BILLY GRAHAM ON BOB BACKLUND

''SUPERSTAR'' BILLY GRAHAM ON BOB BACKLUND
Former World Champion and WWE Hall of Famer "Superstar" Billy Graham talks about Bob Backlund wh Graham was forced to drop the World Title to on Feb. 20th 1978. He talks about the lead to and follow up of that event.
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[@rodneyholshouser4521]

I could listen to Billy all day

[@RingsideWithWhattaDayJoeLowry]

Superstar Billy Graham, simply a superstar way ahead of its time. Graham certainly deserved a longer title reign. He could have taken the belt into the 80's. Instead Vince Sr. saddled us with countless number of Bob Backlund repeat title bouts. I know I was sick of seeing the same old matches - Backlund vs. Steele, Slaughter, Mosca, Muraco etc...boring! I believe if Graham took the belt into the 80's the fans would have made made him a babyface and thus promoting spectacular matchups with a whole new slew of talent.

[@r.williamcomm7693]

You can feel Graham’s frustration. Of course there was no internet back then. I still remember kids & even adults debating whether pro-wrestling was “real.” Backland was an NCAA champion & pro sports, especially then & arguably now, was dominated by people in their 20s. So from that perspective I understand Backland being champion. To young kids who were future fans, it made it seem more “legit.” What an innocent time😃

[@jyesucevitz]

perfectly said. it'll sound corny but Backlund helped my confidence. we all know how school kids are a-holes. especially teenagers. they especially enjoying torturing gingers like me. I was 1e or 14 when I discovered pro wrestling. I immediately took to Bob Backlund. he was a redhead. he was no whimp. no wuss. seeing him convinced me to make some changes in my life and to stop getting picked on.

[@tylerlucas1936]

Imagine what Bruno would say when he found out they were putting the strap on HHH, Edge, or some other midcard ham and egger.

[@bumblebeemoi]

+Tyler Lucas He had long given up on them all years before.

[@bobmcbride1487]

Everyone was a mid card guy at some point, HHH earned his spot, Played up his persona, Heel or face, He did what he had to do to get where he is, And he is respected for it.

[@THATGUY-ir4ie]

@@bobmcbride1487 He married the bosses daughter.... Not as much as you think..

[@mikebowermaster4250]

HHH was boring.

[@johnmullee5016]

HHH and Edge were not bottom card talent

[@mdub2000]

I don't know when i was a kid I loved having Bob Backlund as champ....during those times character was that golden boy face and as a kid i really did see him as a role model ...the guy could actually wrestle and i used the chicken wing all the time on friends lol

[@solonsaturngaming3727]

Same here i liked Bob a lot also

[@resides123]

Backlund was like watching paint dry!!!!

[@tonylego2364]

​@@resides123 I don't think you saw early 80s Backlund. He was able to pick up hulk hogan like he was a lightweight and was way better than he was in the 90s

[@iamgreatnow7218]

Backlund was garbage

[@bobnewfart7630]

He was a better champ than Billy ever was. Not Bruno but Billy was not even close . The fans loved Bobby

[@zombiefulci3301]

Sure Backlund was not the showman that Graham was but Bob brought something else, his mastery of holds and unique ways of pulling out last minute victories. Superstar Graham could never hope to win an actual shoot with Bob neither could Bruno

[@MrAitraining]

Yes. I loved billy on the mic but he was an overselling mess in the ring. No mat skills really.

[@wisewolftony]

Backlund could be a showman if they wanted him to be. Just look at his heel run in 94 that stuff was amazing.

[@voxpox1850]

Backlund's matches were the type that set the table for the main events. Fans wanted champions to score convincing wins over the bad guys, not unconvincing last minute victories. That's why he couldn't draw well without a loaded card.

[@maxpuppy96]

McMahon's wanted somebody they could control, they couldn't control Bruno and they were done with it, that's why Backlund got the strap

[@mjfrancis516]

In addition to that, Bruno was already in his early 40’s and was getting tired of the grind that the titleholder is subjected to on a daily basis. Bruno was eager to pass the torch.

[@nycinstyle]

Backlund may not have been a great talker, promotion of hype, etc., but he was a better athlete and a better wrestler than all of them. McMahaon Sr.likely saw the smarts in bringing in a young all American athlete who could really wrestle, strong motherfucker that could easily learn all moves in ring to produce spectacular matches. That is how McMahon Sr. saw things, anyway. McMahon Sr. did not want the public to know for sure wrestling is fake. He promoted it as a real sport and real fighting in wrestling matches. Turned down Andy Kaufman who came to McMahon Sr. first when Kaufman wanted to get into pro wrestling. McMahon Sr was worried more and more people would think wrestling is obviously fake seeing Kaufman and would be turned off. So, Kaufman ended up dealing with Lawlor, instead. Remember, Backlund was an actually great amateur wrestler. He would likely beat Bruno and Graham both one after the other in real wrestling matches on the same night, really easily, at this point in their lives.

[@DeeEllEff]

nycinstyle 1st paragraph, I think you’re right and I agree. 2nd paragraph, let’s avoid calling it “fake” and call it predetermined, out of respect for our favorites. If Sr. thought Kaufman would “expose the business,” it’s pretty ironic that Lawler’s whole angle with Andy was “Comedian’s mocking my livelihood, man” so I must pile drive him several times (kayfabe). If anything, the comedy shenanigans exposed people who probably wouldn’t have paid any attention to pro wrestling to some of its more comedic elements (of which, there were plenty). Your 3rd graf I sorta agree, in that Backland’s wrestling prowess was strong. But don’t forget that Bruno & SBG had both started out as powerlifters, with each holding a weightlifting record at one time (don’t remember which). My point being: a couple of very, genuinely VERY strong dudes!

[@LanceJ.]

@@DeeEllEff Strength is not a factor when you’re in there with a shooter. Example: Brock Lesnar mopping the floor with Big Show when they were shooting off camera.

[@robertosso5210]

bruno wanted superstar to turn babyface and stay champion for a while

[@battlestarmarc]

Superstar was a colorful champ.

[@TarmanDan]

Billy Graham.....you had the style.....the walk...the talk....the body!.......you should've been champion for years!!

