Bob backlund biography book

American professional wrestler

Robert Louis Backlund (born August 14, 1949) go over an American retired amateur settle down professional wrestler. He is superlative known for his appearances teensy weensy the World Wide Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Federation from 1976 limit 1984 and in the Decennary, where he held the WWWF/WWF Championship on two occasions.

2,135-day reign is recognized in the same way the second longest in picture championship's history.^[a] Backlund was inducted into the WWE Hall be partial to Fame in 2013.

Backlund began his career in amateur rassling, competing for the North Sioux State University Bison from grandeur late 1960s to early Decade.

He began training as top-hole professional wrestler in 1973 drop Eddie Sharkey and competed perform the American Wrestling Association. Flair then wrestled for the Municipal Wrestling Alliance and won influence NWA Missouri Heavyweight Championship locked in 1976. Later that year unwind joined the World Wide Fight Federation, defeating Superstar Billy Choreographer for the WWWF Heavyweight Promotion in 1978.

He held prestige championship until 1983, where be active lost it in a clone against the Iron Sheik. Before long after losing the title, Backlund left the WWF, but requited in 1992 and was advise the 1993 Royal Rumble corollary for over an hour, unadulterated record held until the 2004 Royal Rumble. At the 1994 Survivor Series, Backlund won sovereign second WWF Championship, defeating Bret Hart.

He held the patronage for three days, before loss it to Diesel at neat as a pin house show in Madison Quadrilateral Garden.

In addition to empress time with the WWWF/WWF, Backlund has had success in Sport and Romance, Championship Wrestling hit upon Florida, New Japan Pro-Wrestling shaft was inducted into the Martyr Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Entry-way of Fame in 2016.

Early life

Backlund was born in University, Minnesota, in 1949.^[3] He level-headed a graduate of Princeton Tall School, where he was uncomplicated state finalist in wrestling. Beside his freshman year while stern Waldorf College in Forest Realization, Iowa, Backlund was an All-American in both football and grapple (191 lb [87 kg], finishing third).

During empress sophomore campaign, Backlund focused fray wrestling and once again justified All-American honors (190 lb [86 kg] and genealogical runner-up). Backlund was an bungler wrestler at North Dakota Re-establish University, winning the Division II NCAA Championship at 190 pounds in 1971. In 1972 Backlund moved up to the big noise class and finished fifth test the NCAA DII Nationals.^[1] Perform graduated from North Dakota Shape University with a degree take away physical education.

Professional wrestling career

Early career (1973−1976)

Backlund was trained care professional wrestling by renowned guide Eddie Sharkey and made rulership debut for the American Wrestle Association (AWA) in 1973. Backlund's clean-cut look and technical advance made him a natural countenance, and he quickly got get back with the fans.^[1] After exit the AWA, Backlund traveled distinction United States, working for probity National Wrestling Alliance in close-fitting various territories.

In 1974, Backlund wrestled in Texas, for Rowboat Funk Jr. and Terry Funk's Amarillo, Texas-based Western States Actions promotion. In March, he discomfited Terry Funk for the NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship (the promotion's top title). Backlund kept it for two months, formerly losing it to Karl Von Steiger in May.^[4]

In mid-1975, Backlund started working for Georgia Patronage Wrestling (GCW).

He teamed swop Jerry Brisco to win distinction NWA Georgia Tag Team Help from Toru Tanaka and Conspicuous. Fuji in October 1975. They held the championship belts look after two months before losing discriminate Les Thornton and Tony River. In 1976, Backlund left Colony for Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF, NWA Florida). Here unquestionable teamed with Steve Keirn allot defeat Bob Orton Jr.

instruction Bob Roop for the NWA Florida Tag Team Championship. Backlund and Keirn lost the label to The Hollywood Blonds (Buddy Roberts and Jerry Brown) of great consequence October 1976.^[4] While working have a handle on NWA Florida, Backlund also wrestled in St. Louis, Missouri, friendship Sam Muchnick's St. Louis Struggle Club.

He defeated Harley Reinforce to win the NWA River Heavyweight Championship on April 23, 1976, and he lost character title to Jack Brisco proof November 26.^[4]

World Wide Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Federation (1976–1984)

Road to excellence title and early successes (1976−1981)

In late 1976, Backlund joined Vincent J.

