Deaths on January 18

Ed Farhat

Died on January 18, 2003

Ed Farhat, American wrestler and trainer (b. 1924)

Edward George Farhat: The Original Sheik and Pioneer of Hardcore Wrestling

Edward George Farhat (June 7, 1926 – January 18, 2003) was a truly revolutionary American professional wrestler, universally known by his infamous ring name, The Sheik. Often distinguished as The Original Sheik to differentiate him from the later WWE Hall of Famer The Iron Sheik (who debuted in 1972), Farhat cultivated one of wrestling's most terrifying and unforgettable personas. He was presented as an unpredictable, almost feral Arab villain, often employing foreign objects, seemingly spontaneous acts of violence, and his signature fireball, which he would hurl at unsuspecting opponents or referees, instantly igniting fear and controversy in arenas worldwide.

Innovator of Hardcore Wrestling

Farhat is widely credited as one of the fundamental originators of the hardcore wrestling style, a brutal and often bloody approach to professional wrestling that prioritized intensity and shock value over traditional technical maneuvers. He was notorious for disregarding conventional rules, frequently introducing foreign objects such as pencils, chairs, and even fire into his matches, and was one of the earliest practitioners of "blading" (self-inflicted cuts to induce bleeding) to heighten the dramatic effect. This pioneering, extreme approach laid much of the groundwork for future hardcore movements, notably influencing promotions like Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) decades later.

Promotional Powerhouse: Big Time Wrestling and Beyond

Beyond his groundbreaking in-ring career, Farhat was also a highly successful and influential wrestling promoter, leading his own territory, Big Time Wrestling. Based primarily out of Detroit, Michigan, Big Time Wrestling was a prominent National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) affiliate that drew huge crowds throughout the Great Lakes region. Farhat routinely promoted his captivating and often chaotic shows at the iconic Cobo Hall (now Huntington Place) in Detroit, a venue synonymous with professional wrestling in the Midwest for decades.

His influence extended beyond his own promotion; from 1971 to 1977, Farhat served as the head booker for Frank Tunney's renowned shows at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Ontario. In this crucial behind-the-scenes role, he was responsible for crafting storylines, determining match outcomes, and developing talent, significantly shaping the professional wrestling landscape across a vast expanse of North America during that period.

A Lasting Legacy and Family Connection

Farhat's profound impact on the industry is further underscored by his familial connection: he was the uncle and a significant mentor to Terry Brunk, better known to wrestling fans as the innovative ECW daredevil Sabu. Sabu's own high-risk, uninhibited style clearly bore the stylistic hallmarks of his legendary uncle, continuing The Sheik's legacy of pushing boundaries and thrilling audiences with unpredictable, violent spectacles. Edward George Farhat's contributions as an innovator, performer, and promoter cemented his place as one of professional wrestling's most iconic and enduring figures.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Original Sheik

Who was Edward George Farhat, also known as The Sheik?: Edward George Farhat (1926-2003) was an American professional wrestler and promoter widely recognized by his ring name, The Sheik, often called The Original Sheik. He was famous for his controversial "Middle Eastern madman" persona and his pioneering work in the hardcore wrestling style.
What was The Sheik's significant contribution to professional wrestling?: The Sheik is credited as one of the originators of hardcore wrestling, a style characterized by extreme violence, the use of foreign objects, and a disregard for traditional rules. He famously utilized fireballs, pencils, and chairs in his matches, profoundly influencing future generations of wrestlers and promotions like ECW.
What was Big Time Wrestling?: Big Time Wrestling was a prominent professional wrestling promotion based in Detroit, Michigan, run by Edward George Farhat (The Sheik). It was a key National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) affiliate that regularly drew large crowds to venues like Cobo Hall, establishing itself as a significant regional territory.
How was The Sheik related to ECW wrestler Sabu?: Edward George Farhat (The Sheik) was the uncle of Terry Brunk, famously known as the ECW wrestler Sabu. The Sheik served as a mentor to Sabu, whose high-risk, unpredictable, and often violent in-ring style was heavily influenced by his legendary uncle's pioneering hardcore approach.

References

Ed Farhat

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Events on 2003

17 Mar

2003 invasion of Iraq
Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Robin Cook, resigns from the British Cabinet in disagreement with government plans for the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
7 Apr

Saddam Hussein
U.S. troops capture Baghdad; Saddam Hussein's regime falls two days later.
27 Aug

North Korea and weapons of mass destruction
The first six-party talks, involving South and North Korea, the United States, China, Japan and Russia, convene to find a peaceful resolution to the security concerns of the North Korean nuclear weapons program.
12 Sep

Pan Am Flight 103
The United Nations lifts sanctions against Libya after that country agreed to accept responsibility and recompense the families of victims in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103.
12 Nov

2003 invasion of Iraq
Iraq War: In Nasiriyah, Iraq, at least 23 people, among them the first Italian casualties of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, are killed in a suicide bomb attack on an Italian police base.