Greg Valentine - What Bob Backlund Was Like to Wrestle in WWF

Greg Valentine discusses his matches vs former WWF Champion Bob Backlund. Streaming now 📺 TitleMatchNetwork.com
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In February 1979, Greg Valentine and Bob Backlund fought to a one-hour time limit draw at Madison Square Garden.
Back at MSG in October 1981, Valentine seemingly beat Backlund and was awarded the World Wrestling Federation Championship. The title would change hands next month to Backlund but was rarely acknowledged by WWF moving forward.
Hammer also talks about helping Cowboy Bob Orton gets gigs in the Mid-Atlantic and later in New York. Also, find out what Valentine remembers about breaking Chief Jay Strongbow's leg and how much heat he got as a result.
Hear why Greg says Strongbow was actually more popular with fans than Backlund was as champion.
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[@TitleMatchWrestling]

Full Playlist 📲 bit.ly/3fMmvW8 Stream 📺TitleMatchNetwork.com Leave your questions for Hammer here 🔨

[@Bisonzilla]

Did The Hammer ever work with Sarge or Don Kernodle? I've always thought Kernodle was very underrated! Also, speaking of working stiff, did Wahoo really work as stiff as it's been said? Would love to hear about how the "I broke Wahoo's leg" angle came about.

[@stephenviveney5836]

Did he ever witness any backstage fights and did he ever go drinking with Captain Lou Albano?

[@CertifiedHuSTLer]

Ask him about HERB SIMMONS PLEASE 🙏.

[@charles2675]

Howdy.

[@JOECURR1488]

I WOULD SUFFER ETERNAL DAMNATION JUST TO HAVE MY CHILDHOOD BACK FOR 1 MORE RUN THROUGH.

[@scottmitchell3169]

The Hammer doesn't have a bad thing to say about anyone. A classy guy and one hell of a heel.

[@larrysierens1029]

Couldn't have said it better 👍

[@lexbeltran1354]

Indeed

[@androo2032]

Heard!

[@warriorv9359]

Gregs a true classy cool badass cat

[@lewis9702]

Actually the Hammer really bashed Sting which I don't understand. I always thought Sting was a great worker.

[@martinhainer4504]

Greg is the classiest pro wrestler to ever set foot in the ring.. His stories are so great..

[@warrenbates2949]

Bobby Eaton,RIP.

[@TPain79lawguy]

What strikes me about Valentine is that he speaks like a gentleman - very civilized in discussing others in the business, where the business is filled with egomaniacs.

[@ymaisel6768]

I love these videos. Giving such a wonderful glimpse into Greg; bottom line - he is a class act.

[@SSgtChitEPanz]

He's very well spoken. Even with issues you can tell are uncomfortable, he handles well. The epitome of professionalism.

[@MrRasnowman]

He didn’t like to do he job tho 🤪 which is good that’s the sign of a star I suppose

[@brendanorourke4727]

Greg Valentine is the most positive guy in these shoot interviews. I've seen so many Bret Hart, Cornette, Honky Tonk buries everybody compilations. I do love those, but someone needs to give us a "Greg Valentine puts everyone over" compilation or a "Top 10 hated wrestlers Greg Valentine loved." He's a national treasure.

[@7thson555]

They need to add Valentine to Mount Rushmore

[@Mr05Chuck]

Vader is a pretty good guy also about being fair.

[@TheSportsfan35]

When it comes to Bret, I can understand how he feels about the business, he's been angry for a long time about what happened to Owen. As far as Corny goes, the man worked for idiots like Jim Herd, ROH, & Dixie Carter, so I could understand why he's always upset.

[@mox19380]

It's no wonder that he had so such a long career and every promoter welcomed him back with open arms. He wasn't burning bridges and alienating people his whole career

[@stevenkarner6872]

@@Mr05Chuck Was, sadly.

[@bentleyrv6]

I was never a big fan of him back in the day but man I am now what an absolute legend of the business.

