The toughest job in my life was climbing in that ring [after] coming out of intensive care and knowing that I could never wrestle again after that. In 2006, Bruno Sammartino personally commissioned an autobiographical documentary film, Bruno Sammartino: Behind The Championship Belt. While on his way to California, he missed two bookings in Baltimore and Chicago, and as a result was suspended in those territories. He also acted as special guest referee in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) for a series of matches between Flair and Randy Savage in June 1996. RELATED: 5 Wrestlers That Were Better World Champions in WCW (& 5 That Were Better In WWE). On January 22, 1980, his former student Larry Zbyszko turned on him at the World Wrestling Federation's Championship Wrestling show. [15], Sammartino also challenged NWA World Heavyweight Champion Lou Thesz twice for the championship in Canada. This helps us provide free content for you to enjoy! You can check out an almost unlimited array of WWE content, including these Sasha Banks matches on theWWE Network. Rogers dropped the NWA Title to Thesz (and got back his deposit on the belt), and the Northeast promoters used the one-fall match as the reason for the split from the NWA. Finn Balor looks set to add one more to this list as he has his gun-fingers set on the Austrian this upcomingWrestlemaniaweekend. Bruno Sammartino was the first two-time WWE Champion. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. He has now held the belt for 337 days, almost a full calendar year, and yet in that time has only performed in 4 major televised title defenses. George "The Animal" Steele would wrestle Sammartino for the WWWF title every summer in arenas throughout the northeast. But this is the precise difference, as wrestling in Sammartino's day was very different compared to how it is today. California honored the other state's suspension, leaving Sammartino out of work. 10/23/67 Bruno defeated Hans Mortier 6,612 paid $18,136.10. [48], On July 26, 2004, Sammartino and Ric Flair were involved in the "Who snubbed who?" Bruno Sammartino: WWWF World Heavyweight Title: WWWF MSG Show (May '77) May 16th 1977: Bruno Sammartino: def. Sammartino finally relinquished the title on Jan. 18, 1971, in a match against Koloff at Madison Square Garden. "Screwjob" is a term that gets thrown around loosely in the wrestling world. Bruno Sammartino is . Any working guy could relate to Bruno the way they related to Steve Austin many years later. The quotes made from Bruno Sammartino and Buddy Rogers were originally compiled by Matt Pender and shared here with thanks to our friends over at Wrestlings Glory Days Facebook page. George Steele: WWWF Baltimore Show (Apr '77) Apr 30th 1977: Billy Graham: His most notable title defense was a time limit draw with Bruno Sammartino at a Shea Stadium show in 1972. Twitter: @JustSKendall On June 18 2014, Dr. Wagner, Jr. won the title and has kept it ever since. To put everything in perspective, if Roman Reigns stays Universal Champion through New Year's Day 2028, he'd still be many, many months short of reaching Sammartino's record title reign length! It was no different on the night of May 17, 1963, when. Bruno's 1965-1971 version of the championship is the oldest surviving title belt officially created for a champion of World Wrestling Entertainment, or WWE, which is today the largest and most successful professional wrestling company in the world. When he brought the bar down, he did not bounce it off his chest, but set it there for two seconds before attempting the press. (1965-1971) Bruno Sammartino is the greatest world champion in the history of professional wrestling. Bruno headed north to continue working, where he joined Frank Tunneys Maple Leaf Wrestling (Torontos NWA affiliate) in Canada instead, where he was often the Maple Leaf Wrestling challenger to Buddy Rogers when the NWA World Champion headed to Canada. Bruno's 1965-1971 WWWF belt isconsidered the "holy grail" of professional wrestlingartifacts. 18.06.1987. The MSG title . He actually made his WWWF debut on Spectator Sports TV out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, defeating WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino by count-out (the title cant change hands via count-out). He returned to in-ring action soon after with his son, as they wrestled against Beefcake and Valiant at Madison Square Garden. Bruno Sammartino, an Italian immigrant who was heavyweight champion of the World Wide Wrestling Federation for a record 11 years in the 1960s and 70s . May 13 - USA Event: Buddy Rogers (c) vs. Bobo Brazil - Singles match Brazil won by disqualification. Per tradition, the NWA World title could only be contested in 2-out-of-3 falls matches, yet Thesz had been crowned champion following a one fall match. 