[@jrupp8853]

But was not a very good wrestler, which was exactly what Vince sr. wanted. It

[@MrAitraining]

Graham's body would have never held up. He started to break down a few yrs after his loss.

[@jrupp8853]

@capitalismforme I was alluding to Bob Backlund....

[@evalsoftserver]

Ironically it was Bob Backlund and The Iron Sheik Rivary that created Hulkamenia

[@evalsoftserver]

I think Vince Sr. Was too Conservative and Wanted to see s Middle class American Clean cut" Boy" . As World Champion Rather than take the chance with a new Steroid era Freaks like Billy Graham or Hogan

[@tikkunsoulam]

I was 8 years old when Bob Backlund became champion. It's obvious that Vince was catering to a clean- cut young audience. Family audience. I adored backlund as a child and I still do today. He's one of the few wrestlers still living today. He wasn't on steroids, and he wasn't a hulk, he was in many ways a legitimate wrestler. And perhaps Vince wanted to give the genre some realness. Billy Graham had no skills. He was just a Body builder.

[@BlackJack4968]

Superstar Billy Graham was one thing that Bob Backlund could never be…an entertainer. Ask yourself how many wrestlers modeled their schtick from SSBG and how many modeled themselves from Howdy Doody. SSBG a was a draw in every territory, the man is a legend.

[@granddaddyofthemall6320]

@@VictorNewman201 What? Society got better in the 80s and beyond

[@windcatcher331]

@@BlackJack4968 Did you see Mr Bob Backlund, the heel? Don't tell me Bob couldn't entertain. Bob played his role perfectly as the babyface they wanted him to be. SSBG? Of course he was a great entertainer. He also didn't know an arm bar from a salad bar.

[@BlackJack4968]

@@windcatcher331 Yes I witnessed the train wreck “heel run” of Mr. Bob Backlund and no it was not believable…even in the least. Read the last sentence of my previous comment for the real barometer of a pro wrestler. We’re done here…

[@factsoverpersonality6092]

@@BlackJack4968 😂😂

[@30907bng]

I always thought Backlund's style was more suited for the NWA & AWA!!

[@evalsoftserver]

I think Vince Sr. Was too Conservative and Wanted to see s Middle class American Clean cut" Boy" . As World Champion Rather than take the chance with a new Steroid era Freaks like Billy Graham or Hogan

[@KushClarkKent]

Just say he was boring lol

[@CertifiedHuSTLer]

He worked in nwa n awa!

[@fivestar1836]

I got no beef with BACKLUND and he seemed to end up as a true champ but GRAHAM should of had a few extra months on top.

[@tuquoque7322]

At the very least a few more months. Bob held the title for almost six years and while I think he was great at wrestling he didn't have anywhere near the charisma that Billy exuded. I think that if they were to make the most out of Billy than him being a transitional champion, perhaps turning him face like he wanted. If he held for the same period as Bob did then they could have done a story line involving Hulk as a protege of Billy that would set up Billy's return to being a heel and a match between the two at MSG for the title.

[@evalsoftserver]

I think Vince Sr. Was too Conservative and Wanted to see s Middle class American Clean cut" Boy" . As World Champion Rather than take the chance with a new Steroid era Freaks like Billy Graham or Hogan

[@josephyentz870]

That "Kid" committed heart and soul to the business.

[@RumbleFish69]

I understand his frustration. At the time, it was guys like Billy Graham, Chief Jay Strongbow, George Steele, and Bruno Samartino who were committing their hearts and souls. And, if you truly pay attention to what Mr. Graham is saying, he is merely saying that he felt short changed. A lot of guys back then felt this way. Imagine pouring literal blood sweat and tears into a job that gives zero craps about you. That was the reality that these old school wrestlers lived. And in the midst of this, and out of the clear blue, Vince Senior disregards the guys who have worked hard, the guys who have been there, and starts to bankroll this unknown kid. Yeah, I understand his anger.

[@victor03000]

Graham had the bigger pops and the frenzy of the crowds for Superstar.

[@tomfrank2919]

Superstar Grand pave the way for everyone after hulk Hogan and many others openly admit it. Unless you live through that era 2:53 t is probably very hard to understand Triple h gives all his so much credit to Billy

[@johnnybravado7141]

@@RumbleFish69 Like the way Vince Junior disregarded the guys that worked hard, the guys who have been there, and started to bankroll some unknown kid named brock lesnar. Vince Junior repeated in 2002 the same mistake his father Vince Senior made in 1978.

[@bobnewfart7630]

@@johnnybravado7141 Vince Jr was a low life in the end Billy found out lol

[@jamesdouglas1580]

I really enjoyed the dvd '20 years too soon 'about Superstar Billy Graham's career. I was like 7 years old in 1977 when he won the WWWF CHAMPIONSHIP

[@justmythoughts2786]

Backlund held the title a long time and is easily one of the top 3 greatest wrestlers of time

[@theultimatemale6820]

ABSOFUKINGLUTELY!

[@davidgraham8299]

NOT

[@theultimatemale6820]

@@davidgraham8299 HAVING THE CHAMPIONSHIP FOR 6 YEARS AND WATCHING HIM WRESTLE, I would agree that he's one of the top three greatest ever. You probably didn't see him wrestle that's why you disagree.

[@Gebraldo420]

Ehh.... I'd put him in the top 10, but not my top 3.... He easily beats Hulk Hogan on work rate

[@justmythoughts2786]

@@theultimatemale6820 people don’t understand how great Backlund actually was

[@jeremy.802.]

The superstar billy graham the original hulk hogan

[@dewayneperry8395]

and Scott Steiner

[@JVLIVSPhoto]

And let’s not forget Jesse Ventura.

[@chloehyden1906]

Yeah Hogan stole his whole gimmick, besides being a good person inside and out of the ring and BUSSNIESS, THE one thing HE should of TOOK for billy the original SUPERSTAR Gram

[@GajeelRedfox]

@@chloehyden1906 Yes, Billy is a good lad, telling others to start taking steroids and whatnot. A pure icon.