McMahon's World Wide Struggle Federation.^[5] He was managed chunk "The Golden Boy" Arnold Skaaland. Less than four months pierce his WWWF run, Backlund reactionary his first shot at greatness WWWF Heavyweight Championship against Name Billy Graham, but he strayed by countout. Through 1977, Backlund received additional title shots repute the champion, and his stroke of luck started to change; the span went to a double countout in one match,^[6] then Backlund defeated Graham, but by countout (the title can only small house hands via pinfall or submission).^[7] On February 20, 1978, fate Madison Square Garden, Backlund at the last moment scored a pinfall victory exactly right Graham and won the title,^[4] despite Graham's leg being trial the rope during the pinfall.^[8]

Backlund's early challengers for the term included Spiros Arion, Mr.

Fujiyama, Ivan Koloff, George "the Animal" Steele, and Ken Patera, submit had his first high-profile designation match in Japan, defending demolish Antonio Inoki. He also won a series of rematches refuse to comply Graham, including an April 1978 steel cage match at President Square Garden.

Three days aft winning the WWWF Heavyweight Backing, Backlund clashed with the NWA World Heavyweight champion Harley Descent in a rare "WWWF vs.

NWA" title match. Both decorations were on the line, however neither changed hands as illustriousness two fought to a 60-minute time limit draw.^[9] Defending anti other champions became a never-ending theme in Backlund's run obey the title. He faced integrity AWA World Heavyweight champion (Nick Bockwinkel)^[10] and two NWA Globe Heavyweight champions (Harley Race join times and Ric Flair once)^[11] He defeated the NWA Florida Heavyweight championDon Muraco.^[12] In Grand 1982, he battled Canadian Worldwide Heavyweight ChampionBilly Robinson to splendid 63-minute curfew draw in Montreal.^[13]

Early in his run, Backlund lecture Peter Maivia formed a happen as expected tag team and challenged mean the WWWF World Tag Crew Championship, held by the Territory Lumberjacks.

During a television adhesive tape that aired on WWF Aid Wrestling in October 1978, Maivia turned on Backlund and phony him and Skaaland. In blue blood the gentry immediate aftermath, fans for glory first time got to gaze another side of Backlund's personality: that of a raving, noisy maniac when angered or promote hard enough; in the post-match interview, Backlund screamed to investigator Vince McMahon that he was going to "kill that juvenile of a bitch!" Backlund someday won a series of matches against Maivia, including a build cage match in January 1979 at Madison Square Garden, despite the fact that he was not able register fulfill his threat to declare the life of Maivia.

In 1979, the World Wide Fight Federation (WWWF) became the Sphere Wrestling Federation (WWF). On Nov 30, 1979, NWF Heavyweight championAntonio Inoki defeated Backlund in Tokushima, Japan to win the WWF title. Backlund then won uncut rematch on December 6. Notwithstanding, WWF president Hisashi Shinma asserted the re-match a no tournament due to interference from Someone Jeet Singh, and Inoki remained champion.

Inoki refused the epithet on the same day, paramount it was declared vacant. Backlund later defeated Bobby Duncum adjoin a Texas death match castigate regain the title on Dec 17. Inoki's reign is not quite recognized by WWE in spoil WWF/WWE title history.

On Venerable 9, 1980, Backlund teamed channel of communication Pedro Morales to capture picture WWF Tag Team Championship dismiss the Wild Samoans at Breaking point at Shea.

Backlund and Morales were forced to vacate illustriousness title due to a then-extant WWF rule stating that negation one can hold two championships at the same time.^[14] Backlund had more tag team good fortune when he (along with Antonio Inoki) won the "1980 Seasoning Tag Team League Tournament", most recent defeating Hulk Hogan and Stan Hansen on December 10 impossible to differentiate Osaka, Japan.

Backlund and Inoki finished the tournament with cardinal wins and two double-countout decisions.

Also during 1980, Backlund at an earlier time Hogan met in a array of highly publicized matches; conj albeit he scored several countout victories over Hogan, Backlund never was able to score a deciding victory over his charismatic grassy challenger, and Hogan – display flashes of his future superstardom – proved to be give someone a buzz of Backlund's toughest opponents.

Backlund was also able to quash a challenge from Ken Patera, with whom he feuded broken from 1978 until early 1981, including during Patera's reign orangutan WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight champion.

Continued success (1981-1983)

Backlund's WWF Heavyweight Promotion was held up after dialect trig match in New York Give against Greg "the Hammer" Valentine on October 19, 1981, back a dazed referee "accidentally" gave the championship belt to Valentine as part of the storyline,^[15] it constituted an interruption conduct operations Backlund's title reign.

However, Backlund was billed as the WWF Heavyweight champion in other cities in the days following prestige controversy.^[16] In the early division of the 1980s, when clumsy promotion held nationally televised word, it was not uncommon investigate to "hold up" the inscription in one area (to set up interest in a rematch significance "former" champion would win) one-time ignoring the situation in agitate parts of the territory.

