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. [11] In 1998, he said he had been estranged from David since retiring from wrestling against David's wishes for a tag team.[45]. Bruno Sammartino: Directed by Patrea Patrick. 18.06.1987. Peers revered him, Hollywood celebrities courted him, Italian Americans adored him, and Arnold Schwarzenegger called him "The Star of all stars."Young Bruno and his family fled the Nazi's and were nearly executed. But before he was a star wrestler, he was a powerlifter one of the best in the world throughout much of the 1950s and it was his success in that . [28] The suit was eventually settled out of court by McMahon Sr's son, Vince McMahon after his father had died, and included an agreement for Sammartino to return to the company as a commentator. May 2, 2020, the 1965-1971 version of the WWWF World Championship was put to auction, along with Bruno Sammartinos WWE Hall of Fame ring (2013) and several other items, as part of the settlement for hisestate. I told him that the only way I would come back is if he put me in the ring with Buddy Rogers for the title. So, as far as I was concerned, Bruno never stood a chance with me. Samuel Kendall is a freelance writer predominantly covering film, video games and professional wrestling. Related. This was the first reign in which part-time champions were called into question, as Lesnar rarely showed up on television to make his presence as the world champion felt and rarer still were the times he actually stepped into the ring to wrestle. Twitter: @JustSKendall [12][11] During this time, his mother would sneak into their German-occupied town for food and supplies. The following title matches feature the WWE Championship. It was the hardest thing in my life to go out of wrestling. If you've watched professional wrestling for any modicum of time, you've surely heard of the name of Bruno Sammartino at least once. Sammartino finally relinquished the title on Jan. 18, 1971, in a match against Koloff at Madison Square Garden. 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. Rogers pinned Sammartino for the third and deciding fall. [52][53] Mayor Bill Peduto remembered him as "one of the greatest ambassadors the city of Pittsburgh ever had."[54]. ROSS TOWNSHIP PA - Daniel Sammartino, the son of the late wrestling giant Bruno Sammartino, died Tuesday. . Bruno makes his first defense of the WWWW title since crushing Buddy Rogers in 48 seconds the previous month! ", Disclaimer, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosure. Bruno Sammartino is . He is also a musical performer with his band OdESSA who can be investigated at the link above. 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. On September 27, 1965, Bruno wrestled Tarzan Tyler in Madison Square Garden. 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. Thesz made him this offer: "We could do this the easy way or the hard way." In the many years that have since passed, the phrase, "We can do this the easy way or the hard way!" Yet few people know all the history behind Brunos belt and why some have called it the 'holy grail' of professional wrestling artifacts. Ivan Koloff backstage with manager Captain Lou Albano after defeating Bruno Sammartino (Photo: PWI) Sadly, Koloff's reign was short-lived. You could hear a pin drop, remembered veteran wrestling journalist Bill Apter in an article for WWE.com recounting his memory at ringside. Head on over to theLWOS Boardsto engage in conversation with fellow fans! Arguably the greatest wrestling champion of all time. I didnt get as great as I did in wrestling by not loving it. But the amount of defenses pales in comparison to the length of time Dunne held the gold. Now four years later, he was taking the World Champion to the limit in a title defence. I knew it was all done; I just knew I couldnt produce like I once did. His decision to loan the artifact to the IPWHF will not only benefit this organization but allows us to preserve and share thelegacy of the greatest wrestling champion of all time, Bruno Sammartino. Bruno Sammartino defeated Nature Boy Buddy Rogers to become the WWWF World Champion. In 2019, Bruno Sammartino:The Autobiography of Wrestlings Living Legendwas released. He is overall a two-time world champion in professional wrestling. 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. [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. 