Big's Corner

The May 1984 issue of Pro Wrestling Illistrated covered the shocking title change that saw Bob Backlund loose his World Wrestling Federation title to the Iron Sheik at Madison Square Garden. Coverage of the title change was spread thru three different articles by Bill Apter, Peter King and Stu Saks. It's my opinion The Iron Shiek didn't get enough credit for what he did for professional wrestling. Sheik helped Vince Jr. take the leap into making wrestling become more of a national passtime instead of something to be laughed at. Shiek did what he thought was best for the company and for the business.

The cover is graced by Hulk Hogan. The story focused on Hulk Hogans past and provided insight into Hulks dark past in the World Wrestling Federation and asked the question if the "fans could ever forgive him". By the time this issue it the shelves in the local stores, Hulk had appeared on WWF television as Bob's partner in a tag team match and a couple of weeks later defeated the Iron Sheik at Madison Square Garden for the WWF title.

On page 39 of the May 1984 issue is an article covering the match between the Road Warriors and the surprise tag team of Tommy "Wildfire" Rich and "Mad Dog" Buzz Sawyer. The photos taken by PWI photog Floyd See show a match that was dominated by the Road Warriors. Buzz Sawyer's career never regained momentum after his fued with Rich. It was impossible to take Buzz and Tommy as a team serious after they beat each other to death for years. Without "Wildfire" as an opponent, Buzz had a hard time getting main event status no matter what match he was in.

The PWI Press Conference featured then Florida Southeren Champion Mike Rotundo. Mike had just finished a program with Ron Bass and was involved in a fued with Sir Oliver Humperdinks army. Mike was also in a line for a push to wrestle then NWA World Champion "Nature Boy" Ric Flair.

The "Fabulous Ones" Steve Kirn and Stan Lane are the target of "The Mouth Of The South" Jimmy Hart in an article Jimmy wrote called "I'll Make The Fabulous Ones Hate Each Other" and Matt Brock takes an up close look at "Mad Dog Vachon.

The PWI Top Ten for the Month of May 1984 are: 1. Ric Flair, 2. Andre The GIant, 3. David Von Erich, 4. Dusty Rhodes, 5. Nick Bockwinkle, 6. Hulk Hogan, 7. Pedro Morales, 8. Harley Race, 9. Dino Bravo, 10. Roddy Piper.