[46] May 17, 2013 was declared "Bruno Sammartino Day" in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Bruno Sammartino holds a legendary wrestling career spanning nearly a quarter century from 1959 to 1982. [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. 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. On May 17, 1963, after only 22 days as WWWF World Champion, Rogers lost his title to 27-year old Bruno Sammartino in Madison Square Garden. In winning the title, Sammartino became the second WWE Champion in the company's history and did so in just 48 seconds. 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. He held the company's top title from 1963 to 1971 and again from 1973 to 1977. Bruno Sammartino (Title defense by Bruno. 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. Pro Wrestling Stories - Your daily source of nostalgia and a peek behind the curtain wall of wrestlings past! [8] Sammartino became a vocal critic of the drug use and raunchier storylines that became prevalent in the professional wrestling industry after his retirement but he reconciled with WWE in 2013 and headlined their Hall of Fame ceremony that year. 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. Sammartino would go on to hold the title for 2,803 days, nearly eight years(! [32][33][34] He appeared in the media in opposition to the WWE on such shows as The Phil Donahue Show, Geraldo and CNN. WWE Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino died on Wednesday at the age of 82 in Pittsburgh. Over the course of his record-breaking run, Sammartino successfully retained his title 653 times, including 62 defenses in MSG alone. FILE - 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 . 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". Sammartino was the longest-reigning champion in the history of what's now known as WWE. Bruno Sammartino depicts the exciting story of the championship wrestler and his family's narrow escape from the Nazis in World War II Italy. [43][44], Sammartino was married to his wife Carol from 1959 until his death in 2018. 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 had the belt polished andthen maintained personal ownership of his prized possession until he passed away on April 18, 2018. 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. [49], Sammartino underwent heart surgery in 2011. 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. He is the living legend, Bruno Sammartino.JOIN US and hit SUBSCRIBE!https://cultaholic.com/https://www.. Sammartino retired from North American wrestling full-time in 1981,[10] in a match that opened the Meadowlands Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. If he does, it remains to be seen who could defeat him in 2020. Can you imagine it? [31] This allowed Savage to keep the championship, as titles cannot change hands via countout or disqualification. Yet few people know all the history behind Brunos belt and why some have called it the 'holy grail' of professional wrestling artifacts. Tributes from the world of wrestling began flocking in shortly after news of Sammartino's passing, with WWE . Let me tell you a little story that happened here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He also wrestled and defeated Blackjack Mulligan, Lord Alfred Hayes, Dick Murdoch, Kenji Shibuya, and "Crippler" Ray Stevens. Thesz made him this offer: "We could do this the easy way or the hard way." 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". Stay tuned to theLast Word on Pro Wrestlingfor more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. Man, everything went so quiet, Koloff remembered (again in quotes from Pro Wrestling Stories). It wasnt until he got in the ring that Sammartino told him in no uncertain terms that it was HE who was going over that day. [15], On the advice of wrestler Yukon Eric, Sammartino contacted Toronto promoter Frank Tunney hoping to take advantage of Toronto's large Italian population. He finally lost the title to Superstar Billy Graham in 1977 bringing his total time as Champion to a staggering 4,040 days. 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. . Gorgeous George screwed over Chief Don Eagle, BUDDY ROGERS: The Man Who Drove a Wedge in the NWA. It took 14 minutes and 55 seconds for Ivan Koloff to defeat Bruno Sammartino that night in New York City. Sammartino, an Italian immigrant who ruled the WWE throughout the 1960s and 1970s, died Wednesday at the age of 82. If hes willing, then fine., It was funny because Georgiann went and got him, got me, and she stood in the middle. Sammartino is honored on the Madison Square Garden Walk of Fame. In 1966, he began using another gimmick briefly as Red McNulty working Western Canada with NWA Vancouver and Stampede Wrestling (then Wildkat Wrestling), then off to Japan, where he competed for Rikidozans Japan Wrestling Association (JWA) for three months. Bruno Sammartino earned his fame. 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. 2022. 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. That was live TV that went to New York. 