Ranking All 50 WWE World Heavyweight Champions - From Worst To Best
9. Bob Backlund
Rather callously phased out by Vince McMahon Jr once he clapped eyes on the babyface megastar potential of Hulk Hogan, Bob Backlund's remarkable staying power with the New York audience ensured regular sellouts at WWE's Madison Square Garden home base.
The formula was fiercely successful in wrestling's territorial p*ssing contest. His 1978-83 run was truly remarkable - Backlund routinely showed just enough weakness in near-miss title clashes to draw fans right back for payoffs in which he'd gallantly retain.