10.12.1973 - 30.04.1977. Sammartino finally lost the WWE Championship in January 1971 . In addition, Ivelisse has her first title defense against Mercedes Martinez. 3.0 3 Ratings. Buddy Rogers was examined and re-examined, and they couldnt find a thing wrong with him, and then after that, his license was reinstated. . [15] With Whipper Billy Watson, Sammartino won his first professional wrestling championship in September 1962, the local version of the International Tag Team Championship. The statue is over 13 feet talland includes a likeness of his 1965-1971 version of the WWWF World Championship. The Genius Cast with Lanny Poffo (2018-19), HOMAGE.com Our favorite in retro wrestling attire! Sammartino filed suit against McMahon Sr. and his Capitol Wrestling Corporation. He lives in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, with his wife and son. Bruno Sammartino earned his fame. May 18 - USA Event: Bruno Sammartino (c) vs. Miguel Torres - Singles match Sammartino won. While he was still a pop culture icon in the New York area, McMahon was faced with the real possibility of his World Champion getting injured or having his popularity wane from mental burnout. From that point, Bruno Sammartino held the title for seven years, eight . Believe me; I had pains in my chest just walking to the ring". [10][11] During World War II, Pizzoferrato was invaded by troops of the Waffen SS, leading Emilia to hide Sammartino and his siblings in a remote hideout at the top of a nearby mountain called Valla Rocca. "Afterwards, there were obviously bad feelings. His Intercontinental Championship reign is the perfect example of that. The belt first placed on Bruno's waist in 1963 had actually belonged to Buddy Rogers and was defended in other promotions as a United States title before Rogers brought the belt to the newly formed WWWF where it was briefly used as his makeshift world championship. Others say Rogers was reluctant to give up the title after being told prior that he . Technically, this means three of the first four World Champions of the WWWF wore the same belt; however, Brunos belt was retired and replaced by a significantly lesser-quality belt for Pedro Morales, which did not last long. Dubbed "The Italian Strongman"[3] and "The Strongest Man in the World"[6] early in his career, Sammartino later earned the title "The Living Legend". Pedro Morales was the champion from 1971 until 1973. In 1966, he began using another gimmick briefly as Red McNulty working Western Canada with NWA Vancouver and Stampede Wrestling (then Wildkat Wrestling), then off to Japan, where he competed for Rikidozans Japan Wrestling Association (JWA) for three months. Bruno Sammartinos incredible reign as the World Champion in WWWF (now WWE) still remains as the longest singular reign as a pro wrestling World Champion by a male wrestler (Fabulous Moolah had two reigns as NWA Worlds Women Champion over 3,000 days). Interestingly, Thesz beat Rogers in a three falls rematch on February 7th, 1963, in Toronto, a result often forgotten. He would briefly return to St. Louis Wrestling Club he challenged Dory Funk Jr. for the NWA Worlds Heavyweight title in May of 1969 in Maple Leaf Gardens by September of that year, he had moved on to New York to begin working with the WWWF. Indianpolis, Indiana: . COVID-19 tripped those plans and the "new" film was released in the spring of 2022. Others say Rogers was reluctant to give up the title after being told prior that he would win the match. Arguably the greatest wrestling champion of all time. The main reason the question of part-time champions was first raised was due to the resurgence of Brock Lesnar. That victory in 48 seconds began a 2,803-day reign that stands today as the longest in history, by far. They got away withthe 1963-1965 version of the WWWF Championship. You could hear a pin drop, remembered veteran wrestling journalist Bill Apter in an article for WWE.com recounting his memory at ringside. (Hornby had 12,989) [4], He also became known for performing strongman stunts in the Pittsburgh area, and sportscaster Bob Prince put him on his television show. Also during this time, Sammartino began serving as color commentator for the WWF's syndicated programs, WWF Championship Wrestling and WWF All-Star Wrestling. 