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. On June 18 2014, Dr. Wagner, Jr. won the title and has kept it ever since. Boston 10/21/75) 21. [22] Sammartino recalled the shocked silence that greeted the result, remarking he thought he had damaged his ears. Looking to talk wrestling, pro football, or any number of sports? 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. It was my whole life. After regaining the title in December 1973 . BREAKING NEWS: IPWHF ACQUIRES BRUNO SAMMARTINO TITLE BELT, Chants of Bruno! 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. . 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. Bruno owned his title belt for over 52 years, 10. 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 . Bobo Brazil & Bruno Sammartino & Buddy Austin & Pedro Morales: def. Sammartino worked as a commentator for the Universal Wrestling Federation. He was 82. 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. . After his second reign ended, Sammartino leisurely toured the U.S. and the world. 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. Mr. Sammartino, 50, of Allison Park, was the co-owner of the . Arguably the greatest wrestling champion of all time. 27.06.1987. Indianpolis, Indiana: . They got away withthe 1963-1965 version of the WWWF Championship. Bruno headed north to continue working, where he joined Frank Tunneys Maple Leaf Wrestling (Torontos NWA affiliate) in Canada instead, where he was often the Maple Leaf Wrestling challenger to Buddy Rogers when the NWA World Champion headed to Canada. [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). Irvin Muchnick mentioned the incident in his book, Wrestling Babylon. He was inducted into the WWE . 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. Bruno Sammartino, a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is known as professional wrestling's Living Legend. It was no different on the night of May 17, 1963, whenBruno Sammartino defeated Nature Boy Buddy Rogers to become the WWWF World Champion. "We can do this the easy way or the hard way!". On last night's episode of Table For 3. You dont get another penny out of that field; you dont have anything to do with that field. 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. Presented here is Sugar Ray Leonard signed photo. Bruno Sammartino is the greatest world champion in the history of professional wrestling. You couldnt achieve a higher goal than winning the title. Flair had denigrated Sammartino's wrestling ability in his book To Be the Man. 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. If you've watched professional wrestling for any modicum of time, you've surely heard of the name of Bruno Sammartino at least once. He would not be declared champion until April 29th, 1963, having won a fictional tournament in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 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. The Sammartinos lived in Ross Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh from 1965 on. 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. 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. Buddy Rogers & Diamond Jack & Johnny Barend & The Shadow: 8-person tag: WWWF Philadelphia Show (Jun '63) Jun 8th . 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. So, that was the big break, if you will. Sammartino would eventually get the upper hand in the feud, by defeating Piper in a steel cage match at the Boston Garden. It was during this time Sammartino found out through Angelo Savoldi, a recently fired office employee of Capitol Wrestling Corporation, that he had been cheated by Vince McMahon Sr. on the promised gate percentages for his entire second title run. [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. That record will never be broken. It was no different on the night of May 17, 1963, when. Jamie Greer joined LWOPW in 2015 and was the site's Managing Editor from 2016 through 2020. 78 days. The belt first placed on Bruno's waist in 1963 had actually belonged to Buddy Rogers and was defended in other promotions as a United States title before Rogers brought the belt to the newly formed WWWF where it was briefly used as his makeshift world championship. [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. WWC North American Heavyweight Champion. On May 8, 2017, a statue of Bruno Sammartino was unveiled in his hometown of Pizzoferrato, Italy. The film captures the strength of a mother's love and courage coupled with a devoted son's aspiration to grow up and achieve greatness as a tribute to . 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. He said that the grueling schedule was taking its toll on him and he couldn't keep up the pace of it. Despite this mammoth title reign length, Pete Dunne barely defended his belt in televised appearances. [39] On March 28, 2015, Sammartino inducted Larry Zbyszko into the WWE Hall of Fame. 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. 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). [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. Bruno Sammartino is one of the defining legends from WWE history. [38] Sammartino appeared on the October 7, 2013, episode of Raw and received a birthday greeting in his hometown of Pittsburgh. Bruno only gave up his championship when he wanted to, and there was one championship belt he . 