[@jr0252]

A real Gentleman, I dont really hear him trashing too many people. Very Professional

[@rgtitan3467]

Completely agree

[@terrencedeagle4429]

Excellent analysis...a real pro..not a showboat.

[@joelbennett6672]

Totally agree!!! "We got paid CASH!!!" Hahaha...he loved the Professional Wrestling scene.

[@seebee6804]

Greg Valentine is an adults wrestler. Never appreciated him as a kid but he pops up in some really insanely hot feuds and matches.

[@STONESGAM]

I agree. I appreciate him more now as an adult than I did as a kid. His prime was kind of when he held the Intercontinental Championship and his run with Brutus as Tag Team champs in WWF and I was only like 5 or 6 years old then. He had an opportunity to join the 4 Horsemen in the late 80's I guess but Vince talked him out of it. Too bad he would have fit in perfectly there with those guys where it was less gimmicky. And WWF was only basically using him as a mid card heel by then.

[@Johnny.1965]

See valentine vs Piper dog collar chain match

[@jasonkraatz9574]

Greg is such a class act. He's a real gem.

[@joelbennett6672]

I agree, totally! The Hammer is very complimentary of his colleagues. He definitely knew the Wrestling Business...all aspects. Thanks for having Greg present his depth of knowledge, Wrestling holds (and how that enhances matches),& history of the phenomena that was going on, at the time!

[@bentleyrv6]

Gotta love the ole school guys who are still alive and thriving and doing interviews that are extremely interesting.

[@midcardheelhd8522]

The Hammer is pure class. I can see why both Vinces loved him.

[@MrManfly]

and I too like cash....and Vegas !!!

[@scottsetzke7967]

I was gonna write the same thing about Vinny Mac Jr saying Greg was one of his favorites because of the amateur holds valentine would incorporate

[@Hellraiser988]

I don't think I could ever hate Greg

[@Hellraiser988]

@@scottsetzke7967 Greg was a great wrestler great talker and a great human being gonna be sad when we lose him one day

[@robertbishop5357]

Greg was a great heel, a great wrestler. He was excellent on the mic and in the ring. A classy man.

[@eatpigsnot]

Bob Backlunds autobiography is a must for those who grew up on territory wrestling, especially WWWF

[@mackermaldrill2656]

What's the name of the book?

[@eatpigsnot]

@@mackermaldrill2656 Backlund: From All-American Boy to Professional Wrestling's World Champion

[@boman3132]

Ok now I gotta read it!

[@mackermaldrill2656]

Does he mention anything about being Howdy Doodie?

[@eatpigsnot]

@@mackermaldrill2656 yes

[@smittyinwootown5640]

I loved when He did the Rick Flair Face Plant. Everyone know what I’m talking about. Standing strait up after getting hit , staring straight ahead and falling forward on his face. Way Too Funny. 😂

[@danpizzi5857]

Again, I can’t state enough how great these interviews are. The interviewer is spot on. Just perfection.

[@Hellraiser988]

I could happily hear Greg talk for an hour

[@anthonygentile8968]

He's 100 percent right, Who doesn't love cash?

[@Batman-wv5ng]

Real money , not those rubbish bank cards today.

[@michaelcorkery7108]

I met Greg twice at independent shows. To be one of the most hated heels ever he was friendly and we took a picture together. Ivan Koloff was very friendly too (RIP).

[@sticky3983]

I met Ivan Koloff in Frostproof FL in the late 70s. I was a teenager and he was very gracious to me and my little brother. I didn't realize until years later he broke kayfabe being nice to us kids. Much respect for the Russian Bear

[@appypappy]

@@sticky3983 Rip Hawk was that way. He signed autographs while Swede Hansen and Gary Hart kept kayfabe

[@HereIsWisdom1318]

You know whose NOT friendly (and maybe he was just in w bad mood): Honky Tonk Man.

[@Boygonebad]

That’s why Backlund’s era was so good you had great wrestling matches main events. Backlund was the Bret Hart of the late 70s-early 80s. Had great matches with everyone.

[@Realest636]

I always said that about Bret. Backland was the Bret of his time.

