DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Podcast: December 1983 in pro wrestling

DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Podcast: December 1983 in pro wrestling

WWE

On this edition of the Long-Form History of Pro Wrestling series, host Karl Stern wraps up 1983 by looking at December.

Ric Flair has newly regained the NWA World Heavyweight title — but the big news is the end of the long reign of Bob Backlund as WWF Champion as the Iron Sheik famously defeats him at Madison Square Garden to set up January 1984’s transition to Hulk Hogan.

Plus, the New Japan and All Japan annual tag team tournaments wrap up and Hulk Hogan is part of that story too. SECW trends weaker, AWA trends stronger, and World Class is still on fire but a tragedy is looming not far ahead.