Who Is Bob Backlund? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Bob Backlund is a celebrated American professional wrestler born on August 14, 1949. As of 2025, he is 75 years old. Known for his incredible technical skill and dedication to the sport, Backlund has had a long and illustrious career in wrestling, beginning in the 1970s and making a significant impact in the WWF during the 1980s and 1990s. His legacy is marked by two reigns as WWF Champion and numerous awards, making him a revered figure in professional wrestling history.
| Occupation | Republicans |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 14, 1949 |
| Age | 75 Years |
| Birth Place | Princeton, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Bob Backlund's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
In his prime, Bob Backlund stood at an impressive height of 6 feet (183 cm) and maintained a weight of approximately 240 lbs (109 kg). Over the years, due to training regimens and lifestyle choices, his body statistics have shown slight variations, but he continues to prioritize fitness, embracing a healthy lifestyle into his 70s. While specific measurements may vary, he is known for his muscular build and athletic physique even in later years.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Bob Backlund has maintained a relatively private persona regarding his personal relationships. He has been married to his long-time wife, who has supported him through both his wrestling career and post-retirement endeavors. The couple has raised a family together, and while details about his partner are kept away from the media spotlight, it’s evident that they share a strong bond built on mutual respect and love.
After having been popular with the fans from early on, in the final months of his title reign, Backlund changed his image, cutting his mop hair into a crew cut, wearing amateur wrestling singlets and losing muscle mass and definition. Fans seemingly grew weary of this "Howdy Doody" character (as the Grand Wizard had dubbed him).
In 1983, he was voted the Wrestling Observer Newsletter's Most Overrated Wrestler. Vince McMahon, who had bought the WWF from his father, wanted to put the title on the more charismatic and muscular Hulk Hogan.
McMahon initially suggested Backlund to turn heel and lose to Hogan, but when Backlund refused, a transitional champion became necessary between Backlund and Hogan.
Backlund sustained a (kayfabe) arm injury when the Iron Sheik assaulted him with his Persian clubs and on December 26, 1983, Backlund lost the title to the Sheik when Backlund's manager, Arnold Skaaland, threw in the towel while Backlund was locked in the camel clutch.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Bob Backlund’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his extensive wrestling career, various appearances, and merchandise sales. His legacy in the WWE and contributions to professional wrestling have also allowed him to secure income through sponsorships and speaking engagements. Even in retirement, Bob Backlund remains a sought-after figure within the wrestling community.
On November 23, 1994, at the Survivor Series pay-per-view in San Antonio, Texas, Backlund faced Bret Hart in a Throw in the Towel match for the WWF Championship where the only way for a wrestler to win was to have the opponent's valet, like Arnold Skaaland did for Backlund over a decade earlier, stop the match by throwing a towel into the ring.
Backlund began displaying a white towel that he claimed was the same one that was thrown into the ring the night he lost to The Iron Sheik. To serve as his second for the match, Backlund paired up with Owen Hart, the brother and chief rival of the reigning champion who had tried and failed multiple times that year to wrest the belt from Bret.
Career, Business, and Investments
Bob Backlund's wrestling career is distinguished by his technical prowess and grappling skills, making him a fan favorite. Beyond wrestling, he has ventured into various business projects, including coaching and training new generations of wrestlers. His investments primarily focus on health and fitness arenas, and he's involved in philanthropic endeavors, supporting causes related to sports and youth development.
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.
He 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. He held the championship until 1983, where he lost it in a match against the Iron Sheik.
Shortly after losing the title, Backlund left the WWF, but returned in 1992 and was in the 1993 Royal Rumble match for over an hour, a record held until the 2004 Royal Rumble. At the 1994 Survivor Series, Backlund won his second WWF Championship, defeating Bret Hart.
He held the championship for three days, before losing it to Diesel at a house show in Madison Square Garden.
Social Network
Bob maintains a presence on social media platforms, engaging with fans and sharing updates on his life and career. He can be found on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, where he shares insights about his training, appearances, and the wrestling industry. His social media activity allows fans to connect with him and stay updated on his latest projects and endeavors.
Backlund's early challengers for the title included Spiros Arion, Mr. Fuji, Ivan Koloff, George "the Animal" Steele, and Ken Patera, and had his first high-profile title match in Japan, defending against Antonio Inoki. He also won a series of rematches against Graham, including an April 1978 steel cage match at Madison Square Garden.
Education
Bob Backlund graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in health and physical education. His educational background has allowed him to combine his academic knowledge with practical experience in sports, emphasizing the importance of fitness and health that he actively promotes.
He is a graduate of Princeton High School, where he was a state finalist in wrestling. During his freshman year while at Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa, Backlund was an All-American in both football and wrestling (191 lb, finishing third).
During his sophomore campaign, Backlund focused on wrestling and once again earned All-American honors (190 lb and national runner-up). Backlund was an amateur wrestler at North Dakota State University, winning the Division II NCAA Championship at 190 pounds in 1971.
In 1972 Backlund moved up to the heavyweight class and finished fifth at the NCAA DII Nationals. He graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in physical education.
