Time Travel Art Machine: The Iron Sheik

The real.

With the sad news yesterday that The Iron Sheik passed away, I thought it’d be nice to share this painting I made of him years ago for when he was honored by the Dan Gable Museum. The museum had asked me to make this to go along with the ceremony, which I was more than happy to do.

A funny digression: The museum had brought in a Rascal scooter for him to get around in due to his mobility issues and a powered wheelchair for another guest (I think it was Ken Patera but I could be wrong). I was there working on another painting and my wife Katy was helping the museum with social media that year, when the director of the museum comes roaring around the corner on the Rascal. Next thing we know, Katy and I were racing around inside the building during its off-hours laughing hysterically.

The day of the ceremony, Sheik and his family came in and were touring the museum beforehand. They had stopped to look at the painting and I was ushered over to introduce myself to them. His family could not have been more lovely and gracious and were obviously so happy for him.

“YOU…” he said, pointing at me, then at the painting, “Are ARTIST.” He gave me a thumbs-up and a nod. I thanked him and his family profusely and it’s one of my fondest memories in my career.

Growing up, my only wrestling toy was an Iron Sheik LJN figure. And now here I was, having a real and genuine moment with him and his family as he was being honored for his momentous career.

Humbling.

Love you more,

Rob