[@Boygonebad]

Even their “bad” matches are better than most matches of any era

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

What a great guy. Just a terrific person. Best quote: "People believed anything back then." 😅

[@oskarsalvador7414]

I see Greg is “pimpin’” with da gold chain. Loved watching him as a kid.

[@Monkeyspankerelite]

The wrestling in the 80`s were so damn entertaining. Such chars. Greg and Honky was a hilarious tag team.

[@brianjansen3103]

Love how everyone else sees what a class act the hammer is. World class!

[@macadoo2530]

He definitely is. Some of his clips are hilarious and would never fly today. Such as the one where he calls junkyard dog 'you nasty black man'😳...😄 Ah the old days of wrasslin'..lol

[@jcelldogs]

Makes me wonder how Backlund was literally all wwf had to offer as champ in the early late 70s early 80s before hogan came around. 🤔 such a boring howdy doody kinda guy.

[@daddyjoeracing]

Greg Valentine was absolutely one of my favorite all-time professional wrestlers I had a group of guys that were my all-time favorites here they are Greg Valentine Andre the Giant Chief Jay Strongbow Ivan Putski and Superstar Billy Graham that my list

[@dannycosta5540]

All great Legends

[@JuanGrande53]

I love Greg Valentine interviews! The man is a straight shooter, with a lot of great history in the wrestling game under his belt, and a lot of great stories to go along with it! You always get the feeling he’s truly telling it like it was, without trying to sugar coat things, or protect peoples feelings, but he always knows how to do it in a classy way! I didn’t like him much as a kid, but that’s just because he did a great job at being a heel, but I sure love and respect the man now, in hindsight! Thank you Mr. Valentine, for everything you did for the wrestling world, and for us fans! You are indeed a legend!

[@fraomedinaii2095]

I'm from the Bronx I remember how crazy Madison Square Garden would get when Pedro Morales came out he was a Class Act he carried himself with Pride dignity and respect just like Roberto Clemente another outstanding Puerto Rican

[@johnroberts1686]

I could listen to Greg Valentine speak all day long about these stories.

[@kellytennant9348]

I actually recall when the Chief got his leg broke by the Hammer. Even I hated Greg for that! Cha ching:-)

[@toddgreim9254]

Man thanks Hammer for all these amazing stories. My older brother would put the figure 4 on me after watching you do it.

[@danajooks9677]

I never appreciated this guy enough... So interesting to hear what he has to say

[@Hellraiser988]

The Orton family line is one of the greatest things to happen to professional wrestling with Randy Orton being the peak of it all

[@mox19380]

i'm stunned at the memory of Valentine and other guys (AA, Jim Ross, Hart, Muraco, etc). after decades, all the extracurricular activities, bumps to the head and just huge numbers of matches, territories crossed, etc etc they have vivid memories of early days....and we are all lucky for it

[@freeman7296]

I remember as a kid watching the chief Jay Strongbow broken leg deal - with his dance on his "broken" leg....it was fun to watch.

[@pedroarellano4266]

No cigarettes were involved in the creation of this voice. Seriously though, thank you for the memories, sir!

[@romainlavoie1526]

There is no doubt that Bob and Greg were perfect opponent's for each other ! True professionals !

[@bumblebeemoi]

I saw Greg against Backlund at Boston Garden. Someone had a big sign that said “Thanks Greg” and underneath those words was “Strongbow” that had a big “X” going through it. Apparently the fan appreciated the “broken leg” job. Even after 40 years I still laugh

[@jackkottwitz5236]

I really like listening to Greg. I hated him in the ring when i was a kid...but now watching the man talk....its awesome

[@chrisdavid3510]

I could listen to Greg talk forever. Good voice telling some great stories. Seems really positive about most people.

[@Cvtreasures]

Many of these old WWE Guys are so angry and negative and badmouth everyone. NOT Gregg. Gregg is just so grateful to the WWE. A Class Act!

[@lordjet1596]

I love these interviews. Hammer was always a fave. And I'm delighted he is such an engaging raconteur.