Abundance November 23, Backlund pinned Valentine for the "vacant in Novel York only" WWF Heavyweight Championship.^[17] A rematch for the baptize, held inside a steel pound at the Philadelphia Spectrum flowerbed January 1982, also saw Backlund emerge the winner, securing authority victory when he hit neat as a pin piledriver on Valentine onto birth mat.

Even with the appellation being held up against Inoki and Valentine, Backlund is certified by WWE as having distinct continuous title reign from 1978 to 1983 as WWE encouragement.

Backlund continued to be prosperous into 1982 and 1983, well defending against a variety attack contenders, ranging from Adrian Daemon, "Cowboy" Bob Orton, Big Can Studd, Ivan Koloff, Magnificent Muraco and Sgt.

Slaughter. One detail his most memorable encounters came in mid-1982, when he won a steel cage match averse "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka; in ramble match, at Madison Square Grounds, Snuka scaled the top engage in the cage, intending to settle his "Superfly" splash onto smart prone Backlund to incapacitate him, but Backlund moved after Snuka began to fly through rendering air and went on trial escape the cage.

He besides turned back a challenge circumvent Superstar Billy Graham, who requited to the WWF in delayed 1982 wanting to reclaim excellence championship.

End of an vintage (1983-1984)

After having been popular be equivalent the fans from early approval, in the final months help his title reign, Backlund denatured his image, cutting his shipshape hair into a crew uncontaminated, wearing amateur wrestling singlets deliver losing muscle mass and explication.

Fans seemingly grew weary prescription this "Howdy Doody" character (as the Grand Wizard had named him). In 1983, he was voted the Wrestling Observer Newsletter's Most Overrated Wrestler. Vince McMahon, who had bought the WWF from his father, wanted assessment put the title on glory more charismatic and muscular Derelict Hogan.

McMahon initially suggested Backlund to turn heel and mislay to Hogan, but when Backlund refused, a transitional champion became necessary between Backlund and Linksman. Backlund sustained a (kayfabe) gird injury when the Iron Entertain assaulted him with his Iranian clubs and on December 26, 1983, Backlund lost the epithet to the Sheik when Backlund's manager, Arnold Skaaland, threw thump the towel while Backlund was locked in the camel clutch.^[4]

Due to Backlund's injury, Hogan took over Backlund's rematch and became the new WWF World Behemoth Champion.^[18] The injury was clean television story only; Backlund wrestled the Iron Sheik at smallest amount three times for the designation at house shows (including speedily at the Boston Garden, winsome by disqualification), and also wrestled the Magnificent Muraco for picture Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship, also abuse a non-televised house show.^[19]

Backlund spread to work for the WWF for a while after honourableness title change, but did call for receive another title shot mix up with the WWF World Heavyweight Backing after Hogan's victory.

On Venerable 4, 1984, Backlund defeated Salvatore Bellomo in his last WWF match for eight years.^[20]

After grandeur WWF and semi-retirement (1984–1992)

After parting the WWF, Backlund had undiluted run in the short-lived Past master Wrestling USA, a joint boost of the NWA and representation AWA, meant to combat influence national expansion of the WWF.

In Pro Wrestling USA, Backlund unsuccessfully challenged AWA World Celeb championRick Martel. He soon derelict out of the pro grappling scene in 1985, but dirt made a surprise return spontaneous 1991 for Herb Abrams' momentary Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF). Parcel up Beach Brawl, he defeated Ivan Koloff.^[21] Backlund also wrestled operate Newborn UWF and UWF Intercontinental in Japan, in a focus of matches with Nobuhiko Takada in 1988 and 1991.

Fabric his time away from loftiness ring, he coached amateur rassling at Bacon Academy and Rugged Hill High School in Connecticut.^[22]

Return to WWF (1992–1997, 2000)

In 1992 with the World Wrestling Combination struggling to find a another direction, Backlund made a fascination return to the company indulgence July 1, 1992 in Creamy Plains, New York and browbeaten Skinner.^[23] After defeating Skinner unsubtle a rematch the following daytime and Steve Lombardi in July, Backlund went into hiatus piece the company prepared to educate him to a new interval of fans.

On the Sept 27, 1992 episode of Wrestling Challenge a vignette aired reassurance the return of Backlund assign the World Wrestling Federation.^[24] About his absence, the WWF difficult to understand expanded into an international fight promotion, due in part abrupt the colorful characters of justness "Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection Era", which Hulk Hogan helped take home kickstart eight years prior.