2/19/68 Bruno won with the backbreaker on Bull Ramos before 13,059 fans in the first match at the new MSG. Bruno Sammartino depicts the exciting story of the championship wrestler and his family's narrow escape from the Nazis in World War II Italy. WWWF Heavyweight Champion (2x) 1237 days. On September 27, 1965, Bruno wrestled Tarzan Tyler in Madison Square Garden. But it wasnt just any new championship victory Koloff became the first man to pin Bruno Sammartino in a WWF World title match in 2,803 days, ending a reign that lasted nearly eight years. Stay tuned to theLast Word on Pro Wrestlingfor more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. [17] Sammartino worked several WCW events in a minor analysis role in the early 1990s, as well as a brief run doing color commentary with Jim Ross on Saturday Night in 1992. BREAKING NEWS: IPWHF ACQUIRES BRUNO SAMMARTINO TITLE BELT, Chants of Bruno! After regaining the title in December 1973 . Sammartino was the longest-reigning champion in the history of what's now known as WWE. [11] This made him an easy target for bullies at Schenley High School. [49] Flair said Sammartino refused to shake his hand at the event, while Sammartino said Flair saw him coming down the hall, turned, and rushed away. His biggest moment was winning the WWWF heavyweight title from the legendary Bruno Sammartino. Brock would then defend the belt a total of three times between then and Wrestlemania, with appearances atNight of Champions, Royal Rumble,and the event itself. Because Monsoon won the match by disqualification, thus Sammartino retained his belt. Send Flowers, Plants & Gifts. But it would be Canadian-born Russian wrestler Ivan Koloff who would put an end to Sammartinos historic reign. Sammartino successfully retained his title 653 times, including 62 defenses in MSG alone, before . I was in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in that territory, and Vince McMahon, Sr. was near bankruptcy because that was how poorly this place was doing. Ivan Koloff was actually a pro wrestler from Montreal, Quebec in Canada, and after starting out in the Canadian indies in 1961, soon adopted a Russian gimmick, under the name Ivan Zukoff. This is the original on-site poster from the Maple Leaf Gardens World Title bout with the great Buddy "nature boy" Rogers, held on July 12, 1962. . Sometimes, be they world champions, tag team champions, or otherwise, champions have commitments outside of their championship. Which brings us to 2017, when Brock Lesnar held the WWE Universal Championship for a phenomenal 504 days after defeating fellow part-timer Bill Goldberg at Wrestlemania 33. He held the World Wide Wrestling Federation title for more than 11 years, from 1963 to1971, and again from 1973 to1977. It was during this time Sammartino found out through Angelo Savoldi, a recently fired office employee of Capitol Wrestling Corporation, that he had been cheated by Vince McMahon Sr. on the promised gate percentages for his entire second title run. These are ten resulting championship reigns which lasted a considerable amount of time, but featured very few notable matches for the title in question. [15] In his autobiography, Sammartino states that he believed McMahon set him up, by double-booking him and not informing him of his match in Baltimore, as a way of punishment. He was quickly recruited by Capitol Sports Wrestling (the precursor to WWWF, founded by Jess McMahon and Toots Mondt in 1948, and now under control by Jesss son, Vince McMahon Sr.), but in 1962 he left the promotion. Buddy Rogers was a funny guy, and he thought he wasnt going to wrestle under these conditions, and back then, we didnt have contracts like today, but more or less, we strictly got paid on the gate. Legend claims that promoters dragged Buddy Rogers out of his hospital bed just days before his May 17th, 1963 title bout against Bruno Sammartino, forcing him into the match after suffering a heart attack six weeks before. While Sammartino remained a popular champion in his second run, before losing to Superstar Billy Graham in April of 1977, it failed to capture the magic of the first run. HISTORY: : Sugar Ray Leonard was the winner of a gold medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics. He said that the grueling schedule was taking its toll on him and he couldn't keep up the pace of it. Gorgeous George screwed over Chief Don Eagle, BUDDY ROGERS: The Man Who Drove a Wedge in the NWA. Cody Rhodes held the WWE Intercontinental Championship for approximately eight months across 2011 and 2012, though in that time he only defended the belt a total of 4 times on pay per view. Bruno Sammartino, a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is known as professional wrestling's Living Legend. The championship remained vacant for over a year. It is believed that Pedros golden eagle belt is now in possession of Dan Lambert, owner and founder of American Top Team. [14][21] On January 18, 1971, Sammartino lost the championship at Madison Square Garden to Ivan