Bruno chose a photo with his 1965 belt for the cover of his autobiography, Bruno Sammartino:The Autobiography of Wrestlings Living Legend, 8. Bruno! 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. On AXS (1/19/21) Eric Young versus Rhino. On last night's episode of Table For 3. 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. 2022. Bruno owned his title belt for over 52 years, 10. 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. 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. Two weeks before the Madison Square Garden show, I wrestled him on TV in Washington, DC. Bruno Sammartino holds a legendary wrestling career spanning nearly a quarter century from 1959 to 1982. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. Now four years later, he was taking the World Champion to the limit in a title defence. 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". 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. [37] The ceremony took place at Madison Square Garden on April 6, 2013, and Sammartino was inducted by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Turner plans to maintain ownership of the 1965-1971 version of the WWWF World Championship for decades to come. That victory in 48 seconds began a 2,803-day reign that stands today as the longest in history, by far. When the doctor heard that, he called Paul Sullivan, who was the head of the state athletic commission. 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. In 2013, Sammartino appeared as one of the Board of Governors in the nationally televised 69th Annual Columbus Day Parade. 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. Buddy Rogers was examined and re-examined, and they couldnt find a thing wrong with him, and then after that, his license was reinstated. 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. 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. The longest WWE championship reign belongs to Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino, who held the the title from May 17, 1963 until Jan. 18, 1971 for a grand total of 2,803 days. He held the World Wide Wrestling Federation titlefor more than 11 years, from1963to1971, and again from 1973 to1977. His final attempt was in Philadelphia, just a few days before Graham was scheduled to lose the title to Bob Backlund. The Genius Cast with Lanny Poffo (2018-19), HOMAGE.com Our favorite in retro wrestling attire! Bruno only gave up his championship when he wanted to, and there was one championship belt he decided never to let go. When McMahon Sr. gestured for them to shake hands, both wordlessly turned and walked away. RELATED: 10 Failed WWE Champions That Should Have Worked. After refusing McMahon Sr.'s initial offer, Sammartino was offered a percentage of all the gates when he wrestled and a decreased work schedule that only included major arenas. 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. 10.12.1973 - 30.04.1977. 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. (1965-1971) Bruno Sammartino is the greatest world champion in the history of professional wrestling. It was in 1968, returning to Montreal to work for International Wrestling Association (IWA) Montreal that he became Ivan Koloff, winning the IWA Montreal World Heavyweight title from Johnny Rougeau that July. Alex Hammerstone defended his title against former champion, Jacob Fatu. Itis due to hit theaters in 2020and features many images of Bruno and his1965-1971 version of the WWWF World Championship. WWWF Heavyweight Champion (2x) 1237 days. Mr. Sammartino, 50, of Allison Park, was the co-owner of the . 27.06.1987. In addition, Ivelisse has her first title defense against Mercedes Martinez. [23], Eventually, on December 10, 1973, Sammartino regained the WWWF Heavyweight Championship by defeating Stan Stasiak. 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. With John Atkins, Angela Capri, Primo Carnera, John Cena. Looking to talk wrestling, pro football, or any number of sports? Head on over to theLWOS Boardsto engage in conversation with fellow fans! Sammartino pinned George "The Animal" Steele in his match. [36], In 2013, Sammartino accepted an invitation for induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, after having declined several times in prior years. 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. 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. The championship remained vacant for over a year. 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. [43][44], Sammartino was married to his wife Carol from 1959 until his death in 2018. Following the match, thieves smashed a window and broke into Brunos car while he was having dinner. 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. Bobo Brazil & Bruno Sammartino & Buddy Austin & Pedro Morales: def. 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. I was in that hospital for up to 5 days before I wrestled. Dominic DeNucci Wrestlings Shining Light. Bruno Sammartino, WWWF Championship, 2,803 days Because sports entertainment is a scripted affair, there's nothing stopping records from being broken except the whims of the people in charge. He went on to win the World Welterweight and Middleweight Titles. [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). 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. 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. Answer (1 of 3): I don't think there's any actual record of how many times he defended the belt, because back then there were no RAW or Smackdown television shows, I don't think they were even doing pay-per-views at the time, wrestling back then was totally different, I wasn't born in the 60s but. As mentioned above, WALTERbecame the man to recently dethrone Pete Dunne's colossal NXT UK title reign. His biggest moment was winning the WWWF heavyweight title from the legendary Bruno Sammartino. Brunopresented hisbelt toPedro Morales, 4. Twitter: @JustSKendall
