Bob Backlund Biography
Bob Backlund is an American retired amateur and professional wrestler who was born and brought up in Princeton, Minnesota, United States of America. He is widely known for his appearances in the World Wide Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Federation from 1976 to 1984 and in the 1990s, where he held the WWWF Championship/WWF Championship on two occasions.
Backlund is also known for his two reigns as WWWF/WWF Champion, with the first one clocking in at a staggering 2,135 days, the second-longest reign in the championship’s history! His 2,135-day reign is recognized as the second longest in the championship’s history. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013.
Backlund began his career in amateur wrestling, competing for the North Dakota State University Bison from the late 1960s to early 1970s. He began training as a professional wrestler in 1973 under Eddie Sharkey and competed for the American Wrestling Association.
Backlund then wrestled for the National Wrestling Alliance and won the NWA Missouri Heavyweight Championship in 1976. Later that year he joined the World Wide Wrestling Federation, defeating Superstar Billy Graham for the WWWF Heavyweight Championship in 1978.
10 Quick Facts About Bob Backlund
- Name: Bob Backlund
- Age: 75 years old
- Birthday: August 14
- Zodiac Sign: Leo
- Height: 6 feet 1 inches (1.85 m)
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Retired Amateur and Professional Wrestler
- Marital Status: Married
- Salary: Under Review
- Net worth: $2 Million
Bob Backlund Age
Backlund is 75 years old. He was born on August 14, 1949, in Princeton, Minnesota, United States. He celebrates his birthday on August 14 every year and his birth sign is Leo.
Bob Backlund Height
Backlund stands at a height of 6 feet 1 inches (1.85 m).
Bob Backlund Weight
Backlund weighs 106 kg (234 lbs).
Early Life and Education
Backlund was born in Princeton, Minnesota, in 1949, Backlund grew up immersed in the Midwestern values of hard work and dedication. He attended Princeton High School, where his athletic prowess blossomed. He excelled in various sports, including football and wrestling, where he became a state finalist.
Backlund’s athletic talents didn’t wane after high school. He enrolled at Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa, where he became a two-sport star. During his freshman year, he was an All-American in both football and wrestling. His impressive wrestling performance included a third-place finish in the 191-pound weight class.
Rise to Fame
Backlund’s wrestling career began in the early 1970s. After graduating from college, he trained under Eddie Sharkey and started competing in regional promotions like the American Wrestling Association (AWA).
While not an immediate sensation, Backlund honed his skills in these smaller circuits, developing his signature grappling style and laying the groundwork for future success. In 1976, Bob signed with the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), the predecessor to today’s WWE. Even then, he wasn’t the first choice for top storylines.
But Backlund proved to be a resourceful and dedicated worker. He impressed with his technical prowess and began receiving regular TV exposure, slowly building a fan base.
Backlund’s turning point came in 1978 when he defeated Billy Graham to capture the WWWF Championship. His transformation from a clean-cut babyface to a more cunning and opportunistic champion resonated with audiences, creating a compelling character arc.
Bob Backlund Family, Parents
Backlund was born and raised by his parents in Minnesota. Our efforts to find out more about his family came to no avail as no such information is publicly available. Thus, the identity of Bob’s parents is still unclear. It is also not known if he has any siblings. We will update this section once this information is available.
Bob Backlund Wife
Backlund is currently married to his wife Corrine Gentzkow, a high school physical education teacher. The couple tied the knot in 1974. Together they are blessed with one child, a daughter named Carrie Backlund. The family resides in Glastonbury, Connecticut, United States.
Bob Backlund Net Worth
Backlund has an estimated net worth of $2 million dollars as of 2023. This includes his assets, money, and income. His primary source of income is his career as a wrestler. Through his various sources of income, Bob has been able to accumulate good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Bob Backlund Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Bob.
Bob Backlund Wiki
- Full Names: Robert Louis Backlund
- Popular As: Bob Backlund
- Gender: Male
- Occupation / Profession: Retired Amateur and Professional Wrestler
- Nationality: American
- Race / Ethnicity: White
- Religion: Not Known
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Bob Backlund Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 75 years old
- Zodiac Sign: Leo
- Date of Birth: August 14, 1949
- Place of Birth: Princeton, Minnesota, USA
- Birthday: August 14
Bob Backlund Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: Not Available
- Height / How Tall?: 6 feet 1 inches (1.85 m)
- Weight: 106 kg (234 lbs)
- Eye Color: Blue
- Hair Color: Blonde
- Shoe Size: Not Available
Bob Backlund Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Not Known
- Mother: Not Known
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Not Known
- Marital Status: Married
- Wife/Spouse: Married to Corrine Gentzkow
- Dating / Girlfriend: Single
- Children: Daughter(s) (Carrie Backlund) Sons (None)
Bob Backlund Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $2 Million
- Salary: Under Review
- Source of Income: Retired Amateur and Professional Wrestler
Contacts
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