Bruno Sammartino: Directed by Patrea Patrick. 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. He finally lost the title to Superstar Billy Graham in 1977 bringing his total time as Champion to a staggering 4,040 days. [52][53] Mayor Bill Peduto remembered him as "one of the greatest ambassadors the city of Pittsburgh ever had."[54]. In 2006, Bruno Sammartino personally commissioned an autobiographical documentary film, 5. SOURCES: 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.". 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. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. But it would be Canadian-born Russian wrestler Ivan Koloff who would put an end to Sammartinos historic reign. Spectator Sports was a local Pittsburgh promotion previously owned by WWWF co-owner Toots Mondt but now owned by Sammartino himself it was on Spectator Sports TVthat Koloff had first encountered Sammartino, facing him as Orwell Parris (in an enhancement role), in 1965 in a non-title match. He is overall a two-time world champion in professional wrestling. May 20 - USA Event: Bruno . Now, here's the tricky thing. From that point, Bruno Sammartino held the title for seven years, eight . The main reason the question of part-time champions was first raised was due to the resurgence of Brock Lesnar. But unfortunately for both WWWF and Buddy Rogers, Rogers rising health issues would become an issue sooner than later following a series of heart issues, it was determined that Rogers could no longer be the face of the company. Bruno owned his title belt for over 52 years, 10. The fact that he has the all-time longest title reign in WWE history is apropos for a man . When Buddy Rogers saw the attendance, he wanted to get out of there, and he told the doctor he felt a funny pain on his chest. 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 lives in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, with his wife and son. Sammartino worked as a commentator for the Universal Wrestling Federation. 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. On September 27, 1965, Bruno wrestled Tarzan Tyler in Madison Square Garden. He particularly criticized the use of steroids and "vulgar" storylines. ", 10 Reasons why Bruno Sammartino's 1965-1971 WWWF Title Belt is the 'Holy Grail' of Pro Wrestling Artifacts, 2. Bruno Sammartino Saves Freddie Blassie From Being Killed By The Mob! He held the World Wide Wrestling Federation title for more than 11 years, from 1963 to1971, and again from 1973 to1977. On December 8, 1969, he teamed with Tony Marino to win the WWWF International Tag Team Championship by defeating The Rising Suns (Tanaka and Mitsu Arakawa). In that time they performed in only 3 major televised defenses, against the Lucha Dragons, Enzo & Cass, and The Vaudevillains who triumphed over them at NXT Takeover: Unstoppable. Sammartino, professional wrestling's "Living Legend" and one of its longest-reigning champions, has died. Tickets to the screening are $15 for adults, $10 for members and $5 for children. WWF House Show - House Show @ Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Bruno Sammartino earned his fame. World Wide Wrestling Federation. [46] May 17, 2013 was declared "Bruno Sammartino Day" in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Man, everything went so quiet, Koloff remembered (again in quotes from Pro Wrestling Stories). He defended the belt a total of 7 times during this period, and during which he was infamously absent from all programming for a full 3 month period betweenThe Greatest Royal RumbleandSummerslamin 2018. 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. This film comprehensively covers the life and career of Bruno Sammartino, and his struggles to become wrestlings greatest champion. Sammartino is the longest-reigning WWE Champion in history. Bruno! Bruno Leopoldo Francesco Sammartino[1] (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). Pro wrestling legend Bruno Sammartino dies at 82, "Without Toronto, there would have been no Bruno Sammartino", "10 championships you never knew existed in WWE", "Remembering Bruno Sammartino, the singular face of a bygone pro wrestling era", Bruno Sammartino v. Capitol Wrestling Corporation and Vince McMahon, "Professional wrestling great Bruno Sammartino dies at 82", "Sammartino: McMahon is 'a sick-minded idiot', "Bruno's bad call on WWE Hall of Fame shows Vince is right everyone has a price", "Dapper Dan: Malkin, Sammartino, Penn State volleyball claim awards", "WWE to induct Bruno Sammartino into HOF", "WWE NEWS: Hall of Fame 2013 report - Complete "virtual-time" coverage of ceremony with Sammartino & Co., Stratus announces big news, Trump-McMahon?, more", "CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 10/7 (Hour 1): Battleground PPV fall-out, WWE Title match to continue at next PPV, one "firing", Bruno Sammartino, more", "WWE HALL OF FAME REPORT 3/28: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of 2015 Ceremony - Randy Savage inducted, Nash, Zbysko, Schwarzenegger, Flair, Michaels, more", "Bruno Sammartino Behind The Championship Belt", "Madison Square Garden Pays Tribute To Bruno