much history and memories, Hogan didn’t even acknowledge the demise of his former rival as of now. And fans are wondering if it is because of the real-life animosity between the two. Moreover, Hogan’s reaction to Sheik passing away remains to be seen.
Did Hulk Hogan and The Iron Sheik hate each other in real life?
Hulk Hogan and The Iron Sheik had a real-life rivalry that extended beyond their on-screen interactions. It is accurate to say that Sheik had a strong dislike for Hulk Hogan. Their real-life animosity stemmed from various factors, including the incidents that occurred both inside and outside the wrestling ring.
The Iron Sheik has been vocal about his disdain for Hogan in interviews and on social media. He has criticized Hogan for what he perceives as disloyalty and for being a negative influence in the wrestling industry.
Sheik had also accused Hogan of playing a role in his release from WWE (then WWF) in 1985. And has expressed his belief that Hogan was not a genuine friend. Furthermore, The Iron Sheik has openly expressed his frustration with Hogan’s rise to stardom and the impact it had on his own career. Hogan reportedly did not agree to a rematch of the 1984 clash and also remained silent when Sheik approached him about a job at WCW.