Mr Backlund For President

Bob Backlund VS 123 Kid - WWF 11/7/1994

CJD: I wasn't planning on sticking with 90s Backlund, but this match caught my eye and I had to throw it on. It's shorter than its run time but so damn fun I couldn't say no. I don't think many share the same rose colored glasses for this feud with Bret that we do, when I see it mentioned online it's usually pretty dismissive. I thought everything about this run was brilliant right up until Vince wasted all that great work to try to establish Diesel as a the megastar that he was on his way to becoming regardless. Both Backlund and Waltman work this match so beautifully for what it is. Great TV wrestling that accomplishes so much with limited resources. I loved how real Bob felt to me as a kid in this era, and how it was clearly drawing from his actual history even if I wasn't familiar with it. I'd love a behind the scenes documentary about how this was all conceived, pitched, and his thoughts on it as it was happening. And so much credit to Bret for making him feel like such a real threat. I legitimately think Backlund is half nuts which makes his whitest meat babyface prime run that much more interesting. Hopefully we circle back to him sooner than later!

JJZ: I think it was equally entertaining to watch the match and hear the commentary. Vince was terrible! But at least it was in that so bad it's good territory. Yeah, that was fantastic! I bet Bob Backlund has a ton of these heel run matches that we would love to take a worm hole trip. The 123 Kid had such magic between the ropes during this time. His explosiveness paired with some really nice timing on his technical wrestling is what makes him stand out during this era of the WWE. Honestly, I would have loved it if they gave it more time, but the fact they told a story within a story in 5 minutes shows how good these guys were. I really think I'm going to explore some more Backlund stuff on my own. Son of a bitch always impresses me. Now on to my 123 Kid journey.