Bob Backlund
Bob Backlund (born August 14, 1950) an American professional wrestler and minor politician.
Profile
- Height: 6'1"
- Weight: 233 lbs.
- Birthday: August 14, 1950
- Hometown: Princeton, Minnesota
- Trained by: Eddie Sharkey
- Managers: Arnold Skaaland
- Wrestlers he Managed: The Sultan
- Previous Gimmicks: Mr. Bob Backlund
- Finishing/Trademark moves: Cross Face Chicken Wing, Backlund Bridge, Atomic Spinecrusher
Career
Backlund was an amateur wrestling star at the University of Minnesota before turning pro. Backlund joined the WWWF and became the World Champion on February 20, 1978 defeatng "Superstar" Billy Graham in Madison Square Garden. Over a near six-year period, Backlund held the title on three occasions, and defeated some of the most notorious heels in the sport, ranging from Pat Patterson to Don Muraco to Greg Valentine. His steel cage match against Jimmy Snuka on June 28, 1982 in Madison Square Garden is considered a classic to this day. Backlund's no-nonsense attitude and superb scientific skill made him a durable champion and a favorite of many fans around the world. Backlund lost the title on December 26, 1983 to the Iron Sheik and dropped off the scene soon after.
Backlund reappeared in WWE in late-1992 as a face, however was too old-school to get over with the fans of the 1990s. In 1994, Backlund took part in what was billed as an "old generation vs. new generation" match with Bret Hart. After Hart defeated him, Backlund "snapped" under the disbelief of being defeated by who he saw as an upstart. As Hart held out his hand for Backlund to shake, Backlund stared at Hart maniacally and then slapped him in the face. Backlund then placed Hart in his patented chicken-wing submission hold, laughing hysterically and refusing to let go. When he did let go, Backlund simply stared at his hands in shock. Backlund continued wrestling under the new angle of an out of touch maniac out to teach the new generation a lesson. He often appeared in silly business suits, had a hyperactive personality, and used large words to sound important. The gimmick worked as fans, especially the younger crowd, disliked him highly.
Backlund soon defeated Hart for the WWE Championship but lost it in less than a week to Diesel at Madison Square Garden. This match was one of the most famous WWE matches of all time, as the towering Diesel simply kicked Backlund in the stomach and powerbombed him mere seconds after the bell rang. After the 3-count the match was a grand total of eight seconds long. For weeks afterwards fans jeered Backlund with chants of "8 Seconds! 8 Seconds!"
Backlund also unsuccessfully ran for a Conneticut seat in Congress as a Republican in 2000.
Title history
- 3-Time WWF World Heavyweight Champion
- 1-Time WWF World Tag Team Champion (with Pedro Morales)
- 1-Time NWA Western States Champion
- 1-Time NWA Missouri Heavyweight Champion
- 1-Time NWA Georgia Tag Team Champion (with Jack Brisco)
- 1-Time NWA Florida Tag Team Champion (with Steve Keirn)
Other Titles
- 1-Time WAR Six-Man Tag Team Champion (with Scott Putski & The Warlord)
| WWE Championship | ||
| Preceded by: Billy Graham | First reign | Followed by: Antonio Inoki |
| Preceded by: vacant | Second reign | Followed by: vacant |
| Preceded by: vacant | Third reign | Followed by: The Iron Sheik |
| Preceded by: Bret Hart | Fourth reign | Followed by: Diesel |
Awards
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) ranked him # 7 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003.
- He also won several PWI Awards. He was named 1976 PWI Rookie of the Year, won Most Inspirational in 1977 and 1981, won Wrestler of the Year in 1980 and 1982, Won Most Hated in 1994 and won Match of the Year in 1978 (vs. Superstar Billy Graham) and 1982 (vs. Jimmy Snuka).