[1983-12-26-WWF-MSG, NY] Bob Backlund vs Iron Sheik

[SmartMark15]

The title change between Backlund and Sheikybaby. Story going into the match is Sheik had ambushed Backlund a couple weeks back and attacked his neck. Going into the match, it's clear the Backlund isn't at a 100%. Sheik is able to outpower him and wear him down with submissions while Backlund does his best to try to outmaneuver his bigger, stronger challenger. Backlund sells his ass off, barely able to get any offense in. The story of the match is that any time Backlund tries to get any offense in, his own body betrays him allowing Sheik to get the advantage. Backlund looks absolutely fantastic as a sympathetic babyface and Sheik was convincing enough as a brute of a heel. Boy does Backlund's performance just outshine's Sheik's here though. The finish and story overall were a great way to protect Backlund even while the title switched hands.

 

***1/2

[Ricky Jackson]

Yeah, just watched this again recently. Masterful selling performance from Bob here. Ironic this is how his long reign ends, considering a typical Bob title defense saw him wrestling on top for the vast majority of the match