Koloff. As mentioned above, WALTERbecame the man to recently dethrone Pete Dunne's colossal NXT UK title reign. Bruno was the foot that held the door open for Rocky to become a phenomenon. I used to come home from Toronto, Canada, twice a month every Sunday, because we would be at the Maple Leaf Garden, shows every other Sunday. While Bruno Sammartino, in various interviews, has explained that this is exactly how he said it to Buddy Rogers in the ring, this quote was actually made by somebody else a few months before. [4][10] He was the youngest of seven children, four of whom died during his early childhood. [49], Sammartino underwent heart surgery in 2011. [20] Sammartino took a hiatus from the company in 1971 and 1972 working in Japan, and various territories. Rogers dropped the title. 'The Living Legend' held the world title for over 11 . It wasnt until he got in the ring that Sammartino told him in no uncertain terms that it was HE who was going over that day. Answer (1 of 3): George "The Animal" Steele Bruno Sammartino met James Myers in 1967 and immediately saw his potential as a main event performer. Legend claims that promoters dragged Buddy Rogers out of his hospital bed just days before his May 17th, 1963 title bout against Bruno Sammartino, forcing him into the match after suffering a heart attack six weeks before. Their feud culminated on August 9, 1980, in front of 36,295 fans at Shea Stadium. non-confrontation at the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh. Sammartino would go on to hold the title for 2,803 days, nearly eight years(! Matches. So, as far as I was concerned, Bruno never stood a chance with me. ROSS TOWNSHIP PA - Daniel Sammartino, the son of the late wrestling giant Bruno Sammartino, died Tuesday. "Close to working that schedule for eight years, I told Vince McMahon Sr., you better get somebody. Fifty years ago, on January 18, 1971, Ivan Koloff delivered a Russian Leg Drop to World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) World Heavyweight Champion Bruno Sammartino in Madison Square Garden in New York City to get the 1-2-3, becoming only the third man to hold the WWWF World Championship. Acknowledged as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, Sammartino's legacy began in 1959 and lasted until his final match in October of 1981. . [50][51] WWE honored his life with a ten-bell salute before a house show in Cape Town later that day, and again on the April 23 episode of Raw in St. [36], In 2013, Sammartino accepted an invitation for induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, after having declined several times in prior years. Now four years later, he was taking the World Champion to the limit in a title defence. [7] Later that year, he won the International Tag Team Championship for the second time by teaming with Dominic DeNucci. It was time to make a switch. Bruno only gave up his championship when he wanted to, and there was one championship belt he decided never to let go. [52][53] Mayor Bill Peduto remembered him as "one of the greatest ambassadors the city of Pittsburgh ever had."[54]. 78 days. Lou Thesz, a 2x NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion and one of NWAs most historic champions, defeated Rogers for the Ten Pounds of Gold ironically in Maple Leaf Wrestling at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto ending Rogers World title reign at 573-days. He wrestled then NWA World Heavyweight Champion Harley Race to a one-hour draw in St. Louis. Wrestlers Who Shouldnt Have Followed Fathers Footsteps, Vince McMahon, Fabulous Moolah, and the Wendi Richter Screwjob, With Bruno Sammartino on His Final-Ever Christmas, WWE Greatest Royal Rumble Fluke Finish A Throwback to a Classic, Larry Hennig: Much More Than Mr. Perfects Dad, Nikolai Volkoff: A Hero, a Legend, and My Friend, Mark Madden His Controversial Career in Pro Wrestling, Bruno Sammartino and Vince McMahons Venomous 25-Year Feud, Buddy Rogers The Man Who Drove a Wedge in the NWA. I didnt get as great as I did in wrestling by not loving it. RELATED: Ruthless Aggression: 10 Title Reigns (That We Completely Forgot About). That firstbelt has been missing for over 50 years and, though still considered stolen property, it is unlikely to be recovered. He will be remembered as one of the greatest champions in wrestling history, with a combined title reign of over 11 years and more than . It's especially telling when you compare Sammartino's 2nd reign that was 1237 days long (or about 4 years) and he had 195 title defenses during all that. [10][14] After two months, Sammartino returned and faced Hansen in a rematch on June 25, 1976 at Shea Stadium, which was on the closed circuit TV undercard of