Bob Backlund’s WWE Championship reign lasted a mere three days, but that would seem like an eternity when you compare it to how long the match he lost it in actually lasted. Backlund was originally scheduled to face Bret Hart in a rematch for the title at an non-televised live event, but Hart was injured and WWE president Jack Tunney announced that Diesel would fill in for him. Diesel entered the ring, delivered a swift kick to Backlund’s midsection and hit the jackknife powerbomb for the pin and his only WWE Championship, setting a new record for quickest WWE Championship win.

Diesel’s WWE Championship victory gave the title a stability it hadn’t seen since Hulk Hogan defeated Randy Savage for the championship—both Superstars held the title for approximately one year.