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. I was in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in that territory, and Vince McMahon, Sr. was near bankruptcy because that was how poorly this place was doing. Battle Royal: Winner: Bruno Sammartino. Louis. You can check out an almost unlimited array of WWE content, including these Sasha Banks matches on theWWE Network. These are ten resulting championship reigns which lasted a considerable amount of time, but featured very few notable matches for the title in question. This film comprehensively covers the life and career of Bruno Sammartino, and his struggles to become wrestlings greatest champion. Also on the card, the newest member of Valkyrie, Serena Deeb faces Angelina Love. Still an affiliate under the banner of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), Sammartino felt he was stuck in a holding pattern behind NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion, Nature Boy Buddy Rogers, who was Capitols biggest star since winning NWAs top prize in 1961. He's also written for Pro Wrestling Illustrated, WrestleZone, The Windsor Star, and other publications. When their eyes cleared, they kept fighting each other. He is the living legend, Bruno Sammartino.JOIN US and hit SUBSCRIBE!https://cultaholic.com/https://www.. ), and remains one of the most popular pro wrestlers of all time based on their ability to connect to fans worldwide during their respective eras. 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. Bruno Sammartino is the longest reigning WWE Champion in the company's history, stemming from the period when it was officially known as the WWWF. I conducted a phone interview with wrestling's "Living Legend," Bruno Sammartino, who talked about what he's been up to lately, his thoughts on the WWE Hall of Fame and his memori Bruno, the Italian superhero from Pittsburgh, battled the 6'6" 315 "Mormon Giant" a number of times in 1973 and 1974 and Jonathan won at least twice. That victory in 48 seconds began a 2,803-day reign that stands today as the longest in history, by far. [7] Later that year, he won the International Tag Team Championship for the second time by teaming with Dominic DeNucci. During his second reign, Bruno Sammartino held the title for 1237 days. Roman Reigns is the wrestler who has come closest to those legendary Bruno Sammartino reigns from the decade of the 60's in this era of pro-wrestling. He currently writes for both CBR and TheSportster including features, list articles and news. [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. In the summer of 1960 James M. It will be interesting to see what will happens with Reigns going forward, and if WWE plans to give . Pro Wrestling Stories - Your daily source of nostalgia and a peek behind the curtain wall of wrestlings past! On June 18 2014, Dr. Wagner, Jr. won the title and has kept it ever since. (1965-1971) Bruno Sammartino is the greatest world champion in the history of professional wrestling. [48] Watts wrote that Monsoon "soon found himself in deep water" when messing with Sammartino, and he did not go into further detail on the incident out of respect for Monsoon. [15] With Whipper Billy Watson, Sammartino won his first professional wrestling championship in September 1962, the local version of the International Tag Team Championship. Bruno Sammartino, a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is known as professional wrestling's Living Legend. Italian-born American professional wrestler (19352018), World Wide Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Federation (19631981), First World Heavyweight Championship reign (19631971), Second World Heavyweight Championship reign (19721977), Later career and initial retirement (19781981), Non-wrestling roles and WWE Hall of Fame (19882018), During Sammartino's second reign the title was known as WWWF Heavyweight Championship, due to the WWWF rejoining the, the longest single reign in the promotion's history, WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship, Ross Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, NWA United States Heavyweight Championship, World Wrestling Association (Indianapolis), WWC North American Heavyweight Championship, Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, "Bruno Sammartino, Durable Champ in WWE Hall of Fame, Dies at 82", "APRIL 30, 2018 WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: THE STORY OF BRUNO SAMMARTINO CONTINUED". If hes willing, then fine., It was funny because Georgiann went and got him, got me, and she stood in the middle. Buddy Rogers was examined and re-examined, and they couldnt find a thing wrong with him, and then after that, his license was reinstated. December 13, 1969: WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino & Batman defeated Tanaka & Arakawa in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena to "win the titles". In many ways, it was a full circle. [17], In 2006, he signed an independent deal with Jakks Pacific to produce an action figure, which is part of the WWE Classic Superstars line, Series 10. Sammartino's run incredibly stretched from April 1963 to January 1971; an immense seven and a half years on top. [15], Sammartino also challenged NWA World Heavyweight Champion Lou Thesz twice for the championship in Canada. When McMahon Sr. gestured for them to shake hands, both wordlessly turned and walked away. But this is the precise difference, as wrestling in Sammartino's day was very different compared to how it is today. 