There is an entire generation of children (those aged 5-12 or so during the mid-80s to early 90s) who were mesmerized by WWF professional wrestling. I was on the younger end of that spectrum, so I don't specifically remember watching the Iron Sheik, but I do know a bit of the sport's history and I am well-aware of his significance to the business (especially his title- changing bout with Hulk Hogan). Plus, it is always utterly fascinating to me to hear more stories of how these men we so looked up to as children are getting along (or, more often than not, NOT getting along) later in life. This documentary did not disappoint.
This doc is broken up into four general segments...
-"Early Years"...How a superb, Olympic-quality wrestler named Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri was the sporting darling of Iran 1960s, but then left the country due to its political unrest and the fact that fame seemed to equal assassination. -"Pro Wrestling Career"...Hossein begins with Verne Gagne's AWA and tries to be a babyface (good guy), but doesn't "pop" enough. So, it is suggested that he become a "heel" (villain), playing the "Iranian baddie" that all the fans hated. He quickly took his act to the WWF, settled on the Iron Sheik moniker, and became the first real popular villain in that organization. -"The Fall"...After getting caught possessing drugs in the late 1980s, Sheik is blackballed by Vince McMahon and shrinks down to the independent circuits (bars & high school gyms) in order to make a living. During this phase of his life, he hits the bottle hard and then becomes involved heavily in the drug scene. -"The Return"...Sheik is helped by a couple of young men who are fans of his, decide to get the man back on his feet, and make him a notable presence in the social media community.
There are many things to like in this documentary. I had no idea that The Sheik was so popular and instantly recognizable. I didn't know his history as a true wrestler, or his quick fall from grace. He is even shown to have a caring wife, a family that generally supports him (though not his drug habits), and a presence on social member that is quite impressive (if perhaps a bit sad, as he is kind of just mocking himself).
Mainly, though, I think "Sheik" will primarily appeal to classic WWF fans (like myself) who are always fascinated by how these guys "turned out", so to speak. These men were legends in their own little world of pro wrestling...but then what happens when that world is no longer open to them? More often than not, the ending is not good (many unexpected deaths or crippled lives). The Sheik is really no different...except that through the love and support of his family and friends, he was able to draw himself up from his darkest days and become a charismatic figure once again.
I had no idea what to expect coming into this viewing experience, and I was thrilled to be so emotionally and historically invested in the journey. If you are of "that certain age" where the WWF was a large part of your childhood. I think a similar process will happen with you.
This doc is broken up into four general segments...
-"Early Years"...How a superb, Olympic-quality wrestler named Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri was the sporting darling of Iran 1960s, but then left the country due to its political unrest and the fact that fame seemed to equal assassination. -"Pro Wrestling Career"...Hossein begins with Verne Gagne's AWA and tries to be a babyface (good guy), but doesn't "pop" enough. So, it is suggested that he become a "heel" (villain), playing the "Iranian baddie" that all the fans hated. He quickly took his act to the WWF, settled on the Iron Sheik moniker, and became the first real popular villain in that organization. -"The Fall"...After getting caught possessing drugs in the late 1980s, Sheik is blackballed by Vince McMahon and shrinks down to the independent circuits (bars & high school gyms) in order to make a living. During this phase of his life, he hits the bottle hard and then becomes involved heavily in the drug scene. -"The Return"...Sheik is helped by a couple of young men who are fans of his, decide to get the man back on his feet, and make him a notable presence in the social media community.
There are many things to like in this documentary. I had no idea that The Sheik was so popular and instantly recognizable. I didn't know his history as a true wrestler, or his quick fall from grace. He is even shown to have a caring wife, a family that generally supports him (though not his drug habits), and a presence on social member that is quite impressive (if perhaps a bit sad, as he is kind of just mocking himself).
Mainly, though, I think "Sheik" will primarily appeal to classic WWF fans (like myself) who are always fascinated by how these guys "turned out", so to speak. These men were legends in their own little world of pro wrestling...but then what happens when that world is no longer open to them? More often than not, the ending is not good (many unexpected deaths or crippled lives). The Sheik is really no different...except that through the love and support of his family and friends, he was able to draw himself up from his darkest days and become a charismatic figure once again.
I had no idea what to expect coming into this viewing experience, and I was thrilled to be so emotionally and historically invested in the journey. If you are of "that certain age" where the WWF was a large part of your childhood. I think a similar process will happen with you.