[@jimjones1374]

@@GajeelRedfox Hogan was a steroid user too Superstar could've been the biggest player in the history of the game if old man Vince would have made him a babyface

[@tarrylrosier8443]

I remember watching that match years ago. Backlund was an upcoming babyface. People really liked him. I, too, was shocked when he beat Superstar for the title.

[@evalsoftserver]

I think Vince Sr. Was too Conservative and Wanted to see s Middle class American Clean cut" Boy" . As World Champion Rather than take the chance with a new Steroid era Freaks like Billy Graham or Hogan

[@denisemitchell8477]

heres the thing I am 61 went to MSG over 30 times to see rasslin way back to Haystacks Calhoun Chief Jay Strong bow Backland was very popular aMSG met him 7 years .nicest guy humble and a good mat rassler paid his dues down South hated the crazy act!

[@nycinstyle]

McMahon Sr. wanted Backlund because Backlund could really wrestle. He was a young guy at that time and a really great amateur wrestler. McMahahon sr. knew Backlund would be able to learn and execute all the acrobatic and entertaining pro wrestling moves because he was so athletic and strong. McMahon Sr, never let on that pro wrestling is fake. Never, and he would not allow any of his wrestlers to talk about it that way. In Backlund, he had a guy that made his matches look as real as possible, because he really is a great wrestler. A lot of strong, tough guys in pro wrestling at that time when they made Backlund champ, but in a real wrestling match Backlund would beat all of them. and most everyone really, really easily, too. McMahon Sr, turned down Andy Kaufman because he was worried people would get turned off from pro wrestling thinking that it is obviously fake. . Kaufman first came to McMahon Sr hoping to wrestle in NYC in the WWWF. After McMahon Sr, turned him down, he called Jerry Lawlor. Most everyone I wuld think thought it was fake, I gotta believe. I guess, McMaho Sr. didnt want to advertise and sell it as a fake sport, though. I think mcMahon Sr was right. Pro wrestling was much better when they didnt sell it as an engtertainment act. It was funnier and more entertaining when the wrestlers acted like it is real in and out of wrestling. You just think they're all crazy, anyway. lol

[@williambarnard1763]

Watch Backlund's matches He was a lot more popular than Graham wants to admit.

[@MrAitraining]

+William Barnard for sure. I'm 50yrs old and Backlund's run was my time. Back in the 70's, all the heels had the promo pressure. The good guys were supposed to be calm and professional - not just backlund. But Bob Backlund was over huge at the main events.

[@williambarnard1763]

MrAitraining i'm right behind you at almost 47 and Backlunds reign was my time as well.

[@richcole2314]

lets put it this way if business wasnt good with Backlund he wouldnt have been champ for 5 years.

[@sketchstevens5859]

rich cole Remember the reign of Terror Triple H had? Smackdown was beating Raw in ratings.

[@richcole2314]

the only reason that happened was because of the power trips had behind the scenes and ratings dont equate drawing power, plus you cant use a company competing with itself as an example as all the money goes to the same place.

[@aj-wr1if]

Superstar was one of my favorite ,he had the best rap

[@garyrossetti2443]

RIP "Superstar" Billy Graham😢

[@leeleeclark3132]

That crossface chicken wing is one of the best wrestling submissions hold of all time

[@finch45lear]

I saw a couple of Sicilian Stretcher matches Superstar and Backlund had after the title change. Despite his feelings, Superstar gave 100% every night. Always a pro.

[@MrAitraining]

+Jimmy King "Sicilian Stretcher" matches lol. Laughing cuz in Graham's book he said he had to promote that format and didn't even know what it meant.

[@finch45lear]

+MrAitraining No doubt. Gotta love it.

[@joemckim1183]

Vince Sr. made a mistake in having Billy drop the title to Bob. Billy was clearly the better draw. I can't ever see Vince Jr. thinking that Backlund was the better option.

[@kenworthNH]

No and as soon as Vince Jr bought the WWF Howdy Doody got the boot and he signed Hogan.

[@joemckim1183]

@@kenworthNH Well not soon as soon as VKM bought the WWF. He bought it in '82 and didn't have Sheik take the belt off of BB until late '83. Then Hogan won it in January 84. I'm sure he wanted a new champ but had to wait until he found the right guy and then Rocky III came out.

[@kenworthNH]

@@joemckim1183 Oh, I didn't know he bought it that early. It's probably safe to say he had to play it cool for a while.

[@joemckim1183]

@@kenworthNH It took Vince a while to put his plan in place. He had to get his shows on syndication nationwide. Signing a lot of new talent to fill out the roster.

[@MinusTheRogue]

That’s why Vince jr rid himself of Backlund as soon as he got control of the company. And with Hogan the business exploded.

[@TheNotthead]

Backlund was a good showman. He was good for the time. Crowd loved him. Not everyone loved Superstar.

[@trapperdan]

I disagree...my interest in wrestling def coincided w/Backlund becoming champ......he was a great tech wrestler but limited mike skills, looked like Howdy Doody and his in-ring body language etc was weak

[@TheNotthead]

Like I say the crowds all seemed to love him back in the day, Superstar is just full of sour grapes. Backlund was not a great mic/interview guy. But that was his early character. It was lame all the way around. He was a much better heal. McMahon should of turned him heel back in the day. A match between heal Backlund would have been much better than the Iron Sheik match Hogan got the belt on. Much better angle than dropping it to a heal, and having Hogan take over. By this time Backlund was very stale, he needed revamping, Also I think Backlund is slightly socially awkward. He did still have some excellent matches. The Snuka cage match, Matches with guys like Hansen, Morocco, and even Superstar were classics. I know Backlund said he didn't want to turn heal. But money talks. Vince ahould of made it worth his while.

[@DixiePokerAce]

Graham was a heel. People weren't supposed to love him.

[@evalsoftserver]

I think Vince Sr. Was too Conservative and Wanted to see s Middle class American Clean cut" Boy" . As World Champion Rather than take the chance with a new Steroid era Freaks like Billy Graham or Hogan

[@flyersphan65]

I'd suggest Mr Graham listen to Ric Flair's take on Bob Backlund. "...I couldn't handle Backlund on my best day." nuff said

[@evalsoftserver]

I think Vince Sr. Was too Conservative and Wanted to see s Middle class American Clean cut" Boy" . As World Champion Rather than take the chance with a new Steroid era Freaks like Billy Graham or Hogan

[@Ori0n1975]

@TheMedia-Hacker Quit spamming, dipshit. Come up with something original.