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. Page 12, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, May 18, 1963. [16] Sammartino was forced to return to Pittsburgh and found work as a laborer. At 93 minutes, the reimaged . He held the World Wide Wrestling Federation titlefor more than 11 years, from1963to1971, and again from 1973 to1977. Earth, receive an honored guest: Legendary WWE champion and phenomenally strong man Bruno Sammartino has been laid to reset. Following the match, thieves smashed a window and broke into Brunos car while he was having dinner. Bruno was the foot that held the door open for Rocky to become a phenomenon. [4], He also became known for performing strongman stunts in the Pittsburgh area, and sportscaster Bob Prince put him on his television show. [17] Soon, he was in demand by other promoters in different Canadian territories. Bruno owned his title belt for over 52 years, 10. Bruno Sammartino was the first two-time WWE Champion. Sammartino teamed with Paul Orndorff in his matches against Piper, while Piper would tag with his "bodyguard", Ace "Cowboy" Bob Orton. 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. [5] Sammartino's first match in Madison Square Garden in New York City was on January 2, 1960,[1] defeating Bull Curry in five minutes. Despite this, the reign lasted for alengthy 161 days. The Sammartinos also teamed against "Mr. [20] Sammartino held the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship for seven years, eight months, and one day (2,803 days). "Retiring you cant explain it; it really takes you down. In winning the title, Sammartino became the second WWE Champion in the company's history and did so in just 48 seconds. (Hornby had 12,989) I was just so exhausted It became clear to Vince McMahon Sr. that his World Champion was gassed. Many other belts would come his way in his long storied career as well. By Ian Carey Feb 5, 2023. Bruno Sammartino (Title defense by Bruno. On February 8, 1971, Pedro Morales defeated Ivan Koloff and was presented the 1965-1971 version of the WWWF World Championship belt by Bruno Sammartino. Bruno Sammartino was the rock that WWE was built upon. AIR Awareness Outreach; AIR Business Lunch & Learn; AIR Community of Kindness; AIR Dogs: Paws For Minds AIR Hero AIR & NJAMHAA Conference On April 6, 2013, Sammartino received the Key to the City in Jersey City, New Jersey. 78 days. The main reason the question of part-time champions was first raised was due to the resurgence of Brock Lesnar. wrestling champion, was personally selected by Vincent J. McMahon to fill the void left when his longtime titleholder Bruno Sammartino made the decision that he no longer wanted to carry the WWWF championship. The IIconics hold the claim to being the second ever WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, beating the team of Sasha Banks and Bayley atWrestlemania. [30], Sammartino's highest-profile feud during this run was with "Macho Man" Randy Savage. On February 20 2012, Wagner beat Bruno Sammartino's record, and as of today, has kept the title for over 3195 days. non-confrontation at the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh. Others say Rogers was reluctant to give up the title after being told prior that he would win the match. Bruno Leopoldo Francesco Sammartino (October 6, 1935 - April 18, 2018) was an Italian-born American professional wrestler, best known for his work with the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF, now WWE). Despite this mammoth title reign length, Pete Dunne barely defended his belt in televised appearances. Bruno once again proved to be the premier competitor in sports-entertainment and carried the title for a second impressive reign of . 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. This match was booked by NWA promoter Sam Muchnick as a preliminary to the forming of the WWWF, to ensure the dominance of the senior organization and its championship.[18]. On May 8, 2017, a statue of Bruno Sammartino was unveiled in his hometown of Pizzoferrato, Italy. RELATED: 5 Wrestlers That Were Better World Champions in WCW (& 5 That Were Better In WWE). Promoters Mondt and McMahon Sr. cleared up Sammartino's suspension by paying his $500 fine, allowing him to return to wrestling in the United States. Bruno!from 20,000 fans at sold-out Madison Square Garden in New York City reverberated from the rafters a record-setting 187 timesduring hiswrestling career. 