From Grantland.com: WWE SummerSlam Preview: The Heel Within
Written by The Masked Man from Grantland.com
Editor’s Note – if you don’t read Grantland.com, you’re missing out on some of the best writing anywhere!
It’s January 23, 1984. Madison Square Garden. It’s the night when Hulk Hogan would first be crowned WWF champion, defeating the despicable Iranian nationalist the Iron Sheik. Your announcers are Gorilla Monsoon and Pat Patterson.1 The action starts — illegally — before the bell even rings:
Gorilla Monsoon: He’s on top of Hogan, pounding away! And Hogan still has his robe on! [ … ] Hogan, down in the center of the ring, still got his ring gear on! The Sheik now has Hogan’s robe — and he clotheslined him with it! Down to the canvas!
Pat Patterson: The Sheik — he’s an animal! [ … ]
Gorilla Monsoon: Finally referee Dick Loetz2 manages to get that robe away from him. And Sheik is saying, “Get on your feet, boy. I want a piece of you.” The Sheik with a big right hand!3 And another! Hulk going for the ride, into the ropes. Sheik up, and a vicious clothesline sends him down, and a knee to the neck area!
[The Sheik gouges Hogan’s eyes.]
Gorilla Monsoon: The Sheik will use any means and any way in his power to win this match. Deliberate choke now by the Iron Sheik as referee Dick Loetz steps in and gives him the count! [ … ]
Pat Patterson: Oh! He is actually spitting on Hogan!