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

Bob Backlund, a poor farm boy from Princeton, Minnesota, was a below-average student with a lackluster work ethic and a bad attitude. Until a local coach suggested he take up amateur wrestling and offered to work with him, his life was headed for disaster. Backlund met "Superstar" Billy Graham in North Dakota, which inspired him to pursue a career in professional wrestling. Less than five years later, he was the newly crowned World Wide Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Champion. This book tells the incredible story of his life and nearly forty-year career. Skyhorse Publishing is proud to publish books for readers interested in sports, including books on popular team sports, athletes, and sports enthusiasts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 552 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2022
Publisher: Sports Publishing LLC

Bob Backlund, a poor farm boy from Princeton, Minnesota, with a population of just over 2,000 people, had a challenging upbringing. He struggled academically and exhibited a lackluster work ethic and a negative attitude. He associated with the wrong crowd and made numerous poor choices that seemed to steer his life towards disaster. It seemed as if there was no hope for him until a local coach noticed his potential and took an interest in him. The coach suggested that Bob take up amateur wrestling and offered to work with him on the condition that he stayed out of trouble.

In North Dakota, Bob Backlund had a chance encounter that would profoundly impact his future. While working out at the YMCA gymnasium in Fargo, North Dakota, where he wrestled for North Dakota State, Backlund met a renowned professional wrestler named "Superstar" Billy Graham. The men struck up a conversation, and Graham's suggestion inspired Backlund to pursue a career in professional wrestling.

Less than five years later, on February 20, 1978, Backlund found himself standing in the middle of the ring at Madison Square Garden, holding his hand raised in victory as the newly crowned World Wide Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Champion. The man he pinned for the championship that night was none other than Superstar Billy Graham.

This book, written by Backlund himself and featuring contributions from a host of wrestling legends, tells the incredible story of Bob Backlund's life and nearly forty-year career in professional wrestling. The book delves into his humble beginnings, his journey through the amateur wrestling circuit, and his ascent to the top of the wrestling world. It also explores his various championship reigns, his memorable matches, and his interactions with some of the biggest names in the industry.

Skyhorse Publishing, along with our Sports Publishing imprint, is proud to publish a wide range of books for readers who are passionate about sports. Our books cover various sports, including baseball, professional football, basketball, and more. We strive to provide informative and entertaining content that caters to the interests of sports enthusiasts of all ages.

Bob Backlund's story is a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and the support of those who believe in you. It is a story that resonates with anyone who has faced adversity and pursued their dreams against all odds. Whether you are a fan of professional wrestling or simply someone who appreciates the underdog story, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about the life and career of one of the most famous men to ever grace the squared circle.

Weight: 750g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781683584445