| The Sheik | |
|---|---|
&sq=&lang=&file=File:The_Sheik_1973.jpg) Farhat, circa 1973 | |
| Birth name | Edward George Farhat |
| Born | June 7, 1926 Lansing, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | January 18, 2003 (aged 76) Williamston, Michigan, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Heart failure |
| Family | Sabu (nephew) |
| Professional wrestling career | |
| Ring name(s) | Eddie Farhat The Arabian Sheik The Original Sheik The Sheik The Sheik of Araby |
| Billed height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)[1] |
| Billed weight | 250 lb (113 kg)[1] |
| Billed from | "The Syrian Desert" |
| Debut | 1947 |
| Retired | May 5, 1995 (final match) December 11, 1998 (retirement ceremony) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1944–1946 |
| Battles / wars | World War II |
Edward George Farhat (June 7, 1926 – January 18, 2003) was an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name The Sheik (often called The Original Sheik to distinguish him from The Iron Sheik, who debuted in 1972). In wrestling, Farhat is credited as one of the originators of the hardcore style. In addition to his in-ring career, he was also the promoter of Big Time Wrestling, which promoted shows at Cobo Hall in Detroit until the 1980s, and was the booker for Frank Tunney's shows at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto from 1971 to 1977.[1]
Farhat is the uncle of Extreme Championship Wrestling alumnus Sabu, who he also trained.[2]
- ^ a b c Shields, Brian; Sullivan, Kevin (2009). WWE Encyclopedia. DK. p. 275. ISBN 978-0-7566-4190-0.
- ^ Johnson, Steven; Oliver, Greg (June 15, 2007). The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: Heels. ECW Press. ISBN 978-1550227598.