"Martial Arts" champion Antonio Inoki beat Texas Red (Red Bastien under a mask). "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes, Dino Bravo and Dominic Denucci faced Eric and Pierre the Lumberjacks and Ivan Koloff in a six-man 2 of 3 falls one-hour time limit tag team match. In the main event, WWWF champion Bob Backlund won by count-out over Peter Maivia, setting up a steel cage rematch for the next Garden show.

The 1/79 Baltimore Civic Center show saw WWWF tag team champions Zybysko and Garea defend the belts against the returning former champions, the Valiant Brothers (managed by Captain Lou Albano). Albano had been furious when the Lumberjacks lost the belts, so furious that he fired them on the spot and soon brought in the Valiants, only this time, instead of just "Handsome" Jimmy and "Luscious" Johnny, there was also "Gentleman" Jerry. The rulebreaking blond duo had become a trio. Albano claimed that since any team that faced the Valiant Brothers signed to face the Valiant Brothers, any two of the three were allowed to compete, so that opposing teams had no idea which two of the three "brothers" they would have to face. "The Hammer" Greg Valentine (managed by the Grand Wizard) was victorious in singles competition, grooming him for a run at Backlund. Ivan Putski and Ivan Koloff went at each other, as they had started feuding after Koloff insulted Putski and called him a "dumb Pollock". WWWF champion Bob Backlund defended the belt against Maivia in another grudge match from their feud.

On 1/22/79 in MSG, NYC, Dusty Rhodes battled Ivan Koloff. WWWF tag team champions Zybysko and Garea defended the belts against Blassie's duo of Spiros Arion and Puerto Rican rulebreaker Victor Rivera. WWWF champion Bob Backlund defeated Peter Maivia in a steel cage match to put an end to their feud.

Around this time, to get Greg Valentine over as a vicious contender to Backlund's belt, in a televised match, Valentine "broke" Jay Strongbow's leg when he refused to release the figure-four leg lock. He also injured a few jobbers with the hold on TV, keeping the hold on even after they submitted.

At the 2/79 MSG, NYC show Bruno Sammartino was scheduled to face Ivan Koloff. Bruno did not make the show, explaining on TV that he was snowed out. Koloff and Albano took the opportunity to call Bruno a coward for not showing up, setting up a grudge match for the next month's show. WWWF champion Bob Backlund defended the belt against Greg Valentine in the main event. After the match was thrown out on DDQ, Valentine got Backlund in the figure-four leglock. Backlund's manager, Arnold Skoaland, entered the ring and hit Valentine with the WWWF title belt to get him to release the hold. Valentine and the Wizard turned the situation around on TV interviews and claimed that he had Backlund beaten and Skoaland came in and hit him with the belt, costing him the match.

On 3/6/79, in Allentown, PA, the Valiant Brothers finally defeated Zybysko and Garea for the WWWF tag team belts. They didn't defend the belts much at first, preferring to wrestle six-man tag team matches through the first few months of their title reign, defending the belts sparingly.

On a 3/79 card in New Haven, CT, the Valiant Brothers faced Tony Garea, Larry Zybysko and Andre the Giant in a six-man tag match. WWWF champion Bob Backlund defeated Ernie Ladd in a bloody match. Peter Maivia, Dominic Denucci, Baron Miguel Scicluna, Bad News Allen Coage, Steve Travis and Johnny Rodz were on the undercard.

On a 3/79 card in Boston, Massachusetts, a match between WWWF champion Bob Backlund and Greg Valentine ended in a pull apart brawl. Bruno Sammartino, in his first match in Boston in over a year, faced Peter Maivia in a grudge match, won by Maivia when Bruno gets counted out while fighting outside the ring. The next month in Boston, Bruno defeated Maivia in a steel cage rematch.

On 3/26/79 in MSG, NYC Bruno Sammartino got his hands on Ivan Koloff and got revenge for the badmouthing that Albano and Ivan had been doing for the last month. WWWF champion Bob Backlund barely defeated Greg Valentine in a No Time Limit match.

Chief Jay Strongbow began to be shown on TV during his rehabilitation from his leg injury at the hands of Greg Valentine. Numerous promos were shown with Strongbow in a wheel chair and eventually graduating to crutches and walking on his own. Valentine and the Grand Wizard assured the fans and Vince McMahon, Jr. that Strongbow was finished and if he ever did come back, Greg would break his other leg.

On a 4/79 card at the Capitol Center in Largo, MD Ivan Putski and the returning Russian strongman Nikolai Volkoff (managed by Freddie Blassie) were on the card, joined by WWWF women's champion Fabulous Moolah defending her belt against Kitty Adams. The Valiant Brothers faced Ted Dibiase (who had recently entered the WWWF as the North American champion), Steve Travis and Andre the Giant in six-man competition. WWWF champion Bob Backlund defended the belt against Bulldog Brower (managed by Captain Lou Albano).