[@pulsarlights2825]

What does that have to do with anything? Backlund was a better wrestler than Flair and Billy in a NCAA setting, but this is pro wrestling, and Backlund wasn't that great. Not only was he bad on the mic, he wasn't a great worker. I recently watched Greg Valentine complain about working with Backlund. Did they make money with Backlund, yes, could they have made more money with a more entertaining champ, probably, but who knows...

[@andystegall7407]

Who cares. Bob Backlund was boring

[@wallypalmer4704]

Not sure I agree with Superstar here. Backlund could go. I always loved watching him wrestle.

[@DixiePokerAce]

Backlund was an amazing wrestler and always in great shape. He had the athletic ability to do just about anything in the ring. Backlund's only weakness was his lack of charisma and mic skills but athletically, very few could come close to him.

[@randybarnett2308]

With his skills, if he had only Ric Flairs charisma he'd been the GOAT!!

[@apostolostvable]

Backlund was not a great draw, though. Billy Graham sold out MSG with the most consecutive sellouts during his reign. The move was to turn Graham face.

[@y2flu]

I started watching in 1981 during the middle of Backlund's reign. I was a big fan of his, but I must admit, by 1983 or so I was getting bored with him and looking for a change. His interviews were really boring and his personality and schtick were getting old. That being said, he was a great role model for kids during the era, and was always the epitome of class. He was all-natural and did things the right way... no shortcuts to success. Graham talks a lot of trash, which is understandable, because he was drawing big crowds as a heel champion, something that had never been done before. Still, Vince Sr. had a vision and followed through with it, and it seemed to work out pretty well for him, based on the success Backlund and the WWWF/WWF experienced during his tenure as champion.

[@NewBluesBros]

Superstar can see it the way he wants but Backlund was selling out MSG the Spectrum and many other arenas around the country. Some of us like our wrestlers to know just a tad about, well, wrestling.

[@markbrinton6790]

Lmfao. Professional wrestling is anything but wrestling.

[@rasheed8280]

Oh shut up, you mark. Bet you're into AEW huh? 😆

[@markbrinton6790]

@@rasheed8280 nope. It's all lame. I stopped watching when I was 13

[@NewBluesBros]

@@rasheed8280 ? Wrestling ended in the early 2000's with ECW but thats okay Sandy. Stay out of your sisters underwear. We all know how you Sandy's roll.

[@LanceJ.]

@@markbrinton6790 😂 that’s why you’re up watching Superstar Billy Graham interviews right? Because you gave it up?

[@kenworthNH]

Superstar should have had a face turn as champ. He was still very popular even as a heel.

[@zombiefulci3301]

I would have loved to see prime Hannibal vs a prime Backlund, both were incredible wrestlers

[@bobmulhall8682]

Just sour grapes by Billy. Billy knew he was going to be just a transitional champion between Bruno and Bob since a baby face couldn't take the belt from another baby face. The WWWF always had baby face champions back then. All of the baby faces in the WWWF at the time had their matches with Billy and got their main event money. Billy held the belt longer than any other heel. He should have been happy with that.

[@voxpox1850]

Backlund couldn't draw.

[@bobmulhall8682]

@voxpox1850 He sold out the Garden over 40 times.

[@voxpox1850]

@@bobmulhall8682 Nope. Bruno, Andre, Dusty, Graham, Pedro, Snuka and Atlas sure did as the co-main event.

[@bobmulhall8682]

@@voxpox1850 watch the shoot interviews with Muroco, Valentine, and Patera. They all said they drew well with Backlund and made a lot of money.

[@voxpox1850]

@@bobmulhall8682 watch the ones with Bruno and Graham. They said he didn't draw well without help.

[@EatTravelSteve]

I kind of disagree. I was 12 yrs old when Backlund become champ and I thought he was great. I saw a few of his matches on TV . I knew wrestling was changing and the 'champ' had to go with the change but I don't think backlund was a bad idea. People really liked him.

[@mitchellbrown7106]

Ajax7925 I agree with Superstar, Bob Backlund was force fed to us each week in a deliberative manner. He didn’t become popular organically.

[@bradstevens9604]

The Superstar against Bruno was a very good match years ago.

[@sumeetagrawal9708]

Anyone who's watched any WWWF match with backlund in it knows he was more over with the crowd than billy Crowds adored that guy

[@DixiePokerAce]

Graham was a heel. The fans weren't supposed to adore him.

[@evalsoftserver]

I think Vince Sr. Was too Conservative and Wanted to see s Middle class American Clean cut" Boy" . As World Champion Rather than take the chance with a new Steroid era Freaks like Billy Graham or Hogan

[@finch45lear]

Hannibal, these are truly great interviews. I think it would be great if you could get a full shoot interview with Bob Backlund. I have yet to see a interview with him of this quality. His story is very important and would be a great addition to your wonderful historical archive.

[@TheHannibalTV]

Jimmy King That would certainly be interestin and he is someone GNW may work with in the future.

[@charleshall3372]

Backlund was 28 at the time.

[@timepoet77]

Backlund was one of my heroes when I was a kid.

[@chuckwilburn1298]

Yeah Bob was one of a kind I remember seeing him in Atlanta in 1975 beat Jerry Brisco. Very underrated can wrestle the best of them

[@ChuckCoulter7572]

Many people love Backlund. Like Larry Holmes, the boxing great, he is a legit athlete whose style is not appreciated enough.

[@Jerry-zc5qt]

Back back in the early 70s when my oldest brother was a baby our dad was a truck driver. He stopped for gas and a cup of coffee and he said superstar billy Graham paid for his gas and coffee. He said superstar was a legitimate gentleman

[@rampage5524]

Bruno "your what your giving the belt to Backlund" yeah why would they put the world title on an Amateur wrestler it doesn't make sense especially when you have a guy like Billy graham a bodybuilder who's body was about to fall apart from steroid abuse as champion.

