The Iron Sheik
From TNT, Vince, the Iron Sheik, and his camel. Can you imagine the furor this would create these days? But, we're getting ahead of ourselves here...
December 26th, 1983, in Madison Square Garden. The Iron Sheik gets Bob Backlund in position for the Camel Clutch.
It's locked on tight! Referee Dick Kroll asks Backlund if he gives up. Backlund refuses.
Rather than have Backlund permanently injured, Backlund's manager, "The Golden Boy" Arnold Skaaland, throws in the towel.
The referee calls for the bell. I saw someone mention there were rumors of this being a double-cross, ala Bret Hart. However, Backlund stayed face down on the mat and sold being hurt, so I don't think that rumor holds water.
The winner, and new WWF World Heavyweight Champion, The Iron Sheik.
Of course, that wouldn't be the only belt the Iron Sheik won in the WWF. He and Nikolai Volkoff, with the help of Classy Freddie Blassie's cane, would win the WWF World Tag Team Titles 15 months later at Wrestlemania I.