[@BigBass-xf5yi]

That “1hour” MSG match was one of the best matches that I have ever seen. Great performance by Backlund AND Valentine....Valentine was an amazing heel. He had so much heat.

[@jeffbohen4301]

Saw that one ....was incredible..

[@scottmcfarland1177]

I remember that match when you broke the Chiefs leg! He was probably the most popular wrestler next to Andre the giant! Always liked watching those matches with Greg and the Chief! Love Greg's stories!

[@michaelamendola4957]

Met Greg after a match in my hometown, a great guy to talk with!!

[@philaman1972]

Greg is a believable wrestler. Everything he did in the ring looked good and legit, whether it was a shoulder breaker, elbow drop, or of course the figure-four. Also, he is right how people believed everything they saw on TV back then. Back in 1982 I was a ten year old kid and remember watching TV when Ray Stevens piledrove Jimmy Snuka on the ringside floor... he almost started a riot! It's such a pity that believability factor from wrestling is long gone!

[@Hellraiser988]

If Matt Riddle slowed down on the high-flying a bit he would be in the lines of Bobby Lashley, Brock Lesnar, Bob Backland, Ken Shamrock and a few others

[@Hellraiser988]

I didn't bring up Greg as you got to that first

[@ferox965]

I agree. When I was a kid I thought Valentine was someone you shouldn't mess with. A mean bulldog who knew how to take you apart.

[@macadoo2530]

Absolutely true about the believability factor. 'Wrasslin' wasn't about costumes and pyrotechnics then which gave it an air of realism. I remember seeing King King Mosca 'dislocate' a jobbers shoulder once and was convinced it was a real thing. As well as the time he smashed a water pitcher on Patterson's head..Pretty frightening stuff in 1982.

[@orgonkothewildlyuntamed6301]

Greg admits on several vids he wrestled "stiff" so a lot of it was legit

[@nssatomic]

Greg is such an awesome guy. He's a tough act to follow.

[@pjk9056]

I think the real takeaway from these great interviews with Greg is that the wrestlers were actually teammates who worked hard together to put on a show.

[@randyragsdale23]

Greg "The Hammer" Valentine is one of my all-time favorite wrestlers. He's probably one of the most underrated wrestlers of the late 70s and 80s. Love hearing these old stories about Vince McMahon Sr and Bob Backlund. Thank you for the upload

[@nitebirdscuffle4213]

.......I was lucky enough to see these guys at the Hamburg Fieldhouse back in the day when I was a kid.........Dam right we believed it..........The energy and excitement back then isnt like anything we have today.........

[@Spooky_515]

Greg was there from the start and has so many great stories. It’s a shame this man isn’t working for WWE, AEW or TNA to share his knowledge with the next generation

[@adambrake8083]

Greg was/is the best. I remember him being great heel, great technical wrestler n ALWAYS a stud. In singles n tag matches, he was great at building heat or putting people over.💯

[@davecousins2500]

I met Greg Valentine at an autograph signing, and we talked at length about his feud with Wahoo McDaniel. What struck me was how often he said "We made money in every house....our feud was red hot....we had a great time every time we wrestled..." Never once said "Me", "I" - he always talked kindly about who he was feuding with not "I put this guy over". Class act.

[@Hellraiser988]

Exactly that was some selfless shit we don't see often

[@dannycosta5540]

A guy you loved to hate back in 80s but dam he sounds like a real great person in these interviews. Greg The Hammer Valentine LEGEND

[@Luke8-17]

Met The Hammer outside of Madison Square Garden when I was kid. He was fighting Backlund for the then WWWF belt, that night & I was afraid when I saw him, my dad approached him to introduce his two sons to him. I was in awe he was the nicest gentleman shook our hands & left. 2 minutes later walking in street was Bob Backlund & we wished him luck.