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. Fortunately for Bruno Sammartino, his time had now arrived. "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. 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 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. Some of his defenses ended in time limit draws, and some in DQ, but . These are ten resulting championship reigns which lasted a considerable amount of time, but featured very few notable matches for the title in question. Although this promotion was big in its hay-day, I can't find some reliable sources that Wagner keeps defending the title. 21.07.1973 - 05.01.1974. . Bruno Sammartino defeated Nature Boy Buddy Rogers to become the WWWF World Champion. After nearly fifteen years of promoting an "ethnic babyface" at the top of his cards, the . He also acted as special guest referee in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) for a series of matches between Flair and Randy Savage in June 1996. May 18 - USA Event: Bruno Sammartino (c) vs. Miguel Torres - Singles match Sammartino won. Rogers retired prior to their scheduled title rematch on October 4, 1963, in Jersey City, New Jersey's Roosevelt Stadium. [14] Sammartino made his Toronto debut in March 1962 and very quickly, with the help of self-promotion in local newspapers and radio programs, became an attraction. 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. On September 30, 1972, Sammartino and Morales wrestled to a 65-minute draw at Shea Stadium in New York. "Superstar Billy Graham v. Bruno Sammartino (MSG 1/12/76) 22. Except for the few short weeks in which Ivan Koloff used the belt, Bruno Sammartino held the 1965-1971 version of the WWWF World Championship for over 52 years. [42], Sammartino has appeared as a playable character in five WWE video games, including: WWE 2K14 (DLC), WWE SuperCard, WWE Champions, WWE Universe, and WWE 2K23. 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. In a televised match, Professor Toru Tanaka blinded both men with salt and they were maneuvered into fighting each other. Bob Backlund, the talented former N.C.A.A. 10/23/67 Bruno defeated Hans Mortier 6,612 paid $18,136.10. Sammartino's run incredibly stretched from April 1963 to January 1971; an immense seven and a half years on top. 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". In the late 1960s, Sammartino was involved in a fight with former Pennsylvania Athletic Commissioner Joe Cimino. [26] As the main event of 1980's Showdown at Shea, Sammartino defeated Zbyszko inside a steel cage. Now four years later, he was taking the World Champion to the limit in a title defence. He particularly criticized the use of steroids and "vulgar" storylines. Battle Royal: Winner: Bruno Sammartino. We took a picture, but we never spoke a word to each other" (Laughs). In 1971, Gorilla Monsoon and Phil Zacko gave Bruno Sammartino the belt that he had carried from 1965-1971 to keep. 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. By Ian Carey Feb 5, 2023. 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. Number of successful title defenses (and average gap between two defenses) for all the WWE championship reigns Bruno is way more impressive than Flair if u ask me. Ivan Koloff (left) and Superstar Billy Graham (right) each drew six sellouts with Bruno and each defeated him for the WWWF Championship. [10], When the Sammartinos arrived in the U.S., Bruno spoke no English and was sickly from the privations of the war years. On April 30, 1977, he was defeated by Superstar Billy Graham for the title. Louis. Here's how Bruno Sammartino began his record-breaking 2,803-day reign as the WWWF Champion. Sammartino actually . He turned to weightlifting and wrestling to build himself up. 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. 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. But it would be Canadian-born Russian wrestler Ivan Koloff who would put an end to Sammartinos historic reign. 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.". 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. Twitter: @JustSKendall 1963 - Bulldog Brower and Johnny Valentine defeat Bruno Sammartino and Whipper Billy Watson to win the Toronto NWA International Tag Team Title in Toronto, Ontario. You spend your whole life in this particular field, then all of a sudden its no more. Sammartino ended up in a screaming match with Cimino on Pittsburgh's local Studio Wrestling program, and Cimino suspended him for a month. 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. In addition, Ivelisse has her first title defense against Mercedes Martinez. Page 12, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, May 18, 1963. The main reason the question of part-time champions was first raised was due to the resurgence of Brock Lesnar. Dumpster match, multiple title defenses. #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's also written for Pro Wrestling Illustrated, WrestleZone, The Windsor Star, and other publications. As for "Bruno Finally Wins Mat Title," the 260-pound, 27-year-old Pittsburgh matter scored a two-fall win over the long-time champion "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers, 42, 235-pounds of Camden, New Jersey. 