Bob backlund wrestler

He is known for holding the record for the second longest reign as WWE Champion in history which is ahead of Hulk Hogan 's first reign and behind Bruno Sammartino 's first. Signature move known as bob backlund wrestler cross face chicken wing was said to be inescapable once fully applied. Before becoming a professional wrestler, bob backlund wrestler, Backlund started as an accomplished amateur wrestler and wrestled for the North Dakota State University Bison during the late s to early s.

Skip to main content. Watch every Premium Live Event and get unlimited access to WWE's premium content - available to you anywhere, anytime, on any device. Sign up for Peacock to watch. As American as apple pie, Bob Backlund experienced success as both an adored hero and a loathed villain in a WWE career that spanned across three decades. The kid from Princeton, Minn.

Bob backlund wrestler

Robert Louis Backlund born August 14, is an American retired amateur and professional wrestler. His 2,day reign is recognized as the second longest in the championship's history. Backlund began his career in amateur wrestling , competing for the North Dakota State University Bison from the late s to early s. He began training as a professional wrestler in under Eddie Sharkey and competed for the American Wrestling Association. He held the championship until , where he lost it in a match against the Iron Sheik. Shortly after losing the title, Backlund left the WWF, but returned in and was in the Royal Rumble match for over an hour, a record held until the Royal Rumble. He held the championship for three days, before losing it to Diesel at a house show in Madison Square Garden. Backlund was born in Princeton, Minnesota , in During his freshman year while at Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa , Backlund was an All-American in both football and wrestling lb [87 kg], finishing third. During his sophomore campaign, Backlund focused on wrestling and once again earned All-American honors lb [86 kg] and national runner-up. Backlund was trained for professional wrestling by renowned trainer Eddie Sharkey and made his debut for the American Wrestling Association AWA in Backlund's clean-cut look and technical approach made him a natural face , and he quickly got over with the fans. Backlund held it for two months, before losing it to Karl Von Steiger in May. Fuji in October They held the championship belts for two months before losing to Les Thornton and Tony Charles.

Diesel recalled how Backlund sold his Jackknife Powerbomb by crawling up the aisleway, back to the dressing room area of the Garden. February 23, bob backlund wrestler, Read Change Change source View history.

Robert Lee "Bob" Backlund August 14, is an American professional wrestler and actor with an in ring career that spanned over 30 years. Backlund was also an accomplished amateur wrestler wrestling for the North Dakota State University Bison in the late s to early s. Backlund continues to work in the pro wrestling business in various capacities. In , Backlund unsuccessfully ran for a Connecticut seat in Congress on a Republican ticket. He graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in physical education. He also made part of the lyrics for the hit song Leeches and Scream , making him two million dollars in permission charges.

There are only a handful of WWE stars that could be considered the face of the company in their given eras. Growing up in Minnesota, Backlund competed in amateur wrestling in high school and did both wrestling and football in college. More shots at the belt would follow as Backlund gained momentum against his rival, until finally he defeated Graham for the championship in February It seems unthinkable now, but before the s, babyface champions in WWE tended to hold the title for years, with brief transitional heel runs between them. As champion, Backlund regularly defended the belt, too, fighting off such big names as Don Muraco, Jesse Ventura, and Superstar Billy Graham in several rematches. There was, however, a strange instance where Bob Backlund came up short during his title reign. However, a rematch was declared a no contest due to interference, and Inoki chose to vacate the belt. Vince McMahon Jr. While Backlund dodged turning heel in the s, it finally happened in the s.

Bob backlund wrestler

Bob Backlund, the talented former N. McMahon to fill the void left when his longtime titleholder Bruno Sammartino made the decision that he no longer wanted to carry the WWWF championship. Without question, Bob Backlund was an exceptional champion who carried the WWE title with honor and integrity, proving himself worthy of the championship on a nightly basis, and carving out a lofty spot for himself in the annals of pro wrestling history. Backlund was a wrestling champion from his earliest teens, excelling in the sport throughout high school. His exceptional skills were honed even further once he entered college at North Dakota State, where the young and highly talented Backlund went on to become the NCAA Division II amateur wrestling champion in the heavyweight division. Backlund eventually chose a career inside the squared circle. Once he made the decision to turn pro in , Backlund was trained by the legendary the Funk brothers and he made a quick, although characteristically quiet, impact soon after entering professional wrestling. Making his way onto the territorial circuit, wrestling mainly in Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Minnesota, Backlund soon made a name for himself despite his inexperience. His red hair, athletic build, and polite mannerisms endeared him quickly as a classic babyface to many fans of the day and Backlund won his first championship in when the rookie defeated Terry Funk for the NWA Western States title. Backlund slowly built a following as a fan favorite, gaining experience and confidence along the way.

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Backlund held it for two months, before losing it to Karl Von Steiger in May. Backlund made his in ring return at Slammiversary and defeated Alex Shelley. In other projects. Retrieved February 23, Joan Lunden. Backlund would only hold it for two months before losing it to Karl Von Steiger in May. Over the preceding weeks, the WWF aired vignettes of Backlund training for this match. This match stands as the quickest World Title match as the towering Diesel simply kicked Backlund in the stomach and hit him with a Jackknife Powerbomb , pinning him a mere eight seconds after the bell rang. During his appearances on Impact! McMahon initially wanted Backlund to turn heel and lose to Hogan outright, but when Backlund refused, they consequently needed a transitional champion to serve between Backlund and Hogan.

Robert Louis Backlund born August 14, is an American retired amateur and professional wrestler. His 2,day reign is recognized as the second longest in the championship's history.

The kid from Princeton, Minn. Archived from the original on May 29, It was a stunning transformation for the once beloved man who reigned atop sports-entertainment in the pre-Hogan era. Express Barry Windham Mike Rotunda. Toggle limited content width. Fuji, Mr. While Bret got up to argue with his brother, Backlund took advantage and locked the crossface chickenwing on the defending champion. Eight seconds! Before becoming a professional wrestler, Backlund started as an accomplished amateur wrestler and wrestled for the North Dakota State University Bison during the late s to early s. Backlund was born in Princeton, Minnesota , in He graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in physical education.