On 4/30/79 in MSG, NYC there was a midget tag team match, the AWA's own Verne Gagne made a rare NY appearance and a skinny Roddy Piper (making his MSG debut) vs. Johnny Rodz on the undercard. NWA champion Harley Race defeated Steve Travis. The Valiant Brothers faced Andre the Giant, Ted Dibiase and "Flying" Fred Curry in a six-man tag match. Dusty Rhodes battled Greg Valentine and WWWF champion Bob Backlund defeated Bulldog Brower.

Around this time, a future WWF champion would show up, although he used a different name his first time around. Hussein Arab, aka the Iron Sheik, made his debut, managed by Freddie Blassie. This was around the time of the hostage situation over in Iran. Blassie and Hussein played it to the hilt. Blassie offered $5,000 to any man who could do the Iranian Club challenge.

The clubs were two heavy looking bowling pin shaped things that Hussein would lift up, one in each hand and swing behind his back over his shoulders. Vince, Jr. and Bruno would put over on TV Hussein's amateur wrestling background and that he was a former bodyguard for the Shah of Iran.

On 5/12/79 at the Baltimore Civic Center, along with a midget tag team match on the undercard, North American champion Ted Dibiase defeated Jimmy Valiant. Ivan Putski faced Bulldog Brower. WWWF tag team champions the Valiant Brothers defended the belts against Dominic Denucci and Steve Travis. WWWF champion Bob Backlund's title defense against Greg Valentine was thrown out as the match got out of hand.

On 6/4/79 in MSG, NYC the WWWF held a Battle Royal in which the winner would get a shot at WWWF champion Bob Backlund in the main event. Hussein Arab was the last man in the ring. He gave Backlund all he could handle, but the champion was able to escape with the belt. Hussein had proven that he was going to be a force to deal with in the future. On the undercard, Ivan Putski beat Baron Miguel Scicluna, North American champion Ted Dibiase defeated Jimmy Valiant and the WWWF tag team champions John and Jerry Valiant beat Haystacks Calhoun and Steve Travis.

As the summer of 1979 began, George "The Animal" Steele (managed by the Grand Wizard) made his return to the WWWF. Vince, Jr. described Steele as "a bulbous, hairy individual". Steele had a green tongue to go along with his hairy body. He terrorized jobbers on TV, kicking them off stretchers as they were being carted out, tearing open the turnbuckle pads and eating the stuffing.

On 6/19/79 in Allentown, PA in a televised match, newcomer Pat Patterson (managed by the Grand Wizard) defeated Ted Dibiase for the North American title. Patterson was a brawling, rulebreaker and he was hated by most fans for beating the young babyface Dibiase for the belt. Patterson did not help any with his cocky attitude on interviews.

On 7/7/79 at the Baltimore Civic Center, along with Hussein Arab and Nikolai Volkoff being on the undercard, Steve Travis beat Jerry Valiant and Ivan Putski defeated Jimmy Valiant. WWWF champion Bob Backlund defeated Greg Valentine in the main event with Gorilla Monsoon as the special referee.

Bruno Sammartino was in action a lot over the summer. On 7/14/79 in Boston, Pat Patterson put the North American title up against Bruno. There was no winner after a good brawl, with both participants being counted-out. Freddie Blassie began touting the strength of Nikolai Volkoff on TV. They challenged Backlund and Sammartino, Blassie claiming that Volkoff was stronger than Bruno. To prove this, Blassie handed Volkoff two apples, one for each hand. Volkoff squeezed the apples to mush in his hands. Bruno, still doing commentating with Vince, Jr. noticed the comments directed at him and a feud was brewing.

On 7/21/79 in Philadelphia, PA Greg Valentine faced Chief Jay Strongbow in one of his first matches back after Valentine "broke" his leg. WWWF champion Bob Backlund teamed up with Ivan Putski to challenge unsuccessfully the WWWF tag team champions, John and Jerry Valiant. Pat Patterson defeated Ted Dibiase in a rematch for the North American title.

On 7/28/79 at the Capitol Center in Largo, MD the Valiant Brothers faced Andre the Giant, Ted Dibiase and Steve Travis. WWWF champion Bob Backlund defeated Bulldog Brower in the main event.

On 7/30/79 in MSG, NYC a six-man tag 3 out of 5 fall main event match is stopped in the middle because of the curfew. The teams were the Valiant Brothers and Lou Albano vs. Andre the Giant, Ivan Putski, Tito Santana and Dominic Denucci. Greg Valentine battled Jay Strongbow in an Indian Strap match. WWWF champion Bob Backlund defended the belt against North American champion Pat Patterson in a good, tough match.