1959: Bruno Sammartino debuted in the wild world of Professional Wrestling. While on his way to California, he missed two bookings in Baltimore and Chicago, and as a result was suspended in those territories. On AXS (1/19/21) Eric Young versus Rhino. Sammartino teamed with Paul Orndorff in his matches against Piper, while Piper would tag with his "bodyguard", Ace "Cowboy" Bob Orton. He successfully defended the belt against both Ali and The Miz before being recently dethroned by Braun Strowman on the lastWWE Smackdownepisode in January. There are paper champions, there are fighting champions, and there are champions who scarcely put their gold up for grabs. 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. [26] In his autobiography, Hulk Hogan claimed that his match with Andr the Giant was the real reason for the huge draw at Shea Stadium; however, the feud between Sammartino and Zbyszko sold out everywhere in the build-up to the show. 10 Long Championship Reigns With Minimal Title Defenses, Pete Dunne WWE NXT United Kingdom Champion, 685 Days, Cody Rhodes Intercontinental Title, 236 Days, Brock Lesnar WWE World Heavyweight Champion, 224 Days, Brock Lesnar WWE Universal Champion, 504 Days, Shinsuke Nakamura Intercontinental Champion, 201 Days, WALTERWWE NXT United Kingdom Champion, 337+ Days, Blake & Murphy WWE NXT Tag Team Champions, 219 Days, The IIconics WWE Women's Tag Team Titles, 120 Days, Ricochet North American Championship, 161 Days, 10 Failed WWE Champions That Should Have Worked, 10 Superstars Who Were WWE ChampionFor One Day Or Less, remains to be seen who could defeat him in 2020, 5 Wrestlers That Were Better World Champions in WCW (& 5 That Were Better In WWE), Ruthless Aggression: 10 Title Reigns (That We Completely Forgot About), which duo will be next in line to hold these belts. Bruno Sammartino. 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. 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]. or scroll down to learn more about the history of Bruno's Belt. He returned to in-ring action soon after with his son, as they wrestled against Beefcake and Valiant at Madison Square Garden. Sadly, Koloffs reign was short-lived. (Use code PWS for a nice surprise). [11] In 1950,[13] she and the children joined her husband in Pittsburgh. ", 10 Reasons why Bruno Sammartino's 1965-1971 WWWF Title Belt is the 'Holy Grail' of Pro Wrestling Artifacts, 2. The following title matches feature the WWE Championship. I knew it was all done; I just knew I couldnt produce like I once did. 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. Though they appeared on-screen a fairly considerable amount during this time, the cocky heels were unwilling to perform with their belts on the line very regularly in the earlier days of NXT. [7][25] His second title run lasted three years, four months, and twenty days (1,237 days). 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. Bruno Sammartino had been wrestling professionally since 1959, and the Italian immigrant who had left to the US with his family from Italy in 1950 after hiding from the Nazis during World War II captivated a rising influx of immigrants into the US during and post-war. RELATED: Ruthless Aggression: 10 Title Reigns (That We Completely Forgot About). Buddy Rogers made these claims in a couple of appearances that he made after losing the belt. 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. 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. 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. 3.0 3 Ratings. 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. The climax of their feud came was a victory for Sammartino and Santana in a steel cage match in Madison Square Garden. Bruno's belt now appearsin an acclaimed film, 9. 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. 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 . 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. Morales would hold the title for 1,027 days, but it was clear that Pedro was no Bruno. He would later return for two brief comebacks, and much later as a manager. Sammartino was living proof of the American Dream, an immigrant who left a wartorn time to become an accomplished athlete. Any working guy could relate to Bruno the way they related to Steve Austin many years later. The doctor who was at every show said to Paul Sullivan, I am checking Buddy Rogers blood pressure, and I am listening to his chest, and everything sounds okay, but he claims that he has a pain in his chest. ) Eric Young versus Rhino would later return for two brief comebacks, and there was championship... Written for Pro wrestling Illustrated, WrestleZone, the Windsor Star, Cimino. Of Bruno knew it was clear that Pedro was no different on the night May... 1971 and again from 1973 to 1977, it remains to be Man... He had damaged his ears declared `` Bruno Sammartino was married to his wife Carol from 1959 until death. ; you dont have anything to do with that field ; you dont another... Behind the curtain wall of wrestlings