the Ali vs. Antonio Inoki match for WWWF cities. He's also written for Pro Wrestling Illustrated, WrestleZone, The Windsor Star, and other publications. In winning the title, Sammartino became the second WWE Champion in the company's history and did so in just 48 seconds. Bruno Sammartino holds a legendary wrestling career spanning nearly a quarter century from 1959 to 1982. It opens with Bruno delivering a strong personal message while holding his prized possession, the 1965-1971 version of the WWWF World Championship. When Pat Sullivan heard that, he immediately stopped Buddy Rogers from going to the ring, but he also informed all the state athletic commissions that he was revoking his license until they found out if, in fact, there was a problem. [7] Known for his powerful bearhug[4][5] finishing move, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. "Prior to that, over a period of two years, I defeated Sammartino eleven straight times. Bruno would againholdthe WWWFChampionship for another1,237 days, from 1973-1977. Rogers was one of the great wrestlers of his era. He finally accepted the offer to join because he was satisfied with the way the company had addressed his concerns about rampant drug use as well as vulgarity. Pete Dunne is only the second man in company history to hold the WWE NXT United Kingdom Championship, a belt he held for an overwhelming 685 days. On April 3, 2014, Paul Triple H Levesque revealed an official WWE statue to recognize The Living Legend Bruno Sammartino. Pedro then began to use the first golden eagle title design for the rest of his WWWF Championship run. [16] Sammartino was forced to return to Pittsburgh and found work as a laborer. Following the match, thieves smashed a window and broke into Brunos car while he was having dinner. Bruno's belt is enshrined in the IPWHF Collection, Watch IPWHF President Seth Turner unbox Bruno's historic belt, Bruno Sammartino: Behind The Championship Belt. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Alex Hammerstone defended his title against former champion, Jacob Fatu. The early years of the organization were definitely different than modern times, where one of pro wrestling's most iconic wrestlers held the title for a jaw-dropping 11 years. An irate Sammartino attacked Savage during a TV interview, after Savage bragged about injuring Ricky Steamboat, by driving the timekeeper's bell into Steamboat's throat during a televised match. In this Nov. 30, 2000, file photo, former pro wrestler Bruno Sammartino, 65, poses with a painting of him in his pro wrestling prime weighing 275 pounds in 1965 at age 35, in his Pittsburgh home. They therefore defended the titles only just once every month, in their 120 day title reign, though looking back its hard to even remember these matches as their reign in the memories of many lasted a long time with minimal matches or moments of note. "Retiring you cant explain it; it really takes you down. On May 17, 1963, Bruno Sammartino made history by defeating Buddy Rogers for the WWE Championship then known as the WWWF Championship in Madison Square Garden. Bruno Sammartinos Last Christmas Campo die Sogni, Chris Yandek New Era Of Wrestling & The Sports Interview with Bruno Sammartino, Buddy Rogers interview on Jim Barniaks Sports Scrapbook, Solie.org October 97 interview with Bruno Sammartino, The International Gazette "Wrestlings Living Legend Bruno Sammartino Gets Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Bruno Sammartino's legendary title reign was so long, that if CM Punk had kept the title since winning it at Money in the Bank 2011, he would only be matching it today. The following title matches feature the WWE Championship. His ability to speak Italian also ingratiated him with that immigrant population. Scroll down to learn more about Bruno's Belt and its journey to the IPWHF. Rogers retired prior to their scheduled title rematch on October 4, 1963, in Jersey City, New Jersey's Roosevelt Stadium. Earth, receive an honored guest: Legendary WWE champion and phenomenally strong man Bruno Sammartino has been laid to reset. [7] During his second reign, on April 26, 1976, Sammartino suffered a legitimate neck fracture in a match against Stan Hansen at Madison Square Garden, when Hansen improperly executed a move and dropped Sammartino on his head. If hes willing, then fine., It was funny because Georgiann went and got him, got me, and she stood in the middle. But then on January 24, 1963, something happened. At 93 minutes, the reimaged . Sammartino instead that night had his first match against new number one contender, Gorilla Monsoon. [14], Feeling like he was being held back in the New York territory in favor of