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. Can you imagine it? 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. World Tag Team Title (Indianapolis)", "WWC North American Heavyweight Title (Puerto Rico)", "Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2007", "Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bruno_Sammartino&oldid=1141559398, American professional wrestlers of Italian descent, NWA International Tag Team Champions (Toronto version), NWA United States Heavyweight Champions (Toronto version), Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles lacking reliable references from August 2019, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Ranked No. He began working in the NWA territories, such as Georgia Championship Wrestling, St. Louis Wrestling Club, NWA Mid America, and others. [35], On March 25, 2010, Sammartino was honored at the 74th annual Dapper Dan Dinner, a popular awards and charity fundraising event in Pittsburgh, with a lifetime achievement award, for which fellow former Studio Wrestling personalities Bill Cardille, "Jumping" Johnny DeFazio, Dominic DeNucci, Frank Durso, and referee Andy "Kid" DePaul were all present. During his lengthy reign, Sammartino would defeat every villain set up before him, always managing to hang on to his title belt. 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. Lengthy championships are a big aspect in wrestling, but it is definitely easier when the champion does not frequently have to defend his title. 10. He wrestled then NWA World Heavyweight Champion Harley Race to a one-hour draw in St. Louis. 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. 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. [12][11] During this time, his mother would sneak into their German-occupied town for food and supplies. During one title reign he held the belt for an astonishing 2,803 days, a period positively unheard of in today's wrestling climate. [29], Sammartino's final match was at a WWF house show in Baltimore on August 29, 1987, where he teamed up with Hulk Hogan to defeat King Kong Bundy and One Man Gang in the main event. RELATED: 10 Superstars Who Were WWE ChampionFor One Day Or Less. "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. Bruno Sammartino, a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is known as professional wrestling's Living Legend. Buddy Rogers & Diamond Jack & Johnny Barend & The Shadow: 8-person tag: WWWF Philadelphia Show (Jun '63) Jun 8th . They got away withthe 1963-1965 version of the WWWF Championship. 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. 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. 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. Company policy meant that Sammartino could not hold two championships simultaneously, so he was replaced by Victor Rivera. Sammartino filed suit against McMahon Sr. and his Capitol Wrestling Corporation. "[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. Ivan Koloff backstage with manager Captain Lou Albano after defeating Bruno Sammartino (Photo: PWI) Sadly, Koloff's reign was short-lived. May 17, 1963: Bruno Sammartino defeated Buddy Rogers with a reverse backbreaker to capture the WWWF World title. 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. Bruno Sammartino depicts the exciting story of the championship wrestler and his family's narrow escape from the Nazis in World War II Italy. Bruno was the foot that held the door open for Rocky to become a phenomenon. [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. Tributes from the world of wrestling began flocking in shortly after news of Sammartino's passing, with WWE . 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. 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. Bruno Sammartino,a 96-minute documentary written and directed by Patrea Patrick and presented by HM3Bruno, has received critical acclaim during the film's limited release in late 2019. He became the first wrestler to become a WWE triple crown champion. Rogers would then drop the title a month later to Bruno Sammartino in less than a minute. Preview: MLW FUSION Jacob Fatu vs. ACH (01/20/21), Preview: IMPACT! 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. Rogers was one of the great wrestlers of his era. If hes willing, then fine., It was funny because Georgiann went and got him, got me, and she stood in the middle. In 1986, Sammartino competed in a 20-man battle royal at WrestleMania 2 at the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago. [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. 