[@poppafish428]

Like so many on here have said, What a classy guy ! I met Jay Strongbow when he was tag team champs with Jules. He was walking in the old Fairfield Mall in Chicopee, Mass with his wife. He had the tag team belt in a case handcuffed to his wrist. We had a great talk. My grandfather's family is in the Mohawk tribe. He smiled and said I think that makes us family somewhere in the grand scheme of things. What an awesome thing to say to a fan.

[@josephmatthews7698]

Never broke kayfabe. Strongbow was Italian lol. I'm Cherokee, me and you are more closely related than him lmao.

[@poppiarlin5612]

Your interviews absolutely give me such a euphoric feeling. What a way to start my day.

[@BigBass-xf5yi]

That hour long match is one of the greatest matches ive ever seen. Greg was a great heel and performer. Bob was a great champion. I just wish he developed his finishing move much earlier in his run.The cross face chicken wing.

[@brownmut5518]

Bob Backland vs Greg Valentine for the WWF title at Maple Leaf Gardens in May 1982 on an NWA stacked card.

[@Aeileus]

Valentine VS Strongbow, they turned the lights off in my town, it was so bloody.

[@MickPsyphon]

Initially, I was never big on Greg Valentine, but when he paired up with Brutus Beefcake, they worked well together. Now, I think it's very interesting to listen to him share his insights. Great stuff!

[@lt.danicecream]

I met Greg many years back at a local show. He wrestled Wahoo McDaniels. I remember asking if he was going to break his leg as i got an autographed picture. He replied that he might. I still have that pic he gave me that day, though it is worse for wear these days. I had it hanging on a wall at my house. We called that wall the "Wall of Fame". That was over 25yrs ago. Thanks for the fond memories

[@maxxxmodelz4061]

I was just a little kid, but I remember that angle with Strongbow and The Hammer! My grandfather believed it 100%, and he hated Greg for doing that. It seemed like Jay was in a leg brace for years, but I guess it was about 1 year that they squeezed out that angle, and it was amazing.

[@worldsgreatestimpressionis6462]

Even though he played a heel this guy is the classiest, kindest, fair minded wreser I have ever heard interviewed. Not to mention one of the greatest of all time. Great job Greg.

[@brucesturton8521]

Valentine, was a tag team champion after about a year of wrestling, in Buffalo NY. The team was called the fabulous fargos .

[@jpozenel]

It's great to hear these stories. I watched Greg a lot on television. Also saw him as Johnny Fargo (of the Fargo brothers) live at the Akron Armory. There were some really great matches with big names that night.

[@ross.stanger]

Greg Valentine is the coolest wrestler Ive ever heard. I tell everyone what a nice guy he is. He RARELY says anything bad about anyone!

[@NOV123]

And of course Greg is referring to Bob’s first time. Not his return in ‘93. Lol

[@MrJinxxxed13]

What a class guy. Rarely will you hear a wrestler give credit to the other wrestler for the idea about an angle they are involved in.

[@samuelgardner5939]

Love these. Such an amazing heel, such a good guy in these interviews. These are awesome.

[@poppiarlin5612]

Greg, you always compliment everyone. However you sir are the real deal.

[@LoganCharlesII]

I like how the wrestlers refer to a long main event match as one hour Broadway.

[@davidkleiner530]

Those were the days and the best thing was most of the MSG events were on USA network

[@Cultofpersonality09129]

I remember watching Greg in the 80’s with Jesse Ventura commentating as a kid I thought he was one of the toughest guys in WWE. This is as a little kid and Jesse Venturas commentating putting him over was so awesome.

[@mikeeisenberg7764]

Everyone HATED the Hammer. We wanted to see some other wrestler kick his heel ass. That emotion was what made him one of the greatest wrestlers ever! You were awesome, Greg!

[@kingporter67]

Greg Valentine is a wrestling legend, his figure four leg lock is powerful submission hold!

[@billschmidt4192]

I love these interviews with Greg Valentine. Very well spoken Man.

[@juanyoc4868]

Valentine always gives great interviews. Great story teller and a nice guy.

[@kenterminateddq5311]

I heard that Backlund had to carry Valentine when he was exhausted during their match. That shows how much of a gentleman Bob was. Surprisingly, he's still alive and in great shape.