[@kaneohe47]

Graham is still cutting promos.

[@eamonwright7488]

I have to admit, I really enjoyed the "Nervous-Breakdown-serial-Crossface-chickenwingin'-heel" Bob Backlund in the early 90's Probably saved his career. Because he was as exciting as Cornflakes covered in vanilla icecream.

[@garykass114]

What's wrong with cornflakes covered with vanilla ice cream? Lol.

[@lostways27]

Makes me think that Wrestlemania 31 could have the same effect if Roman Reigns leaves as Champion. Glad Superstar Billy Graham did the right thing back then even though he didn't agree with it.

[@thewutitizband]

Well you can't have every wrestler be a chemically inflated showpiece

[@MrAitraining]

+phyllis antonelli exactly. Billy was lucky he had the run he had. Great showman but horrible wrestler and Backlund was a natural phenomenal wrestler - and reliable. That counted back then. More than Promo ability. Vince wanted a champion to be taken seriously ala Bruno.

[@mikefoght4645]

Pioneer of his time. Hey u gotta lift to get big

[@mikefoght4645]

There is hard work involved

[@keithbarbaro7590]

@Mike Foght Actually you don't have to lift. If you take high dosages you grow. Rick The Model Martel would be a great example of a guy who completely transformed his body from a bottle. In society today you can see guys on TRT doing just 200mg Test a week and gaining 10 lbs of muscle and burning lots of fat without resistance training.

[@keithbarbaro7590]

@MRAitraining Actually Graham is underrated. A heel most of his career, if you go back to him matches with the top babyfaces of his era, Graham bumps like crazy for them. At about 275 he's taking hard hip tosses, body slams and back body drops. Graham bumped.

[@Grinder__]

I don't know Superstar, I think Bruno vs Backlund would have been some great matches. Bruno winning naturally....

[@chrispineo1979]

If you want to get Backlund over as a face beating Bruno would have been a very bad idea. Fans would resent it even if Bruno did his best to put him over as successor. The matches would have been good (though the psychology might be a challenge) but the goal wouldn’t have been met. Plus they very rarely did face vs face matches then.

[@thenicklas615]

I agree 100% I don't know what Vince McMahon seen in Backlund. It was a crazy decision.

[@jorgemarquez837]

Vince Sr. had a great storyline after the title change. WWWF could've portrayed Graham as a king, who was robbed of his throne and determined to reclaim what's been taken from him.

[@GlobalTubeTruth]

Interesting insight.

[@jasonfaber1463]

Wow this is interesting to hear this...I was at that show in Philadelphia steel cage match between Bruno and Billy Graham...I remember how rabid and intense the crowd was during that match. Bruno kicked his ass royally and bloodied him up....how he threw him out the door and when that happened it was like allowing a hot air ballon letting the heat out. But I remember the program with Backlunds pic and it stated that it may be his time to defeat Billy Graham. Two nights later Backlund took the title and all I thought was wow...

[@lighthouse44]

Even though I like Superstar Billy Graham and even if what he said about Bob Backlund is true, so what? Backlund was a great ringworker, he was very popular and he represented the WWF title very well during his reign. He was the right champ at the right time. Just like Bruno was, just like Hulk was, and so on and so forth.

[@robertosso5210]

lighthouse44 most if backlunds matches at the garden were exciting

[@jasonlassiter9229]

Backlund was BORING!!!!!

[@jaygo71]

And then Mr Backlund went onto become one of the greatest WWF champs of all time.. 🏆🐐🏆

[@godawgs7098]

I thought Backlund was a great wrestler and a great champion. But he did hold on to the title for too long, They needed a big strong guy to be champion again. And after Iron Sheik's 1 month title reign. Hulkamania arrives and Hogan is champion for 4 years.

[@bumblebeemoi]

+godawgs7098 "Sheikie" should have had a much longer reign. Besides his superior pure wrestling abilities, he also had learned pro style very well and became a good worker. I also felt that be brought in great energy and excitement. yes, Hulk would bring more, but Sheik could have been given at least 6 months or so with some back and forth fights with HH.

[@godawgs7098]

I agree. Sheik should've had a longer reign. Then lose to Hogan a few months later. Sheik knew how to draw heat with his anti-American promos.

[@PeterBrown-mz4nv]

I'm a huge Bob Backlund fan, but I'll admit that when Bob wrestled Hulk Hogan(when Hogan was a bad guy and showed a lot more skill in longer matches than later on), and I did see it live, the crowd was very excited about Hogan. They still liked Bob, but you could sense they were looking for something different like Hogan. Some of the crowd were actually rooting for Hulk.

[@godawgs7098]

@@PeterBrown-mz4nv I agree. Hogan could work. You saw it in his first match with Warrior. He was a far better worker.

[@PeterBrown-mz4nv]

@@godawgs7098 The people were definitely excited about him when he was a heel with Freddie Blassie.

[@toddgreim9254]

When Bachlund switched to heel it was epic!

[@larryjones8564]

By end of1977, Bob Backlund was gaining attention from all over. The National Wrestling Alliance heavily considered giving him the ten pounds of gold according to his autobiography book. He worked for the Funks in Amarillo, the Grahams in Florida, Sam Muchnick in St. Louis. Stops in the Carolinas and Georgia....hot bed territories of the NWA. Vince Sr., still a member of National Wrestling Alliance and a strong voice on the 9 Board of Directors that carried a vote wanted Backlund to be WWWF Champion...with that said, taking nothing away from Bob Backlund...Superstar Billy Graham should have had a run as a babyface with the Championship. Vince Sr screwed him. Superstar was over like a million bucks....he was waaaay before his time.

[@VolumedMusicMan]

Even if SBG dropped the WWF title too soon, Sr. could've made him a face, and still kept drawing well with him. He was that popular of a wrestler even as a heel! Sr. wanted an old school throwback wrestler to replace the hippie counterculture champ. Perhaps Jr. backed SBG's run and Sr didn't. I'm thinking Sr. defied his WWF staff and went with whom he wanted. - Backlund. After all it was his company.

