Nashville, Tennessee – When the legendary pro wrestling villain known as the Iron Sheik passed away at 81, he left behind a legacy that included his iconic finishing move, the Camel Clutch, along with a distinctive perspective on life where individuals were either seen as legitimate or dismissed as hacks – with no middle ground in between.
Beyond his notorious wrestling persona, the Iron Sheik also introduced one of the most memorable taunts in WWE history, which has now taken on new meaning thanks to a viral video featuring a Tennessee girl. In the eighties, after his rivalry with Hulk Hogan, the Iron Sheik teamed up with Nikolai Volkoff to form a tag team that mocked American dominance, shouting “Russia, Number One! Iran, Number One! U.S.A.? Hawk tuah!” before theatrically spitting on the wrestling mat, inciting uproar among crowds across various venues.
In a recent viral video, a young woman named Hailey Welch from Nashville recreated the iconic spitting sound associated with the Iron Sheik, sparking a surge in popularity. Welch’s humorous reenactment quickly gained widespread attention, leading her to capitalize on her newfound fame by selling merch, making guest appearances at events, and even receiving offers to spit into a jar for compensation.
As Welch’s rise to fame continues, resembling a modern-day pop culture sensation, parallels can be drawn between her playful imitation of the Iron Sheik and his original use of the phrase. The ongoing legacy of the Iron Sheik, now celebrated through Welch’s rendition of “Hawk Tuah,” exemplifies how cultural references can transcend time and generations, resonating with audiences in unexpected ways.
Although Welch has yet to confirm any direct influence from the Iron Sheik’s catchphrase, the wrestler’s online presence remains active, with his social media account recently highlighting his classic moment of spitting with the caption, “The Original Hawk Tuah.” Undoubtedly, the enduring impact of the Iron Sheik’s persona continues to captivate fans old and new, proving that entertainment and humor have a timeless appeal that transcends eras.