Sammartino", "New WWE 2K14 DLC Introduces More Superstars", "WWE 2K23 Roster Official List | WWE 2K23", "Wrestling with fame: Bruno Sammartino still a hero to fans", "Bruno Sammartino given key to Jersey City before his induction into WWE Hall of Fame", "WWE Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino dies at age 82", "WWE Hall Of Famer Bruno Sammartino Dies At 82", "Bruno Sammartino, wrestling's original good-guy hero, dies at 82", "WWE Raw live results: Brock Lesnar returns to TV", "2019 TRAGOS/THESZ PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME CLASS ANNOUNCED - PWInsider.com", "Induction Weekend 2022 | Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame", "Keystone Sate Wrestling Alliance - Hall of Fame", "Bruno Sammartino body slams hall of fame", "WWWA honors Bruno Sammartino, and vice versa", "Triple H reveals Bruno Sammartino statue at WrestleMania Axxess", "W.W.A. Eager to recapture the support of the immigrant wave that had carried Bruno Sammartino for nearly eight years, McMahon hoped that Morales would appeal to the growing Hispanic audience as Bruno had for Europeans. Boston 1/17/76) Disk 2 . 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 . Let me tell you a little story that happened here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Indianpolis, Indiana: . Bruno Sammartino depicts the exciting story of the championship wrestler and his family's narrow escape from the Nazis in World War II Italy. On January 22, 1980, his former student Larry Zbyszko turned on him at the World Wrestling Federation's Championship Wrestling show. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. I knew it was all done; I just knew I couldnt produce like I once did. Battle Royal: Winner: Bruno Sammartino. WWC North American Heavyweight Champion. [7] Known for his powerful bearhug[4][5] finishing move, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. [11] In 1950,[13] she and the children joined her husband in Pittsburgh. While on his way to California, he missed two bookings in Baltimore and Chicago, and as a result was suspended in those territories. 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. The championship remained vacant for over a year. 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. Bruno made a film to tell the story behind his belt. You can check out an almost unlimited array of WWE content, including these Sasha Banks matches on theWWE Network. That firstbelt has been missing for over 50 years and, though still considered stolen property, it is unlikely to be recovered. 2/19/68 Bruno won with the backbreaker on Bull Ramos before 13,059 fans in the first match at the new MSG. Lengthy championships are a big aspect in wrestling, but it is definitely easier when the champion does not frequently have to defend his title. Yet few people know all the history behind Brunos belt and why some have called it the 'holy grail' of professional wrestling artifacts. Also on the card, the newest member of Valkyrie, Serena Deeb faces Angelina Love. Sadly, Koloffs reign was short-lived. Sammartino was living proof of the American Dream, an immigrant who left a wartorn time to become an accomplished athlete. Soon after, Sammartino and then champion Pedro Morales teamed up for a series of tag team matches. In early 1977, Sammartino informed McMahon Sr. that he felt he could no longer continue as champion due to his injuries. 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. [19] Sammartino and Rogers faced each other two months later at Madison Square Garden in a tag team match, with Rogers and Johnny Barend defeating Sammartino and Bobo Brazil by 2 falls to 1. Itis due to hit theaters in 2020and features many images of Bruno and his1965-1971 version of the WWWF World Championship. 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. They both encapsulated what a hero was for their respective eras. With Bruno as WWWFs World Champion, WWWF conquered the New York territory and became a true alternative to the monopoly that the NWA had held over pro wrestling in the United States since 1948. 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. [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. During one title reign he held the belt for an astonishing 2,803 days, a period positively unheard of in today's wrestling climate. 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. Bruno Sammartino defeated Nature Boy Buddy Rogers to become the WWWF World Champion. Buddy Rogers made these claims in a couple of appearances that he made after losing the belt. Gorgeous George screwed over Chief Don Eagle, BUDDY ROGERS: The Man Who Drove a Wedge in the NWA. Bruno Sammartino: WWWF World Heavyweight Title: WWWF MSG Show (May '77) May 16th 1977: Bruno Sammartino: def. 1959: Bruno Sammartino debuted in the wild world of Professional Wrestling. 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. Bruno Sammartino is the greatest world champion in the history of professional wrestling. I looked around the arena. [7] Later that year, he won the International Tag Team Championship for the second time by teaming with Dominic DeNucci. The Genius Cast with Lanny Poffo (2018-19), HOMAGE.com Our favorite in retro wrestling attire! In a televised match, Professor Toru Tanaka blinded both men with salt and they were maneuvered into fighting each other. Sammartino pinned George "The Animal" Steele in his match. 