The Sheik
Out of the fiery sands of the Syrian desert
came a man who would over the next three decades prove to be one of the most
inhuman monsters ever to invade the rings of professional wrestling. In the
early days of his career, he was known as The Sheik of Araby. Always accompanied
to the ring by The Princess, he employed a style of wrestling that was new and
unique to American fans. His ring antics, always cruel and heinous, would insure
his hand would be raised in victory while a bloody mess that once resembled
an opponent laid at his feet. The pre-match abuse he administered to The Princess
was a showing of things to come for whomever was unfortunate enough to be his
opponent that night. He would kick, hit, yell and spit at his Princess as she
kneeled before her master while holding the ceremonial incense. Often times
she would be physically kicked out of the ring, all this in full view of the
audience, be they in person or televised.
As the years progressed, The Princess would eventually disappear as would his
original name. He then became THE SHEIK. In the mid 1960's, he accepted the
services of a manager, Abdullah Farouk -evil incarnate-a nefarious man whose
ultimate goals paralleled those of The Sheik. A partnership cemented by the
blood of many opponents across America and throughout the world would result
in The Sheik being crowned the U.S.Champion, a title he would hold for the next
six years. This win catapulted The Sheik into the top position as the most sought
after wrestler in the world.
At the beginning of those years as champion,
The Sheik began to use any means necessary to maintain his position as U.S.Champion.
He would use foreign objects on his opponents as well as apply his trademark
hold, "The Camel Clutch". However there was one thing The Sheik could
do that no other wrestler could--throw FIRE!! Many notable wrestlers felt this
fire which was always thrown anytime The Sheik felt he was in danger of losing
his championship--a move always encouraged by the sinister Farouk. Witnesses
throughout the world say that when The Sheik would throw fire, he would appear
as though he was in a trance.
Over the past twenty years, The Sheik has maintained his position as wrestling's
quintessential mat madman. Has he mellowed at all? NO! If anything he has become
worse. Recently he found a new following in Japan, a country that appreciates
seasoned wrestlers and not just the youthful ones. Unfortunately America's big
promotions seem to be preoccupied with youthful wrestlers while ignoring the
true legends of wrestling. And no one in this sport is more of a legend than
The Sheik.