The Iron Sheik picked up a nice Boxing Day present when he defeated Bob Backlund for the WWF Championship. Backlund entered the match injured (the injury, courtesy of the Iron Sheik) and his manager Arnold Skaaland threw in the towel when the Iron Sheik applied the Camel Clutch and Backlund refused to give up.  Fearing permanent injury to his client, Skaaland felt he had to put a stop to the match.	The purported former bodyguard to the shah of Iran makes his first title defense on January 23, 1984.  The Sheik defends the title at the same place he won it; Madison Square Garden.	The challenger: WWF newcomer Hulk Hogan.  Hogan has leapfrogged over the injured Bob Backlund to become the number one contender for the title.   After lighting up the American Wrestling Association (AWA) with Hulkamania, Hogan was brought back to the WWF.
The challenger eyes the Iron Sheik and his manager "Ayatollah" Freddie Blassie.	Hogan makes it clear that he will do anything to take the belt from the much hated Iron Sheik.  After jumping the Sheik from behind, Hogan chokes the champion.	Hogan puts his experience as a rulebreaker to good use as he grabs the Iron Sheik in a chokehold.  Although he is cheered by the fans, Hogan is not afraid to bend or even break the rules.
Hogan's offense stalls after he charges the Iron Sheik and instead hits the turnbuckle.	The Iron Sheik goes to work on the Hulkster's back...	...using the custom-made boots that some wrestlers have complained are loaded with lead.
The Iron Sheik softens up Hogan's back by applying the Boston Crab...	...and leveling the big man with a suplex.	With Hogan sufficiently weakened, the Iron Sheik applies the move that won him the WWF Championship...
The Camel Clutch!  The referee checks to see if Hogan wants to surrender.  No one in the WWF has been able to break free of the Camel Clutch.	Hulk Hogan attempts to make history.  Using his tremendous strength, Hogan lifts the Iron Sheik off of his feet...	...then he slams the Sheik into the turnbuckle, freeing himself from the dreaded hold.
Seconds later, the Hulkster delivers a flying legdrop...	...and electrifies the crowd by winning the WWF Championship!	This is the Hulkster's first WWF Championship and the beginning of a new era in the WWF.