On the 8/11/79 TV show Roddy Piper made a rare early appearance blowing the bagpipes in the ring before his match against a jobber. That same night at the Baltimore Civic Center Nikolai Volkoff defeated Steve Travis. Ivan Putski defeated Jimmy Valiant. Andre the Giant defeated Jerry Valiant and in the main event Bruno Sammartino defeated Johnny Valiant.

As the summer came to a close, an angle played out on TV to heat up the Sammartino/Volkoff feud. Blassie challenged Bruno to an arm wrestling match against Nikolai Volkoff. Just as Bruno was about to win, Blassie poked him in the ribs with his cane. Volkoff dropped a knee on him and attacked him. Bruno vowed revenge for the attack.

On 8/18/79 in Philadelphia, PA, Andre the Giant defeated Jerry Valiant. Jay Strongbow got some revenge on Greg Valentine in an Indian Strap match. WWWF champion Bob Backlund defeated Johnny Valiant, who wrestles the first ten minutes of the match with his ring jacket on after Backlund sneak attacks him. In the main event, Pat Patterson defended the North American title against Bruno Sammartino in a Lumberjack match. Nikolai Volkoff runs in and attacks Bruno for the DQ.

On 8/27/79 in MSG, NYC the midgets appeared on the undercard. John Valiant faced Dominic Denucci. Ted Dibiase beat Jerry Valiant. Greg Valentine beat Steve Travis. Bulldog Brower faced Jay Strongbow. Hussein Arab faced Tito Santana. Andre the Giant defeated Jimmy Valiant. Bruno Sammartino and Nikolai Volkoff hooked up in the first battle of their feud. In the main event WWWF champion Bob Backlund and North American champion Pat Patterson battled to no conclusion, setting up a steel cage rematch for the next months show.

In September, the WWWF shortened their moniker from the World Wide Wrestling Federation to the World Wrestling Federation, as Vince McMahon, Jr. started taking over the business from his father. The North American title that was brought into the WWWF by Ted Dibiase and was now held by Pat Patterson, would now be known as the Intercontinental title. From now on, the WWWF would be known as the WWF.

On 9/24/79 in MSG, NYC Ivan Putski beat Johnny Valiant. Nikolai Volkoff defeated Chief Jay Strongbow. Jimmy and Jerry Valiant defended the WWF tag belts against Andre the Giant and Tito Santana. In the main event steel cage return match, WWF champion Bob Backlund defeated Intercontinental champion Pat Patterson.

On 9/29/79 at the Baltimore Civic Center Hussein Arab defeated Dominic Denucci. Greg Valentine and Jay Strongbow hooked it up again in their feud. In the main event, WWF champion Bob Backlund battled Intercontinental champion Pat Patterson. Patterson KO's Backlund with brass knuckles. The ref does not see the rules infraction. Patterson goes for the pin. Arnold Skoaland comes in the ring with the WWF title belt and hits Patterson for the DQ. Patterson wins but doesn’t get the WWF title belt.

There was a quick change and change back of the WWF Jr. Heavyweight title over in Japan. On 10/2/79 in Osaka, Ryuma Go defeated Tatsumi Fujinami for the belt. Two days later, on 10/4/79 in Tokyo, Fujinami regained the title which he would hold until he vacated the title in 12/81 when he moves up to the heavyweight division.

On 10/6/79 at the Capitol Center in Largo, MD Intercontinental champion Pat Patterson defended the belt against former champion Ted Dibiase. Bruno Sammartino and Nikolai Volkoff brought their feud to the nation's capitol. The Valiant Brothers defended the WWF tag team belts against the team of Chief Jay Strongbow and Gorilla Monsoon. WWF champion Bob Backlund fought off a tough challenge from Hussein Arab.

WWF champion Backlund had his hands full with the dirty tactics of Pat Patterson. He was DQ'd his share of times against Patterson, trying to fight fire with fire. On 10/13/79 in Boston, Backlund KO'd Patterson with the WWF title belt.

On 10/20/79 in Philadelphia, PA Gorilla Monsoon defeated Jerry Valiant. Swede Hanson (managed by Freddie Blassie) upset Ivan Putski. Bruno Sammartino defeated Nikolai Volkoff. WWF champion Bob Backlund defended the title against Intercontinental champion Pat Patterson in another great match.

On 10/22/79 in MSG, NYC Larry Zybysko faced Bulldog Brower. Dusty Rhodes beat Jimmy Valiant. Bruno Sammartino defeated Greg Valentine when the referee stopped the match because Valentine was a bloody mess. WWF champion Bob Backlund defended the belt against Swede Hanson. The WWF tag team belts changed hands when Ivan Putski and Mexican sensation Tito Santana defeated John and Jerry Valiant.

