Two years ago Race beat Sammartino in the second round of this tournament. At the time I did not mind so much as I like Race and place him as one of the best. However I did regret not posting and arguing for Sammartino as most of the support for Race was blind 'he was a 8 time champ' statements. So...
In reality when we talk about Race's title reigns we are really talking from 1977 to 1981. He held the title 5 times during this period. His first reign was a transitional reign from Funk Jr to Brisco. His seventh reign was to set up Flair, or so everyone here says; and his last reign was for 2 days. His 5 reigns come from dropping and then regaining the belt from Baba(twice), Rhodes and Rich.While I am not saying it is not impressive it is not the Holy Grail some make it out to be.
Now, in this contest we must compare the men in their primes. I would argue that when both dominated their respective titles would be a fair point to look at. Race owned the NWA title from 1977 until 1981. Backland the WWF title from 1978 until 1983. Both dropped and regained their titles( Race as mentioned. Backland to Inoki). Backland defended on the east coast from Florida up into Canada and in Japan. Race defended in the Southeast, Missouri territory, a handful in Texas, a handful in California and in Japan. Backland held his title longer.
Given all this I think it is fair to say that both men during this time are fairly equal. So the only logical thing to do is go to matches they have had together in which Backland holds an edge. Yes he beat Race in New York. Race beat Backland in St. Louis, right in his backyard. bottom line is that when they were matched up Backland won more then he lost. Prime vs Prime.
Race is great but so is Backland. Logic says vote Backland.
Fuck it, I'm voting Race. Here's why.
I previously said I'd be taking Backlund over Race due to his superior win/loss record. Lariat's input about location is kinda relevant, especially when the win/loss record is SO close between them.
So it boils down to this for me - Race would work heel here, Backlund would work face. Next round the winner faces the winner of Cena/Funk in either a TLC match, a three stages of hell match, a Hell in a Cell or a 60m Ironman match.
If Cena progresses - Harley is the perfect cool heel to get duelling chants with Cena. There is no way Cena is working heel since he is in his prime, which makes a match with Backlund kinda awkward.
If Funk progresses - it's ECW and he is adored, naturally him vs another brutal heel in the previously stated gimmick matches would work better.
The only scenario I see that logically makes sense to book for Backlund is he wins here and faces Terry Funk in a 60m Ironman match. I don't think it's what I'd want to see, or what I'd book, so I'm putting Race over just for his utility in the tournament.
Let me get this right. you are ignoring your own solid facts to vote for Race on a could be, might be, so probably this would happen. You are actually voting for someone you thought would lose based on who might win another match and on a set of rules you have no idea about. nice.
Also, backland won his share of cage and death matches, so with the exception of a TLC match( which would in no way favor Race any more or less then Backland ) I think he would do just fine.