Two introductions for this one, one for WWE Old School, which shows the result of the match, then the classic introduction from the original broadcast. Before the match, Freddie Blassie tells Gene Okerlund that he and Iron Sheik prepared for Bob Backlund, but now have to face Hogan. Iron Sheik speaks Arabic before saying he’s been punished for being champion and having Hogan’s challenge thrown at him on short notice. Gene Okerlund says they’ve run out of time and Sheiky seemingly teleports to the ring. Hulk Hogan is shown backstage waiting for his music to start, the fans cheer as they notice him on the screen before he makes his way out.
Gorilla Monsoon and Pat Patterson are on commentary for this match, and Howard Finkel is our ring
announcer.
IRON SHEIK © VS.
HULK HOGAN
WWF Madison
Square Garden (23rd January
1984)
Hulk Hogan jumps The Iron Sheik from behind at the bell and sends him across the ring. Hogan follows with a back elbow in the corner.
Iron Sheik loses his robe, which seems like a good time to point out how often Gorilla Monsoon mentions a “stripping of a title” for the championship changing hands. Hulk Hogan sends Iron Sheik off the ropes and clotheslines him down with the robe into a chinlock that would be a blatant choke if it was a heel doing it. The referee throws the robe out of the ring, Hogan hits right hands in the corner before sending Sheik off the ropes into a clothesline. Hogan hits a knee drop before raking Iron Sheik’s eyes and lifting him in a choke. Hulk Hogan spits on Iron Sheik and I realise why they only show the end of this match in highlight packages. Iron Sheik is sent off the ropes into a Big Boot, Hogan covers but Sheik kicks out before 2. Hogan sends Sheik off the ropes into a running elbow and hits an elbow drop for 2. Iron Sheik is sent into the corner, but he avoids the charge. Iron Sheik lays in the boots and hits a backbreaker, dropping Hogan’s side across his knee. Iron Sheik covers but Hogan powers out before 2. Iron Sheik gets in more kicks before kicking the floor to load his boot. Iron Sheik kicks the challenger in the back before putting him in a boston crab. Hulk Hogan presses up to alleviate the pressure and kicks Sheik away. Iron Sheik hits a gutwrench suplex and covers, but Hogan gets his shoulder up. More kicks from Iron Sheik as he sets up the Camel Clutch.
Hulk Hogan fights it and gets to his feet, he backs Iron Sheik into the corner
to break the Champion’s grip and hits the Leg Drop
WINNER: HULK HOGAN (NEW WWF Champion)
The microphones are getting feedback
from the crowd noise as Hulk Hogan celebrates with his belt.
.This is a historic match, but
not a great one. The crowd were pulling everything Hogan did against the hated
champion and exploded when he won, the finish was sudden but I guess Hogan didn’t
have the formula for his matches yet. [**]
3.5/10
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