Part 3

League of Legends Part 3 covers Bob Backlund's 1993 Royal Rumble record and Bret Hart's championship history. Learn key details.

Bob Backlund

Bob Backlund became a prominent face in the WWWF. In 1978, he won the WWF Championship from "Superstar" Billy Graham, holding it for five years. In 1983, he lost the title to the Iron Sheik when Mr. Skaaland threw in the towel during the Camel Clutch. Backlund made a surprise return before the 1993 Royal Rumble, entering at #2 and setting a record by staying in the match for over one hour and two minutes, ultimately being eliminated by Yokozuna. He was the third-to-last competitor. Following this, he became a heel and aimed to restore wrestling's past glory. At the 1994 Survivor Series, he defeated Bret "Hitman" Hart in an "I Quit" match to win the WWF Championship again. Shortly after, Backlund set another record by losing the WWF title to Diesel in just 8 seconds, the shortest WWF title match in history. He retired from wrestling and pursued a political career, running for Congress in Connecticut in 2000 and campaigning for President in 2004.

Bobby "the Brain" Heenan

Bobby Heenan is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in professional wrestling. After wrestling in the early 1960s, he found his calling in managing, becoming a highly disliked figure known for using various cheating tactics to elevate his clients. At Wrestlemania V, he held the foot of the Ultimate Warrior, allowing Ravishing Rick Rude to win the WWF Intercontinental Championship. In 1989, he formed the Colossal Connection with Haku and Andre the Giant, leading them to Tag Team gold. Heenan also managed Mr. Perfect, leading him to the Intercontinental Championship twice. In late 1991, Heenan joined Gorilla Monsoon at the commentator's table, forming a memorable broadcasting duo known for Heenan's snide remarks and Monsoon's reactions.

Bret "Hitman" Hart

Bret Hart began his career in the mid-1980s with his partner Jim "the Anvil" Neidhart as the Hart Foundation. They initially were disliked, but this changed at Wrestlemania IV when Bad News Brown turned on Bret during a battle royal. Bret destroyed the trophy presented to Bad News, which became a memorable moment for the Hart Foundation. They won the Tag Team Title twice, including from Demolition at the 1990 Summerslam. Their second reign ended at Wrestlemania VII against the Nasty Boys, after which Jim Neidhart split. Bret continued in singles competition, winning the Intercontinental Championship twice: first from Mr. Perfect at the 1991 Summerslam, and second from Rowdy Roddy Piper at Wrestlemania VIII. He lost this title to British Bulldog Davey Boy Smith but then defeated Ric Flair for the WWF Championship, becoming the first superstar to achieve the "Triple Crown" (holding all three major titles). He lost his title to Yokozuna at Wrestlemania IX, regained it at Wrestlemania X with Roddy Piper as special guest referee, lost it to Diesel, and eventually won it back. In February 1997, at the first In Your House event, he won a 4-man over-the-top-rope match for his fourth title, losing it to Sid soon after. His fifth and final WWF title loss was in a controversial match to Shawn Michaels in 1997, after which he moved to WCW. There, he won the WCW World Championship 7 times before retiring from wrestling in 2000 due to a concussion. His 24-year career and motto "I'm the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be" are highly regarded.

Brian Pillman (R.I.P.)

Brian Pillman trained under Stu Hart and began wrestling in his promotion in 1987. He joined the NWA in 1989, teaming with Tom Zenk to win the US Tag Titles from the Fabulous Freebirds. Moving to WCW, he defeated Scotty Flamingo on October 27, 1991, to win the WCW World Light Heavyweight Championship. After losing this title, he formed the Hollywood Blondes tag team with "Stunning" Steve Austin, capturing WCW Tag Team gold. Following a stint in ECW, Pillman joined the WWF. Before the 1997 WWF PPV Badd Blood, Pillman's body was found in his locker room; he had died of heart disease at age 35.

"British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith (R.I.P.)

Born in the UK, Davey Boy Smith began wrestling at a young age. He started his career in Japan with his cousin, the Dynamite Kid. They later moved to Calgary and then to the WWF. At Wrestlemania II in 1986, they defeated Greg Valentine and Brutus Beefcake to win the WWF Tag Team titles. The team was known for its speed, agility, and power. Serious injuries forced the Dynamite Kid to retire early, leading Davey Boy to pursue a singles career. He was a popular wrestler, though the text notes he was later made a heel. At Summerslam 1992, he captured the Intercontinental title from his opponent.