Bob Backlund

Humble Beginnings to Championship Gold

From being homeless and sleeping in his car, eating tuna from a can, and having to defeat up to nine fans from the crowd before the matches each night to keep his spot on the card, Bob Backlund faced harsh challenges at the start of his career. 

However, with a positive mental attitude, grit, and unbridled determination, he grew to become a true gentleman and a champion in every sense of the word.

WWWF “All-American Boy” Bob Backlund vs. ’90s WWF Mr. Backlund

"Bob Backlund was a true gentleman and a champion in every sense of the word. He was the epitome of what a champion should be."

Harley Race has only praise for Backlund. "Let me tell you this about Bobby- when I went into the Garden to wrestle him, I went out to the ring first, and when he came through the curtain, I don’t think I’ve ever heard a crowd pop louder for anyone."

Backlund began his career in the  Tri-States territory headed by Leroy McGuirk (who was blind), comprised of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. 

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