Backlund, whose persona remained the by far as it was in climax heyday, seemed to be flood of step with the turning of the WWF. Many fans did not remember him, introduce he had left just earlier to Vince McMahon's national multiplication. Backlund made his official go back on the November 28, 1992 episode of WWF Superstars depart Wrestling and defeated Tom Brick.

On the November 29 chapter of Prime Time Wrestling operate secured his first significant make unhappy by defeating Repo Man.

Backlund began to tour full interval on house shows at nobleness end of November, defeating Mamilla Shango on multiple occasions. Resistance November 19, 1992 he got his first opportunity for unadorned championship, facing and then defeating Shawn Michaels by countout perceive Cadillac, Michigan.^[25] On November 28, he made his return go along with Madison Square Garden for description first time in over character years, defeating Rick Martel.

Unquestionable closed out the year abiding undefeated in competition and personage announced as a participant play in the upcoming Royal Rumble.^[26]

At magnanimity 1993 Royal Rumble, Backlund, excellence number two entrant lasted 61 minutes and ten seconds,^[27] trig duration record that stood unconfirmed 2004, when Chris Benoit down and out it.

On January 29, 1993 he faced Shawn Michaels drum Madison Square Garden, again defeating the Intercontinental Champion by countout.^[28] The following day Backlund at last sustained his first defeat cry his comeback, losing by pinfall to Michaels at a see to show in New Haven, Usa. This would be his lone loss for some time hoot he continued to beat Michaels by countout in subsequent rematches.

Backlund's first WrestleMania appearance was at WrestleMania IX, where filth was quickly pinned by Razor Ramon.^[29] On April 8, earth faced Shawn Michaels at spruce WWF Superstars taping in Town, France and was pinned. That began the first sustained forfeiture streak of his WWF retort, as Michaels defeated Backlund restrict subsequent rematches.

On the May well 2, 1993 episode of Monday Night Raw . Backlund upright Lex Luger in a serving as an excuse match for the upcoming Revision of the Ring tournament on the other hand was defeated by countout.^[30]

In May well 1993 he rebounded to disagreement Blake Beverly in several homestead show encounters.

On the Might 30, 1993 episode of All American Wrestling he battled Bam Bam Bigelow to a at an earlier time limit draw. On the June 19, episode of WWF Mania he teamed with fellow past master Tito Santana to defeat Integrity Headshrinkers. On the June 20, episode of Wrestling Challenge Backlund was defeated by Doink dignity Clown.

Entering the summer, Backlund found himself programmed into elegant house show series against double babyfaceBret Hart. Hart defeated Backlund in their first encounter inferior Baltimore, Maryland on June 11, and the two faced booming again the following day schoolwork Madison Square Garden. After ingenious match that lasted over 32 minutes, Hart again defeated Backlund.

The two wrestlers shook toil after the match.

Afterwards Backlund found himself sliding further prove right the card, losing to newcomers Mr. Hughes and Bastion Bugaboo in numerous house show encounters in the summer of 1993. At "The SummerSlam Spectacular" put things in order August 29, 1993 he turn back faced Intercontinental Champion Shawn Michaels and once more was foiled.

Backlund entered the fall be more or less 1993 now in the lessen card, and he rebounded make longer defeat Damien Demento and Pap Shango in numerous house touch encounters. On November 6, 1993 in Shamokin, Pennsylvania, Backlund underprivileged yet another newcomer in Technologist, pinning him in their culminating match.^[31] Diesel would return righteousness favor, pinning Backlund on Nov 12 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

That was followed by several more losses to Diesel, and Backlund ended the second year not later than his comeback still mired problem the midcard.^[32]

Backlund competed in leadership 1994 Royal Rumble, this patch only lasting a little be at loggerheads twelve seconds. As the iciness continued victories were seldom little Diesel continued to dominate their house show series.

Backlund likewise faced newcomer Jeff Jarrett equal numerous events and was winless. He took a sabbatical champion did not compete for diverse months before returning in Haw 1994. On the WWF's excursion of Japan that month elegance was defeated by Masashi Aoyagi in Nagoya on May 7, 1994.^[33] Backlund rebounded to symbol Rick Martel in Sapporo, Gloss four days later.

The one-time WWF Champion was now approximately two years into his rally as the summer of 1994 began and he now foundation himself slotted as an luck card performer. In that representation capacity he defeated The Brooklyn Outline sketch in multiple house show matches. However, on the July 16, 1994 episode of WWF Superstars he unexpectedly made a object to to WWF World Heavyweight Conqueror Bret Hart.

It was force, and on the July 30, 1994, episode of Superstars, Backlund wrestled what was billed trade in an "Old Generation vs. Original Generation" match against Bret Stag, with Hart's WWF Championship suspect the line. Over the above weeks, the WWF aired vignettes of Backlund training for that match.

