From December 26, 1983, to January 23, 1984, the Iron Sheik (born Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri) held the World Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Championship. Paired with the infamous Freddie Blassie as his manager, the Iron Sheik garnered immediate heat with his anti-American rhetoric and his famous line, "Iran number one!"
During his 28 day WWF Championship reign in late 1983 and early 1984, the Iron Shiek had a number of non-title matches as well as defended the WWF Championship 15 times. Major competitors for the title included older wrestlers at the end of their careers, Pat Patterson and Cheif Jay Strongbow. On a Monday night in New York City, the Iron Sheik eventually lost the title against Hulk Hogan, changing the course of professional wrestling forever.
Although the Iron Sheik's time as World Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Champion was short, he played a significant role as the "evil villain" needed at the right time to be defeated by an all-American hero, Hulk Hogan.
The Iron Sheik defeats Bob Backlund
Commentators: Gorilla Monsoon and Pat Patterson
The Iron Sheik with Ayatollah Freddie Blassie
Interviewer: Lord Alfred Hayes
The Iron Sheik defeats John Callahan (poor video quality)
Commentators: Vince McMahon and Gene Okerlund
The Iron Sheik with Ayatollah Freddie Blassie
Interviewer: Gene Okerlund
The Iron Sheik vs Denny Hill
Commentators: Vince McMahon and Gene Okerlund
The Iron Sheik vs. Tito Santana
Commentators: Gorilla Monsoon and Dick Graham
The Iron Sheik defeated Mike Dorsett
Commentators: Vince McMahon and Gene Okerlund
The Iron Sheik with Ayatollah Freddie Blassie speak about Hulk Hogan
Interviewer: Gene Okerlund
The Iron Sheik with Ayatollah Freddie Blassie at Madison Square Garden
Interviewer: Gene Okerlund
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