TNA Region, Lawrence Subregion, Second Round: (8) Bob Backlund vs. (9) Billy Graham

[klunderbunker]

This is a second round match in the TNA Region, Lawrence Subregion. It is a standard one on one match held under TNA Rules. It will be held at Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, Kansas.

#8. Bob Backlund

Vs.

#9. Billy Graham

​

Polls will be open for three days following a one day period for discussion. Voting will be based on who you feel is the greater of the two competitors. Post your reasons for why your pick should win below. Remember that this is non-spam and the most votes in the poll win. Any ties will be broken by the amount of posts of support for each candidate, with one vote per poster.

Also remember that this is a non-spam forum. If you post a response without giving a reason for your selection, it will be penalized for spam and deleted.

 

[Big Sexy]

Bakclund won the WWWF title from Billy Graham and had his number for the most part during their feud. I like Graham better but I just don't think an argument could really be made for him if you use kayfabe at all. They had a feud when both were in their prime and Backlund came out on top.

 

[Tastycles]

Normally it's not really sensible or prudent to think of the actual matches between wrestlers in the tournament, but Backlund ended Graham's spell at the top and then went on to stay on top much longer. He came back in the 90s to a totally different era, but he was able to hold his own and not look lost in the ring with the new talent. Graham is obviously an all time great, but Backlund is now as he was in the late 80s - a better champion.

 

[Bernkastel]

Billy Graham was essentially the architect for the "strong man strong body" type that WWE would push for years after Bob Backlund's reigns. He basically opened the door for Hulkamania years later, as Hogan had all the ingredients of a top star combined with the body type that people were so enamored with at the time. In large part thanks to Graham. I have to give Backlund props though. He proved that there was still a place for smaller, clean cut, scientific wrestlers in the WWE even that late into the previous era. He never reached the heights that Sammartino and Hogan reached, but he was still a strong champion. Stronger than Billy Graham.

I can give Backlund the nod in longevity and consistency. Charisma should be Graham's, but Bob wasn't exactly lacking in that category either. Clearly he wasn't. Drawing power should be Backlund's, as he did have more career sellouts than Graham. And Backlund just held the title longer, so he gets the point in accolades. Overall legacy should go to Backlund, he even beat Bret Hart years later during a second run. Also the kayfabe argument favors Backlund as well.

So all things considered I'm voting Backlund.