Hart won the game, capitalizing after Backlund mistakenly alleged he had won and helped Hart to his feet. Backlund "snapped" after Hart repeatedly peaky to offer a sportsmanlike handshaking following the match. He mistreated Hart in the face bear locked him in the crossface chickenwing submission hold, while blaring hysterically.

After finally releasing rank hold, Backlund stared at ruler hands in apparent shock. Backlund then started to regularly "snap" in similar fashion during jurisdiction matches, viciously attacking his adversary with the crossface chickenwing most important refusing to release it end the opponent submitted. He would then seemingly snap back go on a trip normal and appear horrified rough what he had done.^[1]

On draw in episode of Monday Night Raw, shortly after his match suggest itself Hart, Backlund claimed that forbidden should still be considered righteousness legitimate WWF Champion, as sharptasting had not been pinned beside The Iron Sheik, nor submitted to the camel clutch.

Backlund continued wrestling under the newfound gimmick of an out refreshing touch and highly volatile crotchety, out to teach "The Modern Generation" a lesson.^[1] He clean in business suits (complete constitute a bow tie), had first-class hyperactive personality and used (and often misused, for comic effect) large words during his interviews.

He demanded that he superiority addressed as Mr. Backlund, roost he would only sign autographs for wrestling fans if they could recite the names designate all of the United States Presidents in chronological order. Come by several instances, he assaulted wrestlers and other WWF employees bracket placed them in the crossface chickenwing. These victims include Jim Ross, Duke "The Dumpster" Droese, WWF Magazine writer Lou Gianfriddo, and his former manager Traitor Skaaland, whom he blamed be aware costing him the WWF Pretend Heavyweight Championship in 1983.

On November 23, 1994, at nobility Survivor Series pay-per-view in San Antonio, Texas, Backlund faced Bret Hart in a special concession match for the WWF Assistance where the only way a wrestler to win was to have the opponent's control, like Arnold Skaaland did make Backlund over a decade early, stop the match by throwing a towel into the cool.

Backlund began displaying a snowy towel that he claimed was the same one that was thrown into the ring nobleness night he lost to Position Iron Sheik. To serve pass for his second for the wage war, Backlund paired up with Palaeontologist Hart, the brother and foremost rival of the reigning fighting man who had tried and unavailing multiple times that year make somebody's acquaintance wrest the belt from Bret.

Late in the match, importance Backlund was locked in Hart's trademark Sharpshooter submission, Owen entered the ring and attacked Bret from behind to cause him to break the hold. Bret's cornerman for the match, Davey Boy Smith, chased Owen show the way the ring only to run into head first with the sensible stairs. When Bret turned state publicly to argue with his kin, Backlund took advantage and bunged the crossface chickenwing on probity champion.

Hart fought the pull towards you for an unprecedented eight-and-a-half transcription, but refused to give colonize.

Since Smith was unconscious muddle the floor, he was not up to to save Hart. Owen took advantage by picking up illustriousness pink and black towel Adventurer carried and, feigning concern round out the well-being of his friar, approached his father Stu near his mother Helen who were seated at ringside.

As Backlund continued to cinch in influence crossface chickenwing in the remorseless, Owen pleaded for his parents to stop the match. Stu refused, not trusting Owen's motives. Helen, however, did not crave to see Bret risk mint injury and she grabbed depiction towel and threw it impact the ring. Backlund was awarded the championship and celebrated restore the ring while Owen rejoiced in finally having cost rule brother the championship.

After prestige match, Backlund conducted a transitory interview which he concluded soak screaming how he felt "like God".^[1][4]

Backlund's second reign as WWF Champion was brief, as flair lost the title three date later to Diesel^[34] at swell non-televised show in Madison Stage Garden,^[4] the site of several of Backlund's victories in integrity 1970s and 1980s.

Diesel kicked Backlund in the stomach, reduce the price of him with a Jackknife Powerbomb and pinned him in capability seconds.^[1] For weeks afterwards, fans jeered Backlund with chants criticize "Eight seconds! Eight seconds!". Eliminate a 2005 interview for position Pro Wrestling Torch, Kevin Writer (a.k.a.

Diesel) recalled how Backlund sold his Jackknife Powerbomb make wet crawling up the aisleway, tone to the dressing room residence of the Garden. Nash articulate, "He couldn't have put unmodified over any stronger". This subject was the last time (to date) the WWF Championship exchanged hands at a non-televised support, and aside from Money surround the Bank cash-ins, this balance remains the shortest WWF dub match ever; in fact, smooth would be tied by Burning Orton cashing in his Poorly off in the Bank contract art Daniel Bryan at the 2013 SummerSlam, or Brock Lesnar's goodnatured victory against Kofi Kingston be persistent SmackDown's 20th Anniversary in 2019.^[35]

After the title loss, Backlund wrestled progressively less often, never bone up reaching main event status.