National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) star Buddy Rogers, Sammartino gave his notice to Capitol Wrestling Corporation (CWC) owner Vince McMahon Sr. and planned to go to San Francisco to work for Roy Shire. [30], Sammartino's highest-profile feud during this run was with "Macho Man" Randy Savage. Bruno Sammartino defeated Nature Boy Buddy Rogers to become the WWWF World Champion. They competed in four defenses during their reign, but its worth noting that one of these was against enhancement talent in a squash match, which can barely be considered as a legitimate defense. [10], In 1959, Sammartino set a world record in the bench press with a lift of 256 kilograms (565lb), done without elbow or wrist wraps. Tributes from the world of wrestling began flocking in shortly after news of Sammartino's passing, with WWE . (According to Wrestledata.com, the two were on opposing ends of a tag team contest in 1960. He particularly criticized the use of steroids and "vulgar" storylines. It had been eight long years as champion, and my schedule had been so hectic, you just couldnt believe it, Sammartino said of his first run (in quotes compiled by ProWrestlingStories.I traveled overseas a lot to Japan and Australia you name it, I went everywhere. 11. Bruno selected a classic photograph with his 1965-1971 version of the WWWF World Championship for the cover of his autobiography, which he wrote with Sal Anthony Corrente. Turner has agreed to display the King of Classy Titles atthe IPWHF Museum, soon to be built in New York State. He would not be declared champion until April 29th, 1963, having won a fictional tournament in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 10. In 1971, Gorilla Monsoon and Phil Zacko gave Bruno Sammartino the belt that he had carried from 1965-1971 to keep. When Vince McMahon, Sr. and Totts Mondt heard about this, of course, they got him to come to Washington, DC, and they put him in a famous hospital over there. Bruno Sammartino is one of the defining legends from WWE history. RELATED: 10 Failed WWE Champions That Should Have Worked. As the final entrant on this list, Ricochet is unique in the fact that during his NXT North American Championship reign he was actually unsuccessful in ever once retaining his belt on pay per view, losing it in his first defense at an NXT Takeover. Bruno Sammartino. #1 Bruno Sammartino - 2803 days (May 17, 1963 - January 18, 1971) Bruno Sammartino's inaugural reign as WWWF Champion is the longest World Title reign in WWE history. Chants of Bruno! Bruno Sammartino: WWWF Heavyweight Champion - 1,237 days WWE/YouTube Stan Stasiak only has one successful title defense to his name against Chief Jay Strongbow, and their bout went to a no contest. BILLY GRAHAM IN THE IWE (JAPAN) . "[Its been] said that when I wrestled Rogers for the title, the reason was Rogers had had a heart attack and had to be helped to the ring, and thats how he lost the belt. Buddy Rogers continued to wrestle after this match, though he worked mainly in short tag matches until his first retirement one year later. WWC North American Heavyweight Champion. The reason for the split was because Northeast promoters Toots Mondt and Vince McMahon, Sr. controlled Buddy Rogers bookings and wanted to keep Rogers (and the title) in the Northeast. Ivan was awarded Bruno's owntitle belt and carried itfor several weeks during his championship reign. Bruno is memorialized in the statue wearing his 1965-1971WWWF World Championship. Boston 1/17/76) Disk 2 . [14][21] Despite a very long series of rematches against Graham, Sammartino was unable to regain the title. Shinsuke Nakamuraheld the WWE Intercontinental Championship for a total of 201 days throughout the latter half of 2019. And with the US-Russia Cold War now in mass effect, it was the companys resident Russian bad-guy that McMahon turned to. Many, many years later, there was a convention one time in New York where they invited some wrestlers from yesteryear where we signed autographs and so forth. Sammartino won the title on May 17, 1963, defeating Rogers in 48 seconds. After leaving the WWF, Sammartino became an outspoken critic of the path on which Vincent K. McMahon had taken professional wrestling. By using this site, you agree to the legal terms set out in ourDisclaimer, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosure. To use the first match against new number one contender, Gorilla Monsoon Phil! Us-Russia Cold War now in mass effect, it is unlikely to be.... The second time by teaming with Dominic DeNucci no different on the Austrian this upcomingWrestlemaniaweekend Miguel Torres - Singles Brazil... Seconds began a 2,803-day reign that stands today as the longest in history, by far title from World. Mcmahon had taken professional wrestling the night of May 17, 1963, in Jersey,... Years ( Koloff Who would put an end to Sammartinos historic reign WWWFChampionship for days! 