Sad Health Update Shared Regarding Bob Backlund

In heartbreaking news, during a recent live signing with Bret Hart , Ring of Honor founder Rob Feinstein shared the sad news with the WWE legend that his former 90s rival Bob Backlund has dementia. Details regarding which stage of dementia 74-year-old Backlund is dealing with weren’t disclosed, although it was noted that having lived in Connecticut for many years, he now lives with his sister in Florida, seemingly confirming he needs assistance.

“He’s got dementia, he’s down with his sister in Florida.”

Backlund started as an amateur wrestler, winning the Division II NCAA Championship at 190 pounds in 1971. From there, he began training with Eddie Sharkey and made his professional wrestling debut in 1973 for the AWA. Subsequently, he traveled to various territories before arriving in the WWE, then called WWWF, and eventually won the WWWF Championship from Superstar Billy Graham, holding it for a staggering 2,135 days.

However, under Vince McMahon’s control, Backlund was forced out, and Hulk Hogan would come in to lead the national expansion, although the Iron Sheik had to be used as a transitional champion due to Backlund refusing to go heel. Not long afterward, Backlund took a hiatus from the business, instead choosing to coach amateur wrestling. Then, to the surprise of most, he would return to WWE in 1992, and once he embraced a heel persona, he would have a memorable feud with Bret Hart, going on to win the WWE Championship for a second time thanks to assistance from Bret’s brother Owen.