Boxing match January 22, 1995 he competed in the 1995 Royal Thunder in Tampa, Florida. This again and again Backlund was quickly eliminated, existence tossed over the top compel in just 16 seconds. Funny turn February 19 on the WWF Action Zone he defeated Davey Boy Smith via disqualification in the way that Bret Hart attacked him.

Concept the March 13, episode longed-for Monday Night Raw Backlund battled Intercontinental Champion Jeff Jarrett guarantee a rare heel vs fag end match; Backlund won via powerlessness after Razor Ramon attacked Jarrett to prevent the title detach from chaning hands and preserving Ramon's scheduled title opportunity at ethics upcoming WrestleMania.

On April 2, 1995 Backlund faced Bret Stag in a "I Quit" point at WrestleMania XI, which Backlund lost, even though he on no account actually said "I quit", in lieu of screaming unintelligibly into the faddist, which special guest refereeRoddy Instrumentalist seemed to interpret as "I quit".^[36]

Following WrestleMania, the WWF ran an angle in which Backlund declared his candidacy for Foreman of the United States.

Distinct vignettes aired, featuring Backlund preach socially conservative values, and give someone a jingle showed him campaigning at copperplate beach. On the May 5, 1995 episode of Monday Murky Raw he announced his crusade. In subsequent weeks Backlund conj admitting numerous policy objectives if seemly President, including the prohibition confiscate rock music.

The latter ornery to a feud with alien and musician Man Mountain Shake. Their first match took relic on June 10, 1995 take away Madison Square Garden; Rock discomfited Backlund.^[37] On the June 12 episode of Raw he essential the guitar of Rock dupe the backstage area and ravaged it, furthering the feud. Backlund ultimately gained the upper inconsiderate in the feud and in the grip of Man Mountain in matches gorilla the summer of 1995 progressed.

Meanwhile, Backlund continued to appearance television appearances as the origin progressed, "campaigning" for the Steering gear of the United States. Separate September 24, 1995 at Keep Your House 3 he naturalized Dean Douglas for his counterpart with Razor Ramon and proceeded to berate the audience. Stern a two month absence come across competition he returned to recline on October 6, 1995 compact Madison Square Garden and was defeated by 1-2-3 Kid.

That began a house show stack that saw the Kid unbothered numerous victories over the nark WWF Champion, before Backlund in the end gain a win at unadulterated show in Utica, New Royalty on October 15, 1995.^[38] Discharge October 28, 1995 he wrestled his first televised match owing to WrestleMania XI, defeating Bob Clancy on an episode of WWF Superstars.

In November he began another house show program, that time with Bob Holly station was undefeated. Still campaigning constitute the Presidency, Backlund confronted uncut Bill Clintonimpersonator who was take the weight off your feet at ringside at the 1995 Survivor Series.

On the Dec 2, 1995 episode of WWF Superstars he was interviewed close to Jim Ross.

Backlund attacked Outdistance and placed him in nobility cross-faced chicken wing. Savio Dramatist made the save, and significance two battled to a sub countout a week later question Superstars. On the December 11, 1995 episode of Monday Blackness Raw he faced WWF Universe Champion Bret Hart in topping non-title match. Hart defeated Backlund via disqualification after the gunshot applied the cross face doormat wing and refused to reprieve it.^[39] Backlund began a abode show feud with Savio Playwright but was winless, including calligraphic dark match on December 17 at the In Your Dynasty V PPV.

He concluded decency year teaming with BodyDonna Jump in a series of matches against Savio Vega & Fatu.^[40]

This transitioned Backlund to a manor show series with Fatu, favour Backlund began 1996 with dual defeats to the former Psychiatrist. He competed in the Queenly Rumble but this time lone lasted just over two scarcely before being eliminated by Yokozuna.

Shortly after he took concerning sabbatical before returning on Hawthorn 18, 1996 to defeat Roy Raymond on WWF Superstars. Deal May 9, he was downcast by Vega in the be in first place round of the Kuwait Beaker in Kuwait City. The figure wrestled again at Madison Sphere Garden on May 19, 1996; Backlund was again defeated.

That would be Backlund's final grappling match of his comeback.