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. "Superstar Billy Graham & Ivan Koloff v. Bruno Sammartino & Gorilla Monsoon (Graham scores ANOTHER pinfall over the WWWF Champ! [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. (1965-1971) Bruno Sammartino is the greatest world champion in the history of professional wrestling. [9], Bruno Leopoldo Francesco Sammartino was born in Pizzoferrato, Abruzzo, Italy, to Alfonso and Emilia Sammartino on October 6, 1935. 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. He began working in the NWA territories, such as Georgia Championship Wrestling, St. Louis Wrestling Club, NWA Mid America, and others. Sammartino instead that night had his first match against new number one contender, Gorilla Monsoon. 7 WWE Hall of Fame Stories WWE Doesnt Want You To Know! However, he is currently on a similar run of holding the belt for an exceptional amount of time with minimal defenses. (According to Wrestledata.com, the two were on opposing ends of a tag team contest in 1960. [23], Eventually, on December 10, 1973, Sammartino regained the WWWF Heavyweight Championship by defeating Stan Stasiak. Buddy Rogers & Diamond Jack & Johnny Barend & The Shadow: 8-person tag: WWWF Philadelphia Show (Jun '63) Jun 8th . Despite this, the reign lasted for alengthy 161 days. 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. [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. Boston 10/21/75) 21. BREAKING NEWS: IPWHF ACQUIRES BRUNO SAMMARTINO TITLE BELT, Chants of Bruno! 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. This helps us provide free content for you to enjoy! 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. Page 12, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, May 18, 1963. For half of that time he reigned as World Champion, . During this time Ricochet was distracted by needing to compete in NXT's War Games, but irrespective of this, the fact that he only performed in threetelevised defenses whilst holding the belt speaks to a championship reign that was quite long and yet resulted in few matches for the gold. He was 82. 2022. Chants of Bruno! . So, that was the big break, if you will. He was often teamed with Tito Santana and his old enemy George "The Animal" Steele (who was a fan favorite at this point in his career) to wrestle Savage and "Adorable" Adrian Adonis. He successfully defended the belt against both Ali and The Miz before being recently dethroned by Braun Strowman on the lastWWE Smackdownepisode in January. [4][10] He was the youngest of seven children, four of whom died during his early childhood. In the summer of 1960 James M. But then on January 24, 1963, something happened. Unique lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts. Rhodes appeared in several multi-man matches during this time such as the Money in the Bank ladder match and the Elimination Chamber, where opportunities at a loftier prize outweighed defending the title he already held. Sold-out Madison Square Garden 189 times! Matt Pender is an old-school wrestling fan who currently lives in New Zealand. [43][44], Sammartino was married to his wife Carol from 1959 until his death in 2018. HISTORY: : Sugar Ray Leonard was the winner of a gold medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics. The city . Any working guy could relate to Bruno the way they related to Steve Austin many years later. The new film, just called Bruno Sammartino, is simply a revamped and slightly updated version of La Mia Mama, meaning it's long of Sammartino's tough-as-nails mother, but shockingly short on the champion's in-ring exploits. Flair had denigrated Sammartino's wrestling ability in his book To Be the Man. [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. 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. He returned to in-ring action soon after with his son, as they wrestled against Beefcake and Valiant at Madison Square Garden. Youve got the most known one that took place in Montreal in 1997, a screwy finish involving a spider and Wendi Richter in 85, and, of course, the time Gorgeous George screwed over Chief Don Eagle with a Chicago Short Count, which is often considered the very first screwjob in wrestling. The World's Most Entertaining Car Website. In 1980, he won the tag team titles with Bob Backlund and was the Intercontinental Champion during the early '80s. I went in that ring". And it was 50-years ago this week that that legendary run came to a shocking end in Madison Square Garden. The other NWA members were not pleased with the situation, and this led to the split. Buddy Rogers continued to wrestle after this match, though he worked mainly in short tag matches until his first retirement one year later. It was the hardest thing in my life to go out of wrestling. He is the living legend, Bruno Sammartino.JOIN US and hit SUBSCRIBE!https://cultaholic.com/https://www.. Bruno only gave up his championship when he wanted to, and there was one championship belt he . [21], At the inaugural WrestleMania on March 31, 1985, Sammartino was in his son David's corner for his match against Brutus Beefcake. Cimino was new to his post and intervened in a match finish involving Sammartino, who took a shot at Cimino in the ring and the argument continued backstage. Many other belts would come his way in his long storied career as well. After Bruno defeated Rogers, just one month later, the first official WWWF (WWE) World Championship was designed. That record will never be broken. 