Soon after the Valiant's lost the belts they split with Captain Lou Albano, as they blamed him for their losing the belts. Albano debuts a new tag team, the Wild Samoans, Afa and Sika. The Samoans start beating jobber teams on TV and looking impressive, Albano sets his sights on re-gaining the WWF tag team belts from Putski and Santana. Another newcomer to the WWF scene debuts on TV around this time. A blond, giant of a man called the "Incredible" Hulk Hogan (managed by Freddie Blassie).

On 11/10/79 at the Capitol Center in Largo, MD Bulldog Brower, Dominic Denucci and Hussein Arab were on the undercard. The Valiant Brothers faced Chief Jay Strongbow, Tito Santana and Ivan Putski. WWF champion Bob Backlund defeated Swede Hanson.

On 11/17/79 in Philadelphia, PA there was an 18-man Battle Royal, Ted Dibiase faced Swede Hanson. Texan Bobby Duncum (managed by Captain Lou Albano) defeated Chief Jay Strongbow. WWF champion Bob Backlund battled Intercontinental champion Pat Patterson in another great match.

On 11/19/79 in MSG, NYC Dusty Rhodes defeated Swede Hanson. Intercontinental champion Pat Patterson defended the belt against Ted Dibiase. Jimmy Valiant beat Lou Albano in a wrestler vs. former manager bout. New WWF tag team champions Ivan Putski and Tito Santana defended the belts successfully against former champions John and Jerry Valiant. WWF champion Bob Backlund defended the belt against Bobby Duncum in a controversial bout, setting up a rematch for the next month in the Garden.

On 11/24/79 in the Baltimore Civic Center Swede Hanson defeated Dominic Denucci. Ted Dibiase beat Bulldog Brower. WWF tag team champions Putski and Santana defended the belts against the Valiant Brothers. WWF champion Bob Backlund battled Intercontinental champion Pat Patterson in one of their final matches as their feud winded down.

On 11/30/79 in Tokushima, Japan Bob Backlund lost the WWF title to Antonio Inoki in a title switch not recognized in North America. Inoki vacated the belt after a controversial rematch with Backlund on 12/6/79.

Around this time on TV, the Grand Wizard was making hints about a transaction the he had with Lou Albano. The Wizard says it will be news that will stun the wrestling world. Vince McMahon, Jr. tries to press the issue with both the Grand Wizard and Lou Albano but gets nowhere, as both managers say they will let everyone know the big surprise when they are ready.

On 12/17/79 in MSG, NYC the WWF puts on their big holiday spectacular. Larry Zybysko defeats Bulldog Brower. Riki Chosu and Seji Sakaguchi beat Bad News Allen Coage and Jo Jo Andrews. Mike Graham beat Johnny Rodz. Hulk Hogan, making his MSG debut, defeats Ted Dibiase. In a Texas Death match, Bob Backlund defeated Bobby Duncum for the vacant WWF title. Antonio Inoki beat Hussein Arab. NWA champion Harley Race defended the belt against Dusty Rhodes. Intercontinental champion Pat Patterson defeated Dominic Denucci. WWF Jr. Heavyweight champion Tatsumi Fujinami beat Johnny Rivera. WWF tag team champions Ivan Putski and Tito Santana defend the belts successfully against Victor Rivera and Swede Hanson.

On the 12/79 Capitol Center in Largo, MD card newcomer Tony Atlas beat Swede Hanson. Hulk Hogan defeated Gorilla Monsoon. The Wild Samoans beat Tito Santana and Dominic Denucci. WWF champion Bob Backlund defended the belt against the returning Olympic strongman Ken Patera (managed by the Grand Wizard).

On the 12/79 card from Boston there was a Battle Royal featuring Andre the Giant, Pat Patterson, Ted DiBiase, all three Valiant Brothers, Tito Santana, Johnny Rodz, Ivan Putski, Bulldog Brower, Dominic Denucci, Gorilla Monsoon, Swede Hanson and Hussein Arab. All three Valiant Brothers last until the end against Andre the Giant. Andre beats all three to win the Battle Royal. On the undercard, Andre beat Swede Hanson. Ivan Putski defeated Jerry Valiant. Pat Patterson beat John Valiant. Ted DiBiase defeated Jimmy Valiant.

On 12/29/79 at the Baltimore Civic Center there was an 8-man elimination tag team match. The two teams were Andre the Giant, Larry Zybysko, Tito Santana and Dominic Denucci against the Valiant Brothers and Swede Hanson. In the main event, WWF champion Bob Backlund defeated Pat Patterson in a Lumberjack match to close out their feud.

We will look at the year of 1980 and one of the WWF's most surprising heel turns along with newcomers such as Sgt. Slaughter, the Moondog's, Rick Martel, Stan Hansen, Killer Khan and Pedro Morales.