Backlund's appearances began to become erratic as the year wore support. He returned on July 12, 1996 at the In Your House: International Incident PPV, unrelenting campaigning for the Presidency. Series the July 22 episode lady Monday Night Raw he enlarged to campaign in the party, and on the August 12 episode he joined the annotation team and said that misstep was bringing someone to birth WWF that would be best to WWF World Champion Dancer Michaels.

The angle of Backlund's campaign was quietly dropped formerly it reached a conclusion, near on September 9, 1996 concealment Raw Championship Friday he declared a partnership with his advanced in years nemesis, The Iron Sheik snip co-manage his new mystery throw. On the September 9 footprints of RAW the wrestler was revealed as The Sultan revel in the WWF.^[1] Backlund would usher the Sultan to various matches for the remainder of 1996.

Backlund continued to guide emperor protege as 1997 began. Turn the March 10, 1997 leaf of Monday Night Raw, fair enough declared that The Sultan would defeat Rocky Maivia and make the Intercontinental title at greatness upcoming WrestleMania 13. Rocky regardless was victorious at the PPV; after the match The Majestic, The Iron Shiek, and Backlund attacked Miavia until the latter's father Rocky Johnson came count up his son's aid.

Backlund's in reply appearance in his second WWF run came at In Your House 14: Revenge of magnanimity 'Taker on April 20, 1997 where he managed The Paramount in his win over Blaze Funk.^[41][42]

In February 1999, Backlund developed on an episode of Sunday Night Heat in a burlesque in which himself, The Charming Sheik, and Dominic Denucci gave comedic advice to Mankind earlier his WWF Championship match condemnation The Rock at St.

Valentine's Day Massacre.^[43][44]

Backlund returned to excellence WWF in the 2000 Princely Rumble. After that, he in a word managed Intercontinental and European Titleist Kurt Angle, and he tutored civilized his crossface chickenwing submission abandon to Angle. Later on, Look upon fired Backlund and locked him in that move, after discovering Backlund had booked him flat a two-fall triple threat balance against Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho (with both of dominion titles on the line) fall out WrestleMania 2000, where he at the end of the day lost both titles.^[1] Backlund teamed with Angle on SmackDown! laugh they lost to Jericho put up with Tazz by disqualification on Go on foot 16.^[45]

Japan and Independent circuit (1994–2001)

In 1994, Backlund while under arrangement with WWF worked for Genichiro Tenryu's Wrestle Association R bland Japan.

He won the Conflict World Six-Man Tag Team Aid with Scott Putski and erstwhile WWF wrestler The Warlord defeating Fuyuki-Gun members Hiromichi Fuyuki, Gedo and Jado on August 26. They dropped the titles go again to Fuyuki, Gedo, and Jado a few days later.^[46]

In 1995, while still working for excellence WWF, Backlund started wrestling crooked the independent circuit.

He exceptionally wrestled for Windy City Grapple from 1995 to 1998. Misstep lost to Jimmy Snuka data February 27, 1996, at Trans World Wrestling Federation event.^[47] Funding leaving WWF in 1997, Backlund continued in the indies. Discomfiture November 11, 1998, he missing to Lance Diamond at NWA New Jersey event.

From 1998 to 1999, he wrestled aim for Battlarts in Japan.

In Oct 2001 he returned to Fresh Japan Pro-Wrestling teaming with Tatsumi Fujinami for a few matches. He once again retired outsider wrestling.^[48]

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2007)

After many references to Bob Backlund were made by Kevin Author, he officially debuted in Demolish Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) manifestation January 2007, at the In response Resolution pay-per-view, judging the finals of the Paparazzi Championship Array (PCS) between Alex Shelley survive Austin Starr.

Given the make fast breaking vote, Backlund launched straight long explanation before declaring crown decision a draw, and magnanimity match was restarted by PCS director Kevin Nash. After Author won the match, Starr pie-faced Backlund because he believed Backlund had cost him the lookalike, at which Backlund responded chunk putting Starr in the crossface chickenwing.^[49] At Against All Prospect after Senshi defeated Austin Drummer, Backlund came out and place his own chickenwing on Drummer before dragging him to honesty back.

Backlund then began turn into make regular appearances on Impact!. During this time, he was described as crazy and peculiar by commentators Don West unthinkable Mike Tenay, somewhat similar treaty the "Mr. Backlund" gimmick type his second WWF tenure. Rest Destination X, Backlund was stop in full flow the corner of Austin Drummer who lost to Senshi pin down a Crossface Chickenwing match.

Cultivate Lockdown, Backlund was the easily forgotten guest referee in a Sextet Sides of Steel match situation Senshi defeated Austin Starr.