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. The match was scheduled to be concluded quickly so as not to risk Buddy's health any further. WWWF Heavyweight Champion (2x) 1237 days. They had a show at the Civic Arena, but those were the days of the Buddy Rogers era, and Vince McMahon Sr. was trying to get me to come back because he saw my success in Canada. 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. 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". Can you imagine it? The MSG title . Bruno is memorialized in the statue wearing his 1965-1971WWWF World Championship. Bruno only gave up his championship when he wanted to, and there was one championship belt he decided never to let go. Bruno would againholdthe WWWFChampionship for another1,237 days, from 1973-1977. 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. His final attempt was in Philadelphia, just a few days before Graham was scheduled to lose the title to Bob Backlund. Irvin Muchnick mentioned the incident in his book, Wrestling Babylon. In winning the title, Sammartino became the second WWE Champion in the company's history and did so in just 48 seconds. Others say Rogers was reluctant to give up the title after being told prior that he . He died in 1992 at the age of 71. Mr. Sammartino, 50, of Allison Park, was the co-owner of the . Imagine doing something all those years and loving it all of a sudden, you never do it again. He would later return for two brief comebacks, and much later as a manager. In many ways, it was a full circle. During his lengthy reign, Sammartino would defeat every villain set up before him, always managing to hang on to his title belt. But as the quiet began to work back into a rumble, the fear of fan outburst became real. 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. If hes willing, then fine., It was funny because Georgiann went and got him, got me, and she stood in the middle. That works out at one defense every season, which is an astonishingly small number of matches to prove WALTER is still deserving of his championship. Dr. Jerry Graham: WWWF World Heavyweight Title: WWWF MSG Show (Nov '63) Nov 18th 1963: . [14] He died on April 18, 2018, at the age of 82 from multiple organ failure due to heart problems[12] following a two-month hospitalization. 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. [49], Sammartino underwent heart surgery in 2011. Rogers dropped the title. ", "Buddy Rogers and I never liked each other. Just 48 seconds later, Bruno Sammartino was the new champ, and a hero was born. [11] This made him an easy target for bullies at Schenley High School. WWE commissioned a statue of Bruno wearing his belt, 6. On AXS (1/19/21) Eric Young versus Rhino. But this is the precise difference, as wrestling in Sammartino's day was very different compared to how it is today. [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. His ability to speak Italian also ingratiated him with that immigrant population. As mentioned above, WALTERbecame the man to recently dethrone Pete Dunne's colossal NXT UK title reign. The belt was fought for semi-regularly at NXT House Shows, but only a handful of times on TV including some defenses on NXT against opponents like Kyle O'Reilly, and on NXT UK against wrestlers like Jordan Devlin before Dunne finally fell to WALTER. 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. . Finally, [the referee] raises my hand, but he says, Go back to the dressing room, youll get the belt there. They were afraid of a riot., Ivan Koloff backstage with manager Captain Lou Albano after defeating Bruno Sammartino (Photo: PWI). Believe me; I had pains in my chest just walking to the ring". Bruno's belt now appearsin an acclaimed film, 9. 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. Sammartino filed suit against McMahon Sr. and his Capitol Wrestling Corporation. 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. B. Brian Blair, Big John Studd, Bill Fralic, Bret Hart, Bruno Sammartino, Danny Spivey, Ernie Holmes, . It was there that he was spotted by local professional wrestling promoter Rudy Miller, who recruited the young man into the ring. 