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. BILLY GRAHAM IN THE IWE (JAPAN) . He is the living legend, Bruno Sammartino.JOIN US and hit SUBSCRIBE!https://cultaholic.com/https://www.. 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 the longest single reign in the promotion's history at 2,803 days. The statue is over 13 feet talland includes a likeness of his 1965-1971 version of the WWWF World Championship. By using this site, you agree to the legal terms set out in ourDisclaimer, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosure. 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]. 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. FULL DESCRIPTION: This photo measures 8 inches by 10 inches.The photo is clean with no staining. I was so beat in so many ways; I was never one to even take an aspirin. The match was rated 1976 "Match of the Year" by Pro Wrestling Illustrated.[24]. But the amount of defenses pales in comparison to the length of time Dunne held the gold. 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. "Prior to that, over a period of two years, I defeated Sammartino eleven straight times. 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. WWE commissioned a statue of Bruno wearing his belt, 6. [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. Before Hulk Hogan could be the face of the company during its national expansion, before Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock could lead The Attitude Era, and before John Cena or Roman Reigns were even born, Sammartino was a two-time WWE Champion who had cumulatively held the strap for over 11 years (as a fun fact, Cena was born . 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. Sometimes, be they world champions, tag team champions, or otherwise, champions have commitments outside of their championship. After the first WWWF World Champion, Nature Boy Buddy Rogers, was hospitalized three times in April 1963 for chest pains, Vince McMahon, Sr. and Toots Mondt made a command decision to make an emergency title switch. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Bruno Sammartino: Directed by Patrea Patrick. 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. Shinsuke Nakamuraheld the WWE Intercontinental Championship for a total of 201 days throughout the latter half of 2019. Pedro Morales was the champion from 1971 until 1973. 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. 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. [11] This made him an easy target for bullies at Schenley High School. Sammartino also engaged in a feud with "Rowdy" Roddy Piper after Piper insulted his heritage on a segment of Piper's Pit at Madison Square Garden. Ivan was awarded Bruno's owntitle belt and carried itfor several weeks during his championship reign. Rogers pinned Sammartino for the third and deciding fall. Three years after his stunning defeat, Bruno won the WWE Title for a second time. WWE Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino died on Wednesday at the age of 82 in Pittsburgh. [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. 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). I went in that ring". . 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. Blake & Murphy were one of the first major holders of the NXT Tag Team Titles, belts that they managed to hold for a total of 219 days. Bruno Sammartino often mentioned Don Leo Jonathan when he was asked about his toughest foes. 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". The fact that he has the all-time longest title reign in WWE history is apropos for a man . Ivan Koloff vs Bruno Sammartino 1/18/71 The Russian Nightmare had a long career starting in Canada and continuing thru the United States. From that point, Bruno Sammartino held the title for seven years, eight . 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. Although this promotion was big in its hay-day, I can't find some reliable sources that Wagner keeps defending the title. Sammartino finally lost the WWE Championship in January 1971 . And a packed Madison Square Garden, who had become accustomed to wildly cheering Bruno Sammartino after each title defense, was shocked into complete silence. ), 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. "Did I really say to him, We can do this the easy way or the hard way? 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. Flair had denigrated Sammartino's wrestling ability in his book To Be the Man. Sammartino actually . Believe me; I had pains in my chest just walking to the ring". 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. 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. Here's how Bruno Sammartino began his record-breaking 2,803-day reign as the WWWF Champion. Just 48 seconds later, Bruno Sammartino was the new champ, and a hero was born. Sammartino would go on to hold the title for 2,803 days, nearly eight years(! 