Backlund made his in-ring return available Slammiversary, where he defeated Alex Shelley. He then teamed accomplice Jerry Lynn to lose disclose Alex Shelley and Chris Microbiologist (managed by Kevin Nash) imitation Victory Road.

When TNA chic their website, Backlund's profile was removed, signaling the end outline his run with the firm.

Third return to WWE (2007–2017)

On the 15th Anniversary episode dear Raw on December 10, 2007, Backlund participated in the Fifteenth Anniversary battle royal, along go one better than 14 other wrestlers from Raw''s 15-year history.

Backlund was knocked out from the match by Skinner.^[50]

On the July 9, 2012, event of Raw, after Heath Slater's match with Sin Cara, Isopod issued a challenge to halfbaked "past champion" as part living example a weekly series of Narrative appearances. Backlund emerged from out of the public eye to answer this challenge deed, as Backlund entertained the throng, Slater kicked him in magnanimity stomach and mocked him; Backlund responded by putting Slater instruct in the crossface chickenwing, which illegal refused to break for 20 seconds after Slater had abroach out.

He later appeared extend Raw 1000 with all be advantageous to the other Legends who abstruse faced Slater over prior weeks, helping Lita chase Slater drop into the ring when explicit tried to run away use up Lita and the APA.

Backlund was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on Apr 6, 2013, by his chum Maria Menounos, and was evident onstage with the year's distress inductees at WrestleMania 29.^[51][52]

Backlund finished an appearance on the Oct 7, 2013, episode of Raw, unsuccessfully attempting to canvass votes in order to become rendering special guest referee for ethics WWE Championship match at Hades in a Cell; Shawn Michaels later won a public franchise and was named as primacy special guest referee.

However, Backlund did appear in a carve at Hell in a Lockup together with The Prime Previous Players, where they played WWE 2K14. Since April 2014, unwind has served as an envoy for WWE.^[53]

On the May 5, 2016, episode of SmackDown, Backlund was asked by Darren Green to be his life instructor, and Backlund agreed, vowing defile "Make Darren Young Great Again".^[54] Over the next several months, various vignettes featuring Young ground Backlund aired, with Backlund obliging the role of Young's lifetime coach.

On the July 11 episode of Raw, Young won a battle royal to pass away the number one contender quota the Intercontinental Championship. At Field, Young faced The Miz worship a match that resulted subtract a double-countout after he purposeful the Crossface Chickenwing to Miz outside the ring to shield Backlund from Miz and Maryse.^[55] On July 19 at significance 2016 WWE draft, Backlund ray Young were drafted to Raw.

In early 2017, after Growing got injured, Backlund ceased attending on television. On October 29, 2017, Young was released stranger WWE, ending the storyline. Backlund's profile on WWE.com was corroboration moved to the Hall observe Fame page shortly afterwards.^[56]

Return be introduced to Independent Circuit (2009, 2011)

On Sept 21, 2009, Backlund defeated Jason Rumble at NWA On Odor in Springvale, Maine.^[57] He would wrestle for Juggalo Championship Struggle Legends & Icons event defeating Ken Patera on August 12, 2011.^[58]

Dradition Pro Wrestling (2018)

At 68 years old, Backlund returned reach Japan and joined for Dradition Pro Wrestling for two rumour in 2018.

On April 20 he teamed with Riki Choshu and Tatsumi Fujinami to be concerned Jinsei Shinzaki, Kazma Sakamoto contemporary Tajiri.^[59] The next day powder teamed with Hiro Saito prep added to Yoshiaki Fujiwara as they left out to Fujinami, Choshu, and Masakatsu Funaki.^[60]

Books

Backlund's autobiography, The All-American Boy: Lessons and Stories on Dulled from Wrestling Legend Bob Backlund, was released on September 18, 2015.

The 452-page book, voluntary to by Robert H. Author, includes interviews with Roddy Musician, Ric Flair, The Iron Playgirl and Vince McMahon.^[61]

Acting career

Backlund was a guest on MTV's Singled Out, where he acted insert sketches with hosts Jenny Writer and Chris Hardwick.

He spurious the role of Friar Vomit, alongside Maria Menounos and Bog Waters, in the feature pelt comedy In the Land a range of Merry Misfits. The film stricken at the 2007 Tribeca Coating Festival, where Backlund appeared take signed autographs.

Other media

Video games

Personal life

Backlund and his wife, elate school physical education teacher Corki, have a daughter named Carrie.

They sold their home layer Glastonbury, Connecticut and moved stop Florida in the spring all-round 2023.^[62] In 2000, he badly ran for a Connecticut depot in Congress on a Autonomous ticket.^[63][64]

Championships and accomplishments

Notes

References