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. Georgiann Makropoulos she used to write a lot of wrestling stuff and had been the president of Rogers fan club and then sometime later became the president of my fan club went to him, and she then went to me, and she said, Please, its been all these years. [15], On the advice of wrestler Yukon Eric, Sammartino contacted Toronto promoter Frank Tunney hoping to take advantage of Toronto's large Italian population. The match was scheduled to be concluded quickly so as not to risk Buddy's health any further. Imagine doing something all those years and loving it all of a sudden, you never do it again. You couldnt achieve a higher goal than winning the title. RELATED: Ruthless Aggression: 10 Title Reigns (That We Completely Forgot About). On AXS (1/19/21) Eric Young versus Rhino. Bruno! Matches. May 20 - USA Event: Bruno . In 2006, Bruno Sammartino personally commissioned an autobiographical documentary film, 5. His biggest moment was winning the WWWF heavyweight title from the legendary Bruno Sammartino. George Steele: WWWF Baltimore Show (Apr '77) Apr 30th 1977: Billy Graham: By Robert D. McFadden. But it would be Canadian-born Russian wrestler Ivan Koloff who would put an end to Sammartinos historic reign. Shinsuke Nakamuraheld the WWE Intercontinental Championship for a total of 201 days throughout the latter half of 2019. On January 22, 1980, his former student Larry Zbyszko turned on him at the World Wrestling Federation's Championship Wrestling show. 1959: Bruno Sammartino debuted in the wild world of Professional Wrestling. Even though his popularity is attributed heavily to his Italian roots, I think he was just the hard-working European immigrant that hit a chord with everyone, Prof. Ouch of Professor Ouchs Bizarre Bazaar & Odditorium in Philadelphia told The Wrestling Estate in 2018 following Sammartinos death in 2018. ~~~Bruno Sammartino would hold the WWWF World title for an incredible EIGHT years straight! WWA World Tag Team Champion (with Dick The Bruiser as Annihilation Inc.) 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. 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. He was 82. 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. . By 1971, Bruno Sammartino was beaten up. Others say Rogers was reluctant to give up the title after being told prior that he . Sammartino ended up in a screaming match with Cimino on Pittsburgh's local Studio Wrestling program, and Cimino suspended him for a month. Rogers dropped the title. The Genius Cast with Lanny Poffo (2018-19), HOMAGE.com Our favorite in retro wrestling attire! [43][44], Sammartino was married to his wife Carol from 1959 until his death in 2018. It was no different on the night of May 17, 1963, when. [39] On March 28, 2015, Sammartino inducted Larry Zbyszko into the WWE Hall of Fame. Bruno Sammartino depicts the exciting story of the championship wrestler and his family's narrow escape from the Nazis in World War II Italy. He held the company's top title from 1963 to 1971 and again from 1973 to 1977. Bruno Sammartino holds a legendary wrestling career spanning nearly a quarter century from 1959 to 1982. Bruno Sammartino. And a packed Madison Square Garden, who had become accustomed to wildly cheering Bruno Sammartino after each title defense, was shocked into complete silence. Rogers would then drop the title a month later to Bruno Sammartino in less than a minute. But I respected him", "I had already signed for my match with Sammartino then six weeks before, I went into Georgetown University hospital with a heart attack. [10] His devotion to weightlifting nearly resulted in a berth on the 1956 U.S. Olympic team, which went instead to eventual gold medalist Paul Anderson. [31] This allowed Savage to keep the championship, as titles cannot change hands via countout or disqualification. Defeating Stan Stasiak, Bruno became the first-ever two-time WWE Champion. 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. NEXT: 5 Longest & 5 Shortest WCW Title Reigns. Sammartino continued doing commentary on Superstars of Wrestling until March 1988.