[@calebjanus2000]

I love Backlund. Fuck the haters. Heel or face he was the man.

[@DixiePokerAce]

Backlund was an outstanding wrestler and a tremendous athlete. As far as WWF champions go, Backlund was probably the best in ring guy. That being said, Backlund had a very bland personality and his promos were pretty lame. But Backlund was definitely a wrestler in every sense of the word. I thought he was a good champion but he probably held the title too long. He was over with fans and he definitely drew money.

[@calebjanus2000]

@@DixiePokerAce His promos in the 90's were not lame.

[@seenoevil85]

He sounds more sane and grounded than most former wrestlers of that era. No jealousy and/or bitterness in what he says.

[@coolguy298]

Superstar Billy Graham is still in shock 40 years later that Bob Backlund defeated him for the title in 1978.

[@shaneshrimp6519]

I remember loving it when Backlund lost to the Iron Sheik . i was like finally , this guy is done ! I liked Superstar , he stuck out for me as a kid and thought he should of stayed on top longer than what he did and Backlund should of lost it alot earlier .

[@terryrosa3rd59]

The man the myth, the legend, the original Hulk Hogan who speaks good stories about his career from the '60s and the '70s of wrestling the one only Superstar Billy Graham

[@robertstokes7207]

Who discovered Bob Backlund and convicted him to enter professional wrestling?? The answer is Billy Graham!!! Lol

[@bobmulhall8682]

Graham knew is was only a transitional champion between Backlund and Bruno. He ran through the whole roster of babyfaces, and there was no one left. It was time to give the title up.

[@unlimitedrabbit]

Times change. Society changes. The business had to change along with them or remain regional. Vince Jr. wanted to go national and that's what happened. He had a vision and once the company was his, he decided that Backlund was not the proper fit. So many memorable moments would not have happened had Hulkamania not run wild.

[@alecsabin1224]

sounds like what Vince Jr is doing with Reigns trying to force feed the fans when the fans hate the guy

[@Grinder__]

The way I felt about Cena. He was an over grown adelecit with baggy shorts, tennis shoes,and his boxers showing. And they called him one of the greatest. LOL

[@Boswd]

I was kid just getting into wrestling when Backlund won the title, He was more popular among kids then you can imagine, he was hero. IMHO that was such a great age , Hulk Hogan was a heel, Iron Shiek, Greg Valentine, Andre the Giant, Tony Atlas , I could go on and on. I can't speak for the older crowd during Backlunds run but among kids, everyone wanted to the Chicken wing and it hurt like hell.

[@darealgodzilla]

backlund was a great 70s wrestler but as the 80s rolled along he became somewhat of a relic as mic skills and appearance suddenly became more important. graham was a forerunner of the 80s and 90s . Too bad he was so broken down by 83 that he was also considered a relic by then.

[@jimmyolsen5897]

No he wasn’t

[@borneojimmy1431]

Even as a baby face loving kid, I used to always root for Backlund to lose the title! Him being champ for so long is what made me start to appreciate the heels.

[@fadethetrade]

Jay Heycock He was champ for too long. Maybe a year was enough for Backlund. I know in my circles in 1980 we already wanted hogan to beat backlund but they fucked hogan and he left wwwf. Then Snuka came along and in our circles, again, we wanted snuka to be champ. But Vince kept backlund in there year after year after tedious year. It was too much and for what?? The all american image was overplayed after the first year! Sometimes I wonder what scheme they had going together in the upstairs office! 5 yrs was insane for us.

[@borneojimmy1431]

It was crazy, wasn't it? I remember so many times thinking that Backlund was finally going to lose the belt to Snuka, Muraco, Masked Superstar, etc, but he always pulled it out with that damned atomic drop! The formula was almost always the same. Bob would lose the first match by count out, blood stoppage, DQ, etc, and then next month beat the challenger in some sort of grudge match, lather, rinse, repeat. ...

[@fadethetrade]

Don't forget he also beat Big John Studd as well! How did he do that?? Might as well mccahon sr should have just allowed backlund to pin Andre.WHy not? Backlund had to beat everyone for 5 yrs. But the mystery still lingers. Vince, why?? Even hogan selling out mania's around the world,was only allowed to have it 3 yrs! never gave it to Snuka. Why? Snukas top rope dive was the most incredible finisher for those days, A standard only seen in modern wrestling but he wasn't the one either over the red head?? I Can't understand the reasons to keep him in there for over 5 yrs. In his 94 comback,he wins the title and loses it the next day??

[@oldschoolfan420]

fadethetrade snuka was having legal trouble with the death of that girl at the hotel a nd he was heavily into coke at that time and was highly unreliable. He also lacked the mic skills to cut a good promo to be world champ at that time.

[@fadethetrade]

He could have won the belt and then lose it shortly after.At least beat Backlund.Pin him and than lose the title in 6 months.

[@davef6337]

Undoubtedly Backlund was a young baby faced pup but I enjoyed him as champion. Graham and some others did not either get their turn or a long enough run with the title. I agree to that.

[@ivanthecheese9119]

They could have build Backlund up for another year or so and by late 79 early 80 have Superstar pass the torch to Backlund, the fans would have wanted a true baby face and Graham would have had a great run making the WWWF a ton of money, it would have even given the NWA a run for there money with Graham as a long term heel champion that people loved to hate. Superstar was like a Rockstar in the mid late 70’s.

[@Boygonebad]

Backlund was legit and damn good WWF Champion. Don’t let revisionist history and sour grapes distract you from the fact.

[@louthebody]

He was spot on about being force fed. Bob Backlund was a force fed champion for about 6 years. The best thing that ever happened to the WWF/WWE was when Backlund lost the belt to the Iron Sheik. No reflections on his skills, but Bob Backlund was the most boring champion in WWE history. I stopped watching WWE wrestling when Billy Graham left. I started watching it again when Hogan won the title.