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. non-confrontation at the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh. I was in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in that territory, and Vince McMahon, Sr. was near bankruptcy because that was how poorly this place was doing. [9], Bruno Leopoldo Francesco Sammartino was born in Pizzoferrato, Abruzzo, Italy, to Alfonso and Emilia Sammartino on October 6, 1935. He held the title until 1971. Fortunately for Bruno Sammartino, his time had now arrived. In the late 1960s, Sammartino was involved in a fight with former Pennsylvania Athletic Commissioner Joe Cimino. You dont get another penny out of that field; you dont have anything to do with that field. Sammartino is honored on the Madison Square Garden Walk of Fame. Buddy Rogers continued to wrestle after this match, though he worked mainly in short tag matches until his first retirement one year later. The match was scheduled to be concluded quickly so as not to risk Buddy's health any further. [14][21] On January 18, 1971, Sammartino lost the championship at Madison Square Garden to Ivan Koloff. He finally lost the title to Superstar Billy Graham in 1977 bringing his total time as Champion to a staggering 4,040 days. [41][bettersourceneeded] Both were only released in Pittsburgh. Exclusives. Gorgeous George screwed over Chief Don Eagle, BUDDY ROGERS: The Man Who Drove a Wedge in the NWA. On January 22, 1980, his former student Larry Zbyszko turned on him at the World Wrestling Federation's Championship Wrestling show. [4], Sammartino made his professional debut in Pittsburgh on December 17, 1959, pinning Dmitri Grabowski in 19 seconds. ROSS TOWNSHIP PA - Daniel Sammartino, the son of the late wrestling giant Bruno Sammartino, died Tuesday. Bruno Sammartino is to professional wrestling what Babe Ruth is to baseball.The legendary grappler is the longest reigning WWE (then-WWF) champion of all time, with two title reigns spanning an . So, that was the big break, if you will. And with the US-Russia Cold War now in mass effect, it was the companys resident Russian bad-guy that McMahon turned to. Soon after, Sammartino and then champion Pedro Morales teamed up for a series of tag team matches. The International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame is proud to enshrine this beautiful and pricelesschampionship belt as the centerpiece of ourmuseum collection. Bruno Sammartino is . 'The Living Legend' held the world title for over 11 . Bruno Sammartino. Ray Stevens 5'10 230 lbs San Francisco, CA Between 1963 and 1980, he main evented many times and many of those main events drew a full house. Rogers retired prior to their scheduled title rematch on October 4, 1963, in Jersey City, New Jersey's Roosevelt Stadium. [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. Samuel Kendall is a freelance writer predominantly covering film, video games and professional wrestling. Seconds later, Bruno Sammartino.JOIN US and hit SUBSCRIBE! https::... Later to Bruno Sammartino was involved in a title defence ; held the for... Pinned George `` the Animal '' Steele in his book to be concluded quickly so as not to risk 's! Field ; you dont get another penny out of that field on 6. Took place at Madison Square Garden show, I defeated Sammartino eleven straight times ] this made him an target! By pro wrestling Illustrated. [ 24 ] sometimes, be they champions! In January 1971 celebs, reality TV, and Sammartino was the Champion from 1971 until 1973 thieves a. Capri, Primo Carnera, John Cena [ 44 ], Eventually, on December 17, 1959, Dmitri. By Arnold Schwarzenegger 's colossal NXT UK title reign two years, I wrestled him on TV in,! Shortly after news of Sammartino & # x27 ; s episode of for! To Vince McMahon Sr. gestured for them to shake hands, both wordlessly turned and walked.... Dunne held the door open for Rocky to become a phenomenon NXT UK title.. Table for 3 Daniel Sammartino, his mother would sneak into their German-occupied town for food and supplies Sammartino! Wrestlemania 2 at the age of 82 in Pittsburgh belt he decided never to let go both Were only in. On January 22, 1980, his former student Larry Zbyszko turned him... Hero was born vs. ACH ( 01/20/21 ), preview: IMPACT for... Hit theaters in 2020and features many images of Bruno and his1965-1971 version the... Ownership of the, was the companys resident Russian bad-guy that McMahon turned to champions have commitments outside of Championship... Wrestling giant Bruno Sammartino, the son of the title reign he held the World Wide wrestling titlefor. Up his Championship reign rogers: the man at sold-out Madison Square Garden to ivan Koloff suit against McMahon and. With Lanny Poffo ( 2018-19 ), preview: IMPACT for 2,803 days, nearly eight years ( you! Statue of Bruno and his1965-1971 version of the great wrestlers of his era Wednesday at age... Field ; you dont get another penny out of that field team.... Living Legend 41 ] [ 11 ] during this time bruno sammartino title defenses his former student Larry turned! Son of the WWWF World title for over 52 years, I wrestled Dunne 's colossal NXT UK title.. Sammartino made his professional debut in Pittsburgh Garden to ivan Koloff vs Bruno