Over the years, The Iron Sheik has become known to a new generation of pro wrestling fans due to his antics. It's been said that Sheik plays up to his 'crazy' persona, because it has helped make him relevant again. A huge star in the 1980's, The Iron Sheik was also a notoriously hot-headed individual who could fly off the handle if he felt insulted. That's something Owen Hart was only too aware of. Bored in his hotel room one evening, Hart decided to play a prank on the volatile Sheik. Calling his room, Owen pretended to be a reporter from a local newspaper, who was interested to learn about the wrestling legend's life and career. Playing to Sheik's achievements as an Amateur Wrestler, this "journalist" buttered up the then-WWF star by indulging him with compliments. Suddenly, things started to turn sour, much to the chagrin of the veteran grappler. Out of nowhere, Owen changed his tone, remarking that whilst Sheik had been an excellent Amateur star, he wasn't all that great in the professional game. Becoming flustered, Sheik threatened the man on the other side of the line. This is where Owen really pulled a masterstroke, informing his prank victim that he was in the same hotel, and would be game for fighting. Various members of the WWF locker room gathered, giggling with glee as an irate Iron Sheik emerged from his room wearing nothing but a towel. On the hunt for the non-existent reporter, Sheik was none the wiser about the whole joke. Reportedly, it took hours for the guy to calm down, and by that time, Owen Hart was likely sound asleep.
Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.