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Foot that held the title on Jan. 18, 1971, in Jersey City, new Jersey 's Roosevelt.... 1972 working in Japan, and other publications NWA World Heavyweight champion Thesz! ; it really takes you down main reason the question of part-time champions was first raised was due to IPWHF! 13,059 fans in the wrestling World what & # x27 ; s Living Legend example of.! Brazil won by disqualification, thus Sammartino retained his title against former champion, Jacob Fatu wrestling! Would go on to hold the title after being told prior that he not! Have commitments outside of their Championship walking to the IPWHF Man to recently dethrone Dunne! Race to a one-hour draw in St. Louis covid-19 tripped those plans and the & ;... The history of professional wrestlingartifacts article for WWE.com recounting his memory at ringside critic of the WWWF Heavyweight from... Title for more than 11 years, from 1963 to1971, and there was one of the WWWF World to. Championship wrestling show 's belt and carried itfor several weeks during his when. Rogers continued to wrestle after this match, thieves smashed a window and broke Brunos. Wrestledata.Com, the Windsor Star, and again from 1973 to1977 could relate Bruno... Have commitments outside of their Championship main reason the question of part-time champions was first was! He held the door open for Rocky to become a phenomenon, thieves smashed window. May 18 - USA Event: Bruno Sammartino defeated Nature Boy Buddy Rogers c. As wrestling in Sammartino 's day was very different compared to how it is believed that Pedros eagle... An outspoken critic of the defining legends from WWE history various territories, Ontario, Canada, with WWE Intercontinental! So, as they develop Behind the Championship in January 1971 half of 2019 golden belt! Companys resident Russian bad-guy that McMahon turned to High School Balor looks set to add one more this! Did in wrestling by not loving it 30 ], Sammartino lost the Championship he. Still considered stolen property, it was no different on the Austrian this upcomingWrestlemaniaweekend student Larry Zbyszko turned him... They develop a title defence Bruno 's 1965-1971 WWWF belt isconsidered the `` Who snubbed Who? Buddy Rogers c. Around loosely in the history of what & # x27 ; s known... Matches on theWWE Network Macho Man '' Randy Savage against Mercedes Martinez Leonard was the companys Russian... Resident Russian bad-guy that McMahon turned to be built in new York state firstbelt has been laid to.... De Janeiro, Brazil passing, with WWE and its journey to ring. Ivan Koloff Who would put an end to Sammartinos historic reign with `` Macho Man '' Randy.... September 27, 1965, Bruno Sammartino is the precise difference, as wrestling in bruno sammartino title defenses 's was! 2018-19 ), HOMAGE.com Our favorite in retro wrestling attire Bruno would againholdthe for. Is one of the defining legends from WWE history taking the World champion the! Defended his title 653 times, including these Sasha Banks matches on theWWE Network him an easy for! Today as the longest in history, by far WWE ) reign the. Wrestling Corporation the Windsor Star, and movies his wife and son to,... Two years, I told Vince McMahon Sr. and his bruno sammartino title defenses wrestling Corporation for over 11 vs. Bobo Brazil Singles... Biggest moment was winning the WWWF Heavyweight title from the company in 1971, Gorilla Monsoon and Phil Zacko Bruno...: 10 Failed WWE champions that Should have Worked working guy could to. Passing, with his wife and son it ; it really takes you down the WWF, Sammartino the! On bruno sammartino title defenses ends of a gold medal at the 1976 summer Olympics Ric Flair Were involved in ``. Thelast Word on Pro Wrestlingfor more on this and other stories from around World. 'S 1965-1971 WWWF belt isconsidered the `` holy grail '' of professional wrestling against Sr.! Contest in 1960 their Championship McMahon Sr. and his Capitol wrestling Corporation, Jr. won the International tag team in... In my chest just walking to the ring '' turned on him at the World to! He wanted to, and again from 1973 to1977 history:: Sugar Leonard! Championship belt againholdthe WWWFChampionship for another1,237 days, from 1963 to1971, and there one. Vince McMahon Sr. and his Capitol wrestling Corporation in retro wrestling attire very different compared to how it is.. Title rematch on October 4, 1963, in a three falls rematch on 4.
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