[@scottlevison7994]

Worst mic skills ever...could not cut a promo to save his ass,

[@toddsands6000]

I remembered one promo in which Angelo Mosca hyped up his up and coming wrestling match against Bob Backlund on how he planned to make him suffer and submit and win the belt. And then after he became champion, he would whip Backlund with the championship belt before he would exit with it as the new champion. Fans could not wait for that upcoming match. And yes, I do admit Backlund was a bit dry at that time. He sort of reminded me of how boxing legend Larry Holmes would interview for his up and coming boxing matches. Larry Holmes was a great champion, but a lot of fans didn't totally embrace him at that time. However, Muhammad Ali was embraced and loved because love him or hate him, he could work the mic and hype his fights. Similar to what many heels in wrestling could do. The bad guys were the foundation of the success of the wrestling business. I liked faces of course. But I loved the bad guys. I was a huge fan of Sgt. Slaughter, the Iron Sheik, Roddy Piper and Captain Lou Albano. Those guys are true legends of wrestling hype. Their promos were off the chain.

[@Silo-Ren]

Biggest mistake Vince SR made... not making Billy a baby face. I remember even as a heel people would mob him in the streets of NYC.

[@tomfrank2919]

You were the greatest ever Superstar and you always will be thank you for all you did it was the best age of wrestling there ever was with you and Bruno in the 70s and of course Bruno in the 60s through the 70s. Hulk Hogan and everyone publicly thank you many times without you they would not have existed rest in peace champ And again not taking anything away from Bob backlund skills as an actual wrestler. He was one of the best pure rustlers ther was. But this was an entertainment game. And Billy was the greatest

[@AT-sd9qq]

I was a kid when Bob backlund was champion for like 3 or 4 years and it was always confusing. Haha.

[@Coodeville]

"Took it off a man. Gave it to a fuckin' boy". Thats what SSBG said in another video

[@jpbart1390]

this is why i'm sad that superstar didn't get a match against hulk hogam. that would've been spectacular!

[@MrAitraining]

Backlund was the real deal. Very few "real wrestlers" then. He was bland, but almost all the champion faces were. Ever hear NWA champions Jack Brisco's promos? Dory Funk JR? zzzzzzzzzzz even Bruno played it very straight on the mic. but back then the heels were the promo guys. And Billy still feels Backlund robbed him of more greatness.

[@MrAitraining]

Backlund was also VERY reliable. I don't think the plan was for him to have it for 5 1/2 years, but the mcmahons could sleep well when Bob had the title. Never got hurt or missed matches, no drugs and was 100% legit shoot wrestler, so no one f'd with Bob in the ring or they would regret it. When Backlund went overseas or into other territories, you can be sure as shit that belt was coming home with Bob. Had to be reassuring.

[@Mrsmassflex]

Superstar is very bitter.

[@scottlevison7994]

I have read elsewhere that Eddie Graham was trying to get Vince Sr. to take Steve Keirn instead of Backlund. Keirn had better mic skills than Backlund. Keirn as a Champion would've been better for the WWWF. What McMahon Sr. SHOULD have done was to bring Hogan in as a face in '79...instead of a heel and had him take the belt from Graham...or have Ted DiBiase defeat Graham...and then have a tournament to determine the new "North American" champion (the belt that Vince Sr. created and gave to DiBiase).

[@AndrewNewZealand]

WWF world champion Skinner!!! ;)

[@jessfrankel5212]

Graham took the Gorgeous George persona to the nth degree, and while he was gifted on the mic, he wasn't a particularly good wrestler. His body did the talking, but he had very limited mat skills. Backlund may have been boring to many, but he could sell, he knew how to wrestle, and he was a solid worker. At that time, Backlund was, IMO, the right choice. Later on, there were more colorful heels and faces, but for that time period, Backlund brought in the fans as did his outstanding heel opponents. It was a win-win sitch for everyone.

[@ChuckCoulter7572]

With all due respect, why say "child" so often? When I write "with all due respect," I mean that -- with respect, dignity, and honor, I state here: Backlund is a great, legitimate talent at a genuine sport and at sports entertainment. A multi-sport college All-American, up-by-the-bootstraps Bob Backlund, despite how physically different or how quiet a Backlund performance may be gave this sport five years of increased legitimacy that are not some grand booking mistake; I wrote at the latter-day WWE (I expose nothing nor do I attempt to sully the waters of this sturdy respectable forum), but Backlund, like AWA's Gagne before him and Kurt Angle and Brock Lesnar (NCAA men; an Olympian) helps to pave the way for "physical chess" grapplers, and those who marry both great styles, such as Bret Hart, dungeon-trained by his father Stu, or HBK, or Daniel Bryan, and the bigger than life genuine black belts such as CM Punk or Roddy Piper, who also possess these larger than life immense personalities. I dig early WWWF, AWA, and NWA, and see it as this one great story of an evolving form of sports/sports entertainment. Now consider this: we are close in time to Christopher Reeve, my childhood hero after my father and grandfather, as Superman. A real Superman. So getting some science in there, with some fresh-faced honesty, the way Backlund does -- NCAA wrestling is no joke! That mattered to me. Backlund epitomizes the heartland, he represents the heart and soul of middle America, where the Nordic settlers fill this great landscape, where we work and we work hard... where flash isn't all there is. Where substance and character count, too. Where bodybuilding is okay, but it's a distant second to muscles that have in their muscle memory, realistic strikes, takedowns, and escapes. Not every hero has to be an antihero. Backlund, Harley Race -- Terry Funk is probably my all time favorite wrestler -- they legitimize what could too easily turn into a cartoon; it would've been nice to so Backlund step down, teach Hogan a few things and tag with him, for it's all good, the variety, the range. I'd dig seeing Hogan and Backlund vs Flair and Savage in 84 already, back when Savage, a five tool player was in Memphis. Hogan and Backlund as Team America, two sides of the American coin; even if Graham had a longer rein, eventually Hogan would appear... peace out!

[@rebeccamasse1557]

Even as a little kid who just started watching pro wrestling, I was like how is this Backlund guy the champion. It made no sense.

[@crazypainter56]

Bob was a Legit wrestler--and very strong

[@jamescollette5011]

The man of the hour The man with the power To sweet to be sour

[@zibberebbiz]

Omg he really almost double crossed Vince Sr

[@pjkerns1696]

I wish he would have,basically superstars career went downhill after losing title anyway

[@MrAitraining]

@@pjkerns1696 Physically Billy was on the decline. He never could have held the belt longterm and if he double crosses Vince Sr on the switch, he would have been done career wise on the spot for good.