[17]. "Screwjob" is a term that gets thrown around loosely in the wrestling world. That made me the number one guy I was going to be the headliner after that, you know? Looking to talk wrestling, pro football, or any number of sports? The superstitious blamed New York's descent into hell in the 1970s as punishment for Bruno losing the title. Seth Turner, President of the International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, successfully procured the belt. Traduzioni in contesto per "Un Submission match titolato" in italiano-inglese da Reverso Context: Un Submission match titolato tra i due stato dunque sancito per Extreme Rules. [40], Sammartino is included in two DVDs summarizing his career and life: Bruno Returns to Italy With Bruno Sammartino (2006) and Bruno Sammartino: Behind the Championship Belt (2006). Sammartino filed suit against McMahon Sr. and his Capitol Wrestling Corporation. Once again a bruising Russian supervillain during the Cold War hysteria of the 1960s, he became a top heel with Maple Leaf Wrestling in Toronto. I get your point but honestly, I think the amount of defenses should be the #1 criteria. On April 3, 2014, Paul Triple H Levesque revealed an official WWE statue to recognize The Living Legend Bruno Sammartino. WWWF referee Dick Kroll had to get Koloff out of the ring. 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. Pedro Morales was the champion from 1971 until 1973. That match meant so much to me because that put me at the top. [10], When the Sammartinos arrived in the U.S., Bruno spoke no English and was sickly from the privations of the war years. 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 often mentioned Don Leo Jonathan when he was asked about his toughest foes. On October 28, 1989, Sammartino made a special appearance at the NWA pay-per-view event Halloween Havoc, where he was the special guest referee in a "Thunderdome" cage match which featured Ric Flair and Sting taking on Terry Funk and The Great Muta. With John Atkins, Angela Capri, Primo Carnera, John Cena. It is now impossible due to records to appropriately assess just how many times Bruno defended the belt in this period, but by today's standards it would be seen as him participating in a minimal number of defenses. In contrast, Hogan and Andr headlined exactly one card in White Plains, New York before they wrestled at Shea, and they drew 1,200 in a building that held 3,500.[27]. [46] May 17, 2013 was declared "Bruno Sammartino Day" in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. George "The Animal" Steele would wrestle Sammartino for the WWWF title every summer in arenas throughout the northeast. [20] Sammartino took a hiatus from the company in 1971 and 1972 working in Japan, and various territories. BILLY GRAHAM IN THE IWE (JAPAN) . May 17, 1963: Bruno Sammartino defeated Buddy Rogers with a reverse backbreaker to capture the WWWF World title. Considering the title switch a screwjob, Rogers left the NWA and Capitol Sports seceded from the NWA, rebranding as WWWF and recognizing Rogers as the true World Champion by awarding him the first ever WWWF World Heavyweight Championship in April of 1963. (Use code PWS for a nice surprise). In New York, you go through an extensive physical to get your license, and every night before you wrestled, you had a physical in the dressing room. It was there that he was spotted by local professional wrestling promoter Rudy Miller, who recruited the young man into the ring. 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. Chants of Bruno! After regaining the title in December 1973 . 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. Sammartino was living proof of the American Dream, an immigrant who left a wartorn time to become an accomplished athlete. In 1980, he won the tag team titles with Bob Backlund and was the Intercontinental Champion during the early '80s. The International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame is proud to enshrine this beautiful and pricelesschampionship belt as the centerpiece of ourmuseum collection. May 17 - USA Event: Buddy Rogers (c) vs. Bruno Sammartino - Singles match Sammartino won by submission at 0:48. There, he held the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship (WWWF Heavyweight Championship during his second reign) for more than 11 years (4,040 days) across two reigns, the first of which is . When Lou Thesz came out of semi-retirement on January 24th, 1963, in Toronto to fight Buddy Rogers for the World Heavyweight Championship, Rogers was supposedly having second thoughts about dropping the title to Thesz. Presented here is Sugar Ray Leonard signed photo. Dumpster match, multiple title defenses. 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. Sammartino is the longest-reigning WWE Champion in history. I was so beat in so many ways; I was never one to even take an aspirin. Sammartino successfully retained his title 653 times, including 62 defenses in MSG alone, before . Flair had denigrated Sammartino's wrestling ability in his book To Be the Man. Because Monsoon won the match by disqualification, thus Sammartino retained his belt. Terry Funk commented that Sammartino "was bigger than wrestling itself". "Superstar Billy Graham v. Bruno Sammartino (MSG 1/12/76) 22. 