WWE Championship: Bob Backlund

Bob Backlund: February 20, 1978-December 26, 1983

 

Backlund finally beat Graham at Madison Square Garden. It was controversial because Graham's foot was on the rope during the pin. Only three days after winning the title, Backlund defended against, then NWA Champion, Harley Race. It was a rare title vs. title match, but it ended in a 60 minute time limit draw. It became commonplace for Bob Backlund to face other champions. He faced AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel, NWA Champion Harley Race four times, and even the legendary NWA Champion Ric Flair. 

On August 9, 1980, Bob Backlund won the World Tag Team Championships along with Pedro Morales, but the duo had to vacate the titles due to a rule that a wrestler could not hold more than one championship at a time. 

Towards the end of his reign the fans started to grow tired of Backlund. In 1983 he was voted as the Wrestling Observer's most overrated wrestler. Vince McMahon suggested to Backlund that he should turn heel and lose the title to Hulk Hogan. Backlund refused, so a transitional champion was needed. He ended up losing the title to the Iron Sheik when his manager, Arnold Skaaland threw in the towel when he was locked in the camel clutch.

Scores:

Strength: Backlund had a very strong title reign. He was challenged by many all time greats and fought against many champions. 10/10

Length: He held the title for 2135 days. 10/10

Opponents:  He wrestled many greats and former and future champions. 10/10

Matches: He wrestled in many great matches. 10/10

Final Score: 40/40 100% A+

Note: Once we hit the PPV era I will be able go into detail about the main matches the wrestlers had and how good they were. I will be using mostly Scott and Justin's Pay Per View reviews from The Place To Be.