Principal Media, a global content licensing and channel distribution company, has licensed exclusive US linear broadcast rights to the critically acclaimed documentary The Sheik to VICE TV, America’s fastest-growing entertainment cable network.

The Sheik chronicles Khosrow Vaziri’s electrifying career as a pro wrestler known as ‘The Iron Sheik’ From his upbringing in Iran to his journey to America and unprecedented experiences as America’s most-hated villain, this documentary explores Vaziri’s phenomenal success, love of America, devastating injuries he sustained and personal tragedies. He was a bodyguard to the Shah of Iran, an Olympic coach, a WWE champion and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. Featured in the documentary are interviews with Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Jim Duggan, Seth Green, Hulk Hogan, family members, and wrestling and Iranian historians.

“In a time when documentaries are one of the most sought after genres, Principal Media is very proud to represent this incredible film and to have it make its US broadcast debut on VICE TV,” notes Melanie Torres, SVP, Global Distribution, Principal Media. “Khosrow Vaziri’s journey from humble beginnings in Iran to become a WWE Hall of Famer, and his personal triumphs and tragedies make for a riveting film. You don’t have to be a wrestling fan to be moved and inspired by his story.”

The Sheik was directed by Igal Hecht and produced by Aaron Avruskin, Igal Hecht, Jeremy Shell and Stuart Stone. Principal Media represented global broadcast and digital rights to the film.