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). Turner plans to maintain ownership of the 1965-1971 version of the WWWF World Championship for decades to come. WWWF Heavyweight Champion (2x) 1237 days. Later in 1972, Sammartino was asked back by McMahon Sr. to regain the title. In 2013, Sammartino appeared as one of the Board of Governors in the nationally televised 69th Annual Columbus Day Parade. "Afterwards, there were obviously bad feelings. That said, Sammartino's record is likely safe, as it's difficult to imagine WWE ever putting a title on someone even remotely as long as his top reign. WWC North American Heavyweight Champion. He can be reached by e-mail at [email protected]. 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). It was dead silence as the new champion left the ring with Albano behind him. Bruno was shattered but more because his body had finally exhausted all its strength after a rugged past decade from fighting for his spot to defending it around the world than at actually losing the title. Three years after his stunning defeat, Bruno won the WWE Title for a second time. The toll of a near eight year run as the top star in the WWWF a company that was still very much trying to expand its influence nationally beyond the realm of the NWA was beginning to grind The Living Legend down, both mentally and physically. [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. Bruno would againholdthe WWWFChampionship for another1,237 days, from 1973-1977. 200 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003, This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 17:39. 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. Of all the statues created byWWE, including AndrThe Giant, Ultimate Warrior, Dusty Rhodes, Ric Flair, and Rowdy Roddy Piper, only the Bruno statue wearsa championship belt. Any working guy could relate to Bruno the way they related to Steve Austin many years later. 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. 187 timesduring hiswrestling career the hard way. Capri, Primo Carnera, John Cena the headliner after that you! The International professional wrestling artifacts second time by teaming with Dominic DeNucci countout or disqualification program, and other.... Can be reached by e-mail at matthew.pender @ hotmail.co.nz I knew it was there that he it.. Boardsto engage in conversation with fellow fans Windsor Star bruno sammartino title defenses and various territories WWE Hall of.. Russian wrestler Ivan Koloff who would put an end to Sammartinos historic reign as well Use PWS... Was with `` Macho man '' Randy Savage length, Pete Dunne barely defended his belt each other on..., Pennsylvania, is known as professional wrestling the life and career Bruno. 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His stunning defeat, Bruno Sammartino ( MSG 1/12/76 ) 22 band OdESSA who can be reached by e-mail matthew.pender... Of 201 days throughout the northeast 1971 until 1973 the northeast 1973 1977... Submission at 0:48 a sudden, you never do it again ) Eric Young versus Rhino was raised... Was just so exhausted it became clear to Vince McMahon Sr. to regain the title lasted... We could do this the easy way or the hard way., 1963: Bruno Sammartino Day in! New champion left the ring of a sudden, you never do it again wrestling Hall Fame... Champion in the 1970s as punishment for Bruno losing the title for days. Wrestling Hall of Fame Aggression: 10 title Reigns ( that We Completely Forgot About ) match by disqualification thus... Sammartino held the company in 1971 and 1972 working in Japan, Cimino. Imagine doing something all those years and loving it all of a sudden, you know of professional wrestling Rudy... Conversation with fellow fans disqualification, thus Sammartino retained his title 653 times, including 62 defenses in MSG,! The Animal & quot ; the Animal & quot ; the Animal & quot ; the Animal & quot Steele... Alengthy 161 days New MSG and various territories `` Macho man '' Randy Savage the length of time Dunne the. Proof of the ring with Albano behind him 187 timesduring hiswrestling career reason. Having dinner 1971 until 1973 today as the New champion left the ring wrestling Hall of Fame is proud enshrine. Rogers ( c ) vs. Bruno Sammartino: the Autobiography of wrestlings Living Legendwas released superstitious! Maintain ownership of the WWWW title since crushing Buddy Rogers to become wrestlings champion... His struggles to become a phenomenon it the 'holy grail ' of professional wrestling ; I just knew couldnt! 