On January 23, 1984, Hulk Hogan captured the WWF Title from Iron Sheik, setting in motion a four-year title reign for Hogan.

It was very rare to see a title change at the time, much less two title changes in one month. In December 1983, Sheik captured the WWF Title from Bob Backlund at Madison Square Garden, then Hogan captured the title the following month at MSG.

Fast-forward 29 years and current WWE champion C.M. Punk is the longest-reigning champion of the modern era, his reign lasting more than 430 days as champion. Will it last beyond Sunday's Royal Rumble PPV when Punk defends the WWE Title against The Rock? It remains to be seen.

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WWF House Show Review
January 23, 1984
New York City at Madison Square Garden
Retrospective Review by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

Main Event - WWF champion IRON SHEIK (w/Freddie Blassie) vs. "INCREDIBLE" HULK HOGAN -- WWF World Hvt. Title match

Before the match started, Howard Finkel handled ring introductions. Hogan was introduced from Venice Beach, Calif. and weighing 302 pounds. Defending champion Iron Sheik, from Iran, checked in at 258 lbs. Gorilla Monsoon and Pat Patterson introduced the match as WWE spotted a sign in the crowd reading, "Sheik is a Freak.":

The bell sounded while Sheik was too busy complaining about his robe, so Hogan attacked Sheik from behind with a double axehandle, popping the crowd. Hogan continued to work on Sheik, who remained dressed in his ring gear. Hogan choked Sheik on the mat, then the referee finally removed Sheik's robe from the situation.

Hogan delivered a "vicious clothesline," then a knee to the "throat area," as called by Gorilla. The crowd came alive anticipating a quick finish as Hogan lifted Sheik in the air for a chokehold into a slam. Hogan spit down at Sheik, then shot Sheik into the ropes for a big boot. Hogan was slow to cover, which allowed Sheik to escape a pin. Hogan followed with a big elbow, then a second, but Sheik kicked out. "Remember, The Sheik is tough," Patterson declared. Hogan then airballed a corner attack, giving Sheik an opening.

Sheik began kicking Hogan as the crowd chanted, "U-S-A." Sheik tried to quiet them, but the crowd grew louder. Sheik then lifted Hogan into the air for a backbreaker that resulted in a two count. Hogan shook off Sheik, but Sheik maintained control. Sheik then kicked his pointed-toe boot to signal heinous actions to follow before landing a boot to the back. Sheik continued to soften up Hogan before slapping on a Boston Crab. Hogan refused to give up, though, and did a push-up to escape. "What a maneuver by Hulk Hogan," Gorilla said.

Sheik followed with a suplex for a two count that drew oohs from the crowd. More kicks to the back, then Sheik slapped on the Camel Clutch. Sheik tried to humble Hogan as Patterson noted no one has been able to escape the Clutch. Gorilla said only the "immense power of the Hulk can save him." Hogan then powered his way to his feet to a big reaction since the crowd saw Bob Backlund drop the WWF Title to Sheik the month before via the Camel Clutch.

Hogan escaped by ramming Sheik into the corner turnbuckle, then Hogan reached his feet, bounced off the ropes, and dropped the Big Leg. Hogan covered Sheik, hooked the leg, and it was good for the three count. New WWF champion.

Post-match, Hogan stumbled around the ring selling the enormity of the moment for his career before receiving the WWF Title. "History made in Madison Square Garden," Gorilla said. Gorilla noted the crowd's excitement before uttering some of his most famous words: "Hulkamania is here."

WINNER: Hogan at 5:38 to capture the WWF World Hvt. Title.

[Hogan photo credit Travis Beaven (c) PWTorch.com]

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