THE SHEIK SERVED IN WWII BEFORE LIGHTING UP THE RING
Returning to civilian life after serving in the American Armed Forces can mean many different things depending on the path you take. There are a wide range of careers and pursuits that military life can actually help you become better prepared for through training, discipline, and experience. But some are more conventional than others. For example, becoming a professional wrestler isn’t exactly the most traditional path for anyone, but for Edward “The Sheik” Farhat, not to be confused with The Iron Sheik, that’s exactly what he did. From battling it out in World War II to taking down opponents in the middle of the ring, Farhat did it all. The wrestler The Sheik was born following Farhat's military service and his impact on the community can still be felt today. Related Read: 11 of the Best Military Movies in 2022 To Binge-Watch Now
Edward Farhat Went From WW2 Hero to The Sheik Wrestler
Before The Sheik arrived on the scene and a WWE Hall of Fame career was born, there was Edward Farhat. A boy who lived in a large family founded by Lebanese immigrants in Michigan. He’d go on to be drafted as a Soldier in the U.S. Army and help the cause by serving during World War II. Four of his older brothers had already joined the service, and Farhat himself attempted but failed to join the Marine Corps while he was underage by using his older brother Edmund's birth certificate. Nevertheless, he would be called to serve and eventually assigned to the 93rd Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron of the 13th Armored Division. But not before undergoing basic training where he would be introduced to the world of amateur wrestling. While at Camp Bowie, he would discover the sport. And, because he was actually involved in military life beginning in 1945—he was drafted while underage in 1944—there was beginning to be more and more downtime for troops. The war was ending and troops were using sports to pass the time between mop-up duty missions. This was the case with Farhat, who would find himself in Europe with time on his hands. After winning 22 bouts and moving to the heavyweight championship of the European Theater of Operations undefeated, it was clear that he had a gift for it. Farhat was supposed to go to Japan later that year and was at home when a monumental turning point in the war occurred. The U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Japan, thus ending the war. This would mean no need for such a deployment and Farhat was discharged in January 1946. Suggested Read: Famous Veterans: You’ll Never Believe These Celebrities Actually Served After returning to civilian life, Farhat kept in shape and was discovered at a local gym by promoters in the area. But it was the birth of his character The Arabian Sheik in 1949 that would end up becoming The Sheik of Araby and shortened again to The Sheik, and would ultimately define one of the most successful wrestling careers of the 20th century. To put things lightly, the character used less than sensitive stereotypes and imagery of Middle Eastern people, as it was a different time. But beyond this, his ability to take things to the next level and elevate stunts, such as his infamous ball of fire move, is what took his fame to new heights. Once an American hero, The Sheik was far from it. He was the villain when he stepped into the ring and provided much-needed drama for audiences across the world. Sadly, Farhat would pass in 2003 after retiring in 1998, but his hall-of-fame career lives on.
Other Notable Veteran Wrestlers
The Sheik the wrestler wasn’t the only Veteran turned professional wrestler. Again, while not the most traditional path back into civilian life, there have been notable wrestlers throughout the years that have taken to the ring and served their country. Some include:
- Bobby Lashley
- Jesse “Road Dogg” James
- Jessie “The Body” Ventura
- Kevin Nash
- Sgt. Slaughter aka Robert Rudolph Remus
There are several paths that allow troops to hone their skills and then reenter civilian life to excel in their field. Sometimes, apparently, that means wrestling. But if a chef turned rapper turned wrestler can do it, why not the heroes of America?
How Did The Sheik Throw Fire?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atTJthSAjlc Throwing fire was The Sheik’s signature move and a spectacle to behold. As a wrestler, The Sheik was quite the showman and would throw fire at opponents as part of his routine. This was accomplished by using flash paper and igniting it before throwing them at his opponents. Safety concerns, however, would mount, due to the risks seen in the video above, and the move was ultimately banned. However, not before helping put The Sheik on the map. Despite the bans by multiple wrestling organizations over his throwing fire move, it would help propel him into stardom. Today, we still remember The Sheik as a star. He had the swagger and daring moves, and his influence and fame continue many decades later. But ultimately, it was his sacrifices to help keep America free that were his greatest contributions. Farhat will always be remembered as a Veteran, a wrestling icon, and a hero. Read Next: Where Is the Air Force One Cast Now?