[@mackermaldrill2656]

Backlund isn't that old, so it's not really a surprise he's still alive.

[@SirVic42]

Sounds like Greg wasn't used to doing 60 minute Broadways at that point in his career, and with it being his first time in MSG, you can understand how he might blow up somewhere along the way. Backlund was/is a physical freak, so him carrying anyone for an hour is totally believable.

[@kenterminateddq5311]

@@SirVic42 Didn't Valentine had one-hour broadways with Flair?

[@SirVic42]

@@kenterminateddq5311 You would think so, but maybe they were paced differently.

[@thebudgetgamer]

Bob is probably doing pushups right now

[@Uncle_Mark2600]

This is a great interview! I loved Chief Jay Strongbow!

[@user-pm6fp2uy7p]

Always enjoy Greg valentine on all of his positive remarks and memories with all the wrestlers male and female what a superior person

[@karlepaul6632]

Love the Hammer! 🔨 One of my all time favorites!👍🏿

[@TheCarpinz]

I was at ringside in Madison Square garden for his 1 hour with backlund. Great match!!

[@BobGeis]

What a guy? Who didn't hate Greg the Hammer back in the day? Seems like the nicest, most down to the earth guy around.

[@ro33west]

He was always elbow dropping guys arms and legs! Beat and Beat and Beat!

[@diamondwchamp]

I remember around 1977 WWWF, Vince Sr, sent about 4 of their workers to Florida (Graham) & Florida sent 3 or 4 to New York. Superstar Graham & Ox Baker were the 2 biggest draws. I remember Ole Anderson saying he swapped workers with Vince Sr. Thank You Greg for the many years of excitement and fantastic wrestling.

[@mohammedguketlov5619]

Great to listen to this guy what a memory has

[@Ya_Saarallah]

There was a great match with Backlund vs Valentine where Backlund pinned Valentine, but the referee was groggy and Valentine got up and put his hands up, and the Ref gave him the Belt. Awesome work!!!

[@pigs18]

Then they sold out MSG again on the rematch.

[@Sisyphusquit]

After watching him for so many years as a great heel, it's odd for me to see what a classy likable guy he is.

[@GD-eh3mj]

His ppv interviews back in the day always made me crack up.

[@timlaine6268]

Good to hear from Greg. Class act.

[@GeoWool70]

Listening to the Hammer is awesome

[@bunbee2023]

Greg has some amazing stories…a true gentleman! 👍🏾

[@ssdj04]

Love his interviews Finds positive in everything he had a great life in the business

[@dietpepsivanilla3095]

One of my all-time favorite wrestlers, heel or babyface. As it is with the heels, Valentine, Don Muraco, Superstar Graham and Ken Patera were my favorites.

[@jamesbowen8960]

If the Hammer trashes anybody, you can depend on one thing. They deserved it. What a great guy!

[@darrenantola4297]

This Man is a Human Road Map Greg myself and my partner hit really bad traffic in the New England area, Greg knew exactly how the beat that traffic and the next thing you know we were in New York City.

[@cristobaldellacqua1095]

He better respect Bob, Backlund was a real shooter and he knew Backlund could easily hurt him, even Harley Race didn't mess with Backlund.

[@laurenurban3942]

The Hammer! I remember when he dropped the hammer on his opponents. Happy to see that he’s still with us. Another phenomenal wrestler from back in the day.

[@stevezylla2350]

Hammer seems like a real straight forward guy. Great story teller and genuinely good guy . Great heel though!!

[@joshlewis7584]

Greg was my first favorite wrestler. The Dream Team was great and i used to practice the figure four.

[@BillyBob-ld5nv]

If Greg ever says a bad word about anybody, I haven't heard it.

[@jeffbohen4301]

"Here comes the Figure Four"...thats what i remember about Valentine

[@krishessler8527]

Hamburg PA is my neck of the woods! 👍 The only wrestling I recall being around in the 90s in or near Hamburg was ECW.