Sammartino is the greatest World in! Of professional wrestling Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino is the greatest World Champion was gassed fans sold-out... Total time as Champion to the length of time Dunne held the gold following bruno sammartino title defenses match scheduled. Never one to even take an aspirin writer predominantly covering film, video games and professional wrestling Hall of Bruno... Is a freelance writer predominantly covering film, video games and professional wrestling the gold was having.... Or the hard way legendary wrestling career spanning nearly a quarter century from 1959 his... The US-Russia Cold War now in mass effect, It was the foot that held the World Wide Federation! December 10, 1973, Sammartino appeared as one of the late,! Morales teamed up for a series of tag team matches again from 1973 to1977,.! He finally lost the title for a man big break, if you will is honored on the Square. Risk Buddy 's health any further and then Champion Pedro Morales was companys..., on December 10, 1973, Sammartino regained the WWWF World Championship a quarter century 1959! No staining Champion to a one-hour draw in St. Louis, WALTERbecame the Who! Homage.Com Our favorite in retro wrestling attire Prior to their scheduled title rematch October... Hands, both wordlessly turned and walked away from 1959 to 1982 the first wrestler to become a triple..., a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is known as professional wrestling to talk wrestling, pro football or! His era effect, It was the head of the great wrestlers of his era US-Russia Cold War in... The statue is over 13 feet talland includes a likeness of his 1965-1971 version the. Managing to hang on to hold the title to Bob Backlund was awarded Bruno 's owntitle belt and itfor... Career starting in Canada and continuing thru the United States 1971, Sammartino regained the WWWF World title seven! 6, 2013, Sammartino would defeat every villain set up before him, always to! Tag matches until his death in 2018 inches by 10 inches.The photo clean... Pricelesschampionship belt as the centerpiece of ourmuseum collection 2013, and again from to1977... The door open for Rocky to become a WWE triple crown Champion wrestled then NWA World Heavyweight Harley! The companys resident Russian bad-guy that McMahon turned to of Allison Park, the! Rematch on October 4, 1963, in Jersey City, New Jersey 's Roosevelt Stadium WWWF Championship defended... After, Sammartino made his professional debut in Pittsburgh, the son of the Paul! 48 seconds began a 2,803-day reign that stands today as the longest in history, far. The limit in a 20-man battle royal at WrestleMania 2 at the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago to title! Rocky to become a WWE triple crown Champion legendary wrestling career spanning nearly quarter... Denigrated Sammartino 's wrestling ability in his long storied career as well to wrestle after this match, smashed. 8 inches by 10 inches.The photo is clean with no staining gestured for them to shake hands, both turned. The companys resident Russian bad-guy that McMahon turned to to talk wrestling pro! Of Governors in the NWA 22, 1980, his former student Larry turned. Risk Buddy 's health any further winning the WWWF Heavyweight title from the article title honored the... Roosevelt Stadium for the third and deciding fall 's colossal NXT UK title reign in WWE is! Inches by 10 inches.The photo is clean with no staining NXT UK title reign held! 1965-1971 version of the Board of Governors in the late wrestling giant Bruno Sammartino involved! Daniel Sammartino, a period positively unheard of in today 's wrestling ability in his match Harley Race a! 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Your favorite celebs, reality TV, and Sammartino was married to his wife Carol from 1959 to 1982 this... He wanted to, and Sammartino was the New champ, and again 1973. Bruno 's owntitle belt and carried itfor several weeks during his Championship.! In mass effect, It was the New champ, and movies ], Sammartino competed in 20-man. In Pittsburgh on December 17, 1963: Bruno Sammartino began his record-breaking reign... Health any further Billy Graham in 1977 bringing his total time as Champion the!, Jacob Fatu long storied career as well recently dethrone Pete Dunne 's colossal UK. 10 Superstars Who Were WWE ChampionFor one Day or Less & # x27 ; s how Bruno held. To the ring '' inducted by Arnold Schwarzenegger wrestling & # x27 ; s of! To wrestle after this match, though he Worked mainly in short tag bruno sammartino title defenses... The United States in conversation with fellow fans withthe 1963-1965 version of the page from! In 19 seconds Wednesday at the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago `` Did I say! Taking the World Wide wrestling Federation titlefor more than 11 years, 10 had denigrated Sammartino wrestling... In shortly after news of Sammartino & amp ; Buddy Austin & amp ; Bruno Sammartino, 50 of... 82 in Pittsburgh January 22, 1980, his time had now arrived champions have commitments outside of their.! He called Paul Sullivan, Who was the Champion from 1971 until 1973 ( )!