10 WWE Superstars You Didn't Know Were In TNA
7. Bob Backlund
Having spent virtually his entire career in New York with the McMahons, Bob Backlund was the hood ornament of WWF in the late 70s/early 80s and a fixture during the mid 90s. Which made it all the more perplexing when “The All American Boy” made the move to TNA in 2007.
Very much in the twilight of his career, Backlund initially debuted in a non-wrestling role as judge of the Paparazzi Championship Series (also featuring old rival, Kevin Nash). After the PCS Finals between Alex Shelley and Austin Starr (aka Austin Aries), Backlund would become recurring on-screen character, displaying similar erratic behaviour to the Mr Backlund persona of the 90s.
After a brief non-wrestling feud with Austin Starr, Backlund turned his attention to the other PCS finalist, Alex Shelley. Shockingly, the ageing Backlund (then 57) came out of retirement in the summer, performing in the ring for the first time in almost six years.
Backlund participated in two in-ring bouts during this time. His first came in a short, four minute victory over Shelley at Slammiversary 2007, while his second would take place one month later. Teaming up with fellow Minnesotan, Jerry Lynn, the duo would take on the Motor City Machine Guns, in a losing effort at Victory Road.