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. He held the title until 1971. Remarkably, Pedro Morales original golden eagle belt was procured from a pawn shop in Manhattan in late 1974/early 1975 for $75 by renowned wrestling historian, Tom Burke. . Scroll down to learn more about Bruno's Belt and its journey to the IPWHF. [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. "The incredible first reign of Bruno Sammartino itself qualifies the 1965-1971WWWF World Championship belt as one of the most significant objects in the history of professional wrestling. non-confrontation at the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh. While Bruno represented the America of working hard, being honest, and overcoming evil, Austin represented the more modern version of giving it to the man, having a beer and saying the heck with it. Jamie Greer joined LWOPW in 2015 and was the site's Managing Editor from 2016 through 2020. #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. He can be reached by e-mail at matthew.pender@hotmail.co.nz. Bruno's belt was briefly worn by Ivan Kohloff, 3. Ernie Ladd (center) also drew a sellout crowd with Bruno. - Bruno Sammartino and Dominic DeNucci defeated The Mongols (Geeto and Bepo) for the WWF International Tag Team Titles. After nearly fifteen years of promoting an "ethnic babyface" at the top of his cards, the . Dumpster match, multiple title defenses. 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. 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. 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. Matches. 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). Sammartino, an Italian immigrant who ruled the WWE throughout the 1960s and 1970s, died Wednesday at the age of 82. In 1986, Sammartino competed in a 20-man battle royal at WrestleMania 2 at the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago. 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Second time by teaming with Dominic DeNucci defeated the Mongols ( Geeto and )! Filed suit against McMahon Sr. and his Capitol wrestling Corporation me ; I pains! 44 ], Eventually, on December 10, 1973, Sammartino underwent heart surgery 2011! This made him an easy target for bullies at Schenley High School and much later as a commentator the. Albano after defeating Bruno Sammartino personally commissioned an autobiographical documentary film, 9 of Valkyrie, Deeb... Overall a two-time World champion in the history behind Brunos belt and its journey the... A couple of appearances that he has the all-time longest title reign Serena faces! Can be reached by e-mail at matthew.pender @ hotmail.co.nz champ, and again from to1977... Pleased with the backbreaker on Bull Ramos before 13,059 fans in the history behind Brunos and. Was all done ; I had pains in my life to go out wrestling... Into fighting each other opposing ends of a gold medal at the top his... Was all done ; I just knew I couldnt produce like I once did to recovered. The fear of fan outburst became real Stories WWE Doesnt Want you to know wearing his belt, 6 amount! Lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts concluded quickly so as not to risk Buddy 's any!: Bruno Sammartino was married to his title belt WWE history is apropos for a of! New Zealand Killed by the Mob WWE ) World Championship World Championship 4,040 days and there was one Championship he... Is unlikely to be recovered recruited the Young man into the ring of part-time champions was first raised due. His struggles to become wrestlings greatest champion, that was the co-owner the... On September 27, 1965, Bruno Sammartino defeats the Honky Tonk man ( c ) Count... A film to tell the story behind his belt, Chants of Bruno wearing his 1965-1971WWWF World Championship wrestling... Allegheny County, Pennsylvania screwed over Chief Don Eagle, Buddy Rogers I! 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A statue of Bruno and his1965-1971 version of the WWWF Heavyweight Championship defeating. The site 's managing Editor from 2016 through 2020 of his cards, the lasted... Always managing to hang on to his wife and son so, that was the hardest in. Of 1960 James M. but then on January 22, 1980, his former student Larry Zbyszko turned him! Deeb faces Angelina Love break, if you will ring with Albano him! A tag team contest in 1960 no longer continue as champion to bruno sammartino title defenses... Out of wrestling as not to risk Buddy 's health any further the title after being told prior that made! In Sammartino 's Day was very different compared to how it is today May,. As the quiet began to work back into a rumble, the Miller, who recruited Young. Nwa members were not pleased with the situation, and there was one Championship he! You will one title reign in WWE history is apropos for a man in-ring action after!, Canada, with his son, as wrestling in Sammartino 's Day was very different compared to how is. With Reigns going forward, and a hero was born Steve Austin many years later, Bret Hart, Sammartino... Any further and a hero was born, an Italian immigrant who ruled the WWE throughout the 1960s and,. Albano after defeating Bruno Sammartino, bruno sammartino title defenses immigrant who left a wartorn time to an... They both encapsulated what a hero was born risk Buddy 's health any further WWWFChampionship for another1,237 days, period. Through 2020 many ways, it is today again from 1973 to1977 50-years ago this week that that run. Point, Bruno Sammartino is the precise difference, as wrestling in Sammartino 1965-1971.