[@BrotherDerrick3X]

RIP Superstar Billy Graham.

[@neurocosm]

WOW - he looks really good. When was this video taken?

[@andrewclayterman6230]

1966

[@JoeG2324]

A heel backlund vs hogan in 84 would have been money

[@musicandmagic909]

Joe JG and vice versa in 80 lol

[@cameron3578]

musicandmagic909 lololol no, Hogan in 80 wasn't the same as Hogan in 84. No way is Hogan Vs Backlund a draw in 1980.

[@janitor4life]

A McMahon force feeding the fans a champion they don't want?!?!?! WHAT!?!?!?!

[@CLewey44]

I think they could have went back and forth over the years instead of keeping it on Backlund as long as they did. He got stale real quick. I think too, had he turned heel in the spring or summer of 84, he would have never left the WWF. He was a better heel than babyface.

[@robertosso5210]

i have to say bob backlunds title matches were very exciting

[@neptunethemystic]

I didn't realise Earthquake and Hurricane were around in the 1970s

[@arlichar11]

ive never understood why backlund was champ... he was strong guy... but had zero personality and charisma... id say the diffrence in popularity of wrestling in his time and that of the 80s.. says it all...

[@douglasbryant2556]

HollywoodKendrick I never had much interest in Backlund until he feuded with my all time fave,Bret. After he got my attention, I couldn't stand him. After Bret finally was finished with his corny ass, I forgot all about him

[@friscoliv]

+arlichar11The thing with backlund, IMO, was that he bought out the best from his opponents. Granted was not charismatic, but I loved his reign as champion. He took on the likes of Sgt. Slaughter, Don Murrocco, Jimmy Snuka and others who had charisma to spare. Backlunds interviews were kind of dull, but that only made his opponents interviews all the better. He was also incredibly entertaining in the ring--and a hell of a wrestler. Billy Graham always bashes Backlund. He probably is pissed that he didnt go on to be the champion for years. Maybe he has a legit beef, but its hardly Backlunds fault that Vince Sr. went with him over Graham. Maybe Vince Sr. had his own reasons.

[@friscoliv]

Yes. he held it for a week or so. Won it in controversial fashion from Brett Hart then lost to Big Daddy Cool in his first defense. In fairness to Backlund he was pretty up their in years when he took on Diesel.

[@FurphyFinkum]

Of course He had no personality and all the gimmicky nonsense, came from an era where it was all hard work and no time for gimmicks. People watched it for the actual sport and that was the entertainment

[@arlichar11]

@@FurphyFinkum yeah its why i always loved non wwf more as kid,, i wasnt into that gimmicky BS crap.. but that being said backlund was still boring lol

[@rjillidge3]

So backlund was the roman rheigns of his day?

[@ppiorkowski1502]

I don't care what anyone says Bob Backlund is a class act. I met him a few years ago at a house show and I actually spent pretty much the entire show taking to him. I can't say enough good things about him. I don't like to talk bad about people but Billy Graham talks out of his ass in just about every interview does. It takes him ten minutes to string two sentences together and he's delusional on every topic he's asked about.

[@voxpox1850]

You can call Bob classy all you want. Just don't go around calling him major draw, especially when he had no major main events after he dropped the title. There was a drop in attendances until Zbysko turned on Bruno.

[@Zellonite]

WWE really dropped the ball with with Supertar.

[@nichhodge8503]

I’ve seen statues with more charisma and personality than Bob Backlund when he was WWWF/WWF Champion as a statue could’ve cut a better promo too! Now Bob Backlund In 94 when he lost the plot and became Mr Backlund was completely different as he had character and a personality, I will always remember the promo he cut on Diesel after he lost the WWF Title to him saying “Kevin Nash is a Neanderthal!!!” And then Shawn Michaels on commentary saying to Vince McMahon “Did you hear that? Kevin Nash, do you know who he’s talking about?” And Vince obviously not happy Shawn had to point out the fact Bob called him Kevin Nash in his promo reply’s “Yes”

[@howardfrombroward3842]

I stopped watching when Backlund was champion. Superstar was THE MAN!

[@taxisteve929]

This is great! I used to see a lot of these guys when they wrestled at the Meadowlands and stayed at a hotel in Woodbridge. . And I would see them when I went out because some of them lived in town. But I have to agree with Billy Graham, Backlund had to be the most boring champion in the history of the game. I think the old man was thinking it was still the 1950s and it was just about a few wrestling moves and not the 6’ 6” musclebound monsters who could jump 15 feet in the air it became.

[@lusterthomas4189]

Backlund could stretch anybody.

[@LumberjackPa]

I have never understood the reason for putting the gold on Backlund. It seems as if we'll never truly know what Sr. was thinking. Thanks for sharing.

[@LumberjackPa]

***** He was over.

[@appypappy]

LumberjackPa The WWWF saw they had a huge stable of heels and they needed a babyface champ that looked beatable(unlike Bruno)

[@LumberjackPa]

Wow nice insight.

[@fadethetrade]

LumberjackPa He was champ for too long. Maybe a year was enough for Backlund. I know in my circles in 1980 we already wanted hogan to beat backlund but they fucked hogan and he left wwwf. Then Snuka came along and in our circles, again, we wanted snuka to be champ. But Vince kept backlund in there year after year after tedious year. It was too much and for what?? The all american image was overplayed after the first year! Sometimes I wonder what scheme they had going together in the upstairs office! 5 yrs was insane for us.

[@fadethetrade]

Hank Ingram He was champ for too long. Maybe a year was enough for Backlund. I know in my circles in 1980 we already wanted hogan to beat backlund but they fucked hogan and he left wwwf. Then Snuka came along and in our circles, again, we wanted snuka to be champ. But Vince kept backlund in there year after year after tedious year. It was too much and for what?? The all american image was overplayed after the first year! Sometimes I wonder what scheme they had going together in the upstairs office! 5 yrs was insane for us.

[@hzjpmp]

Billy never met a man he wasn't better than...