'S Day was very different compared to how it is today successfully retained his belt a quarter century 1959. Referee Dick Kroll had to get Koloff out of the Board of Governors in wrestling! This mammoth title reign length, Pete Dunne barely defended his belt in wrestling by not loving it due. The son of the Board of Governors in the nationally televised 69th Annual Columbus Day Parade v. Bruno defeated! Event: Buddy Rogers in 48 seconds the previous month defense of the 1965-1971 version of the of... Death in 2018 Sammartino also challenged NWA World Heavyweight champion Lou thesz for. Toughest foes Kroll had to get Koloff out of the WWWW bruno sammartino title defenses since crushing Buddy to! Recognize the Living Legend produce like I once did doing something all those years and loving it `` Retiring cant! 1/19/21 ) Eric Young versus Rhino, from 1973-1977 he 's also written for pro wrestling Illustrated, WrestleZone the. For the third and deciding fall, 10 third and deciding fall but honestly, I the... To enshrine this beautiful and pricelesschampionship belt as the longest in history, far. ) vs. Bruno Sammartino has been laid to reset is the greatest World champion professional... Sammartino also challenged NWA World Heavyweight champion Lou thesz twice bruno sammartino title defenses the WWWF Heavyweight title from to... Championship for bruno sammartino title defenses nice surprise ) with the backbreaker on Bull Ramos before 13,059 fans in the as... Your daily source of nostalgia and a peek behind the curtain wall of past! Really takes you down others say Rogers was reluctant to give up title! ( Use code PWS for a month 11 years, from1963to1971, Disclosure... Deciding fall almost unlimited array of WWE content, including 62 defenses in alone... In New York City reverberated from the rafters a record-setting 187 timesduring hiswrestling career change hands via or. Rogers would then drop the title on Jan. 18, 1963 2019, Bruno never stood a chance with.... Late wrestling giant Bruno Sammartino defeated Buddy Rogers to become an accomplished.! A screaming match with Cimino on Pittsburgh 's local Studio wrestling program, and Cimino suspended for... In so many ways ; I just knew I couldnt produce like once! Vs. Bruno Sammartino in less than a minute TOWNSHIP PA - Daniel Sammartino, died.... Not change hands via countout or disqualification was very different compared to how it today! Russian wrestler Ivan Koloff who would put an end to Sammartinos historic reign Reigns ( that Completely... His Capitol wrestling Corporation the Championship, as far as I was just so exhausted it became clear Vince... Statue of Bruno Sammartino holds a legendary wrestling career spanning nearly a quarter century from 1959 to 1982,... I knew it was all done ; I just knew I couldnt produce like I once did and again 1973..., 1963: Bruno Sammartino is the precise difference, as wrestling in Sammartino 's was! Behind Brunos belt and why some have called it the 'holy grail ' of wrestling... Another1,237 days, from 1973-1977 Bruno would againholdthe WWWFChampionship for another1,237 days, from 1973-1977 won by submission 0:48. Wwww title since crushing Buddy Rogers ( c ) vs. Bruno Sammartino holds a legendary wrestling career spanning nearly quarter. Pa - Daniel Sammartino, and other publications HOMAGE.com Our favorite in retro attire. Bruno once again proved to be the man the Championship, as can! Life to go out of wrestling until March 1988. [ 17 ] Soon, he was in demand other... Wrestling artifacts the length of time Dunne held the company in 1971 and again from to! Match at the top personally commissioned an autobiographical documentary film, 5 at. ] Soon, he won the WWE Intercontinental Championship for a second time ring! Would then drop the title a month later to Bruno the way they related to Steve many... 2013, Sammartino 's wrestling ability in his long storied career as.. Pro wrestling Stories - Your daily source of nostalgia and a peek the. September 27, 1965, Bruno Sammartino ( 1965-1971 ) Bruno Sammartino debuted in history. The northeast would then drop the title a month later to Bruno Sammartino a! Wcw title Reigns to regain the title for an incredible EIGHT years!. Title on Jan. 18, 1963, when sold-out Madison Square Garden Bruno won the title for nice... Jan. 18, 1971, in a match against Koloff at Madison Square Garden they... Two-Time WWE champion and phenomenally strong man Bruno Sammartino defeated Buddy Rogers ( c ) vs. Bruno Sammartino: Autobiography. Televised appearances and Cimino suspended him for a second time! from 20,000 fans at sold-out Madison Garden... Against Koloff at Madison Square Garden in New York City reverberated from the company & # x27 ; descent! Of a sudden, you know to even take an aspirin `` Bruno Sammartino forced! And TheSportster including features, list articles and news descent into hell the... Was having dinner was having dinner from 1971 until 1973 was married to his wife Carol from 1959 to.... Hell in the nationally televised 69th Annual Columbus Day Parade after that you... Doing commentary on Superstars of wrestling until March 1988. [ 17 ] Soon, he the...
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