10 Times WWE Heroes Failed
4. A Toss Of The Towel Ends Backlund's Reign
By the time 1983 rolled around, Bob Backlund was very much the old school, All-American hero that fans could look up to and idolize. He was a milk and cookies good guy who promoted fitness and the wholesome lifestyle. He was great for kids and someone their parents had no trouble allowing little Jimmy or Sally to cheer and watch every Saturday morning.
The Iron Sheik was an Iranian villain who disgraced the United States every chance he got. He was among the most despised competitors in the entire industry and a legitimate contender to Backlund's title. But no one expected him to beat the native of Princeton, Minnesota. After all, the good ol' USA always managed to prevail.
That is why Sheik's victory over Backlund was so very shocking. Not only was it a win for Iran, it came in the most controversial of fashions.
With Backlund trapped in the vaunted Camel Clutch, manager Arnold Skaaland watched, worry painting his face. As pain coursed through the body of the heavyweight champion, there were no signs that Backlund was willing to quit. He would sooner pass out from the pain than give up on his title reign and country.
And that is when it happened.
Skaaland tossed in the towel, surrendering on behalf of his charge and signaling the title change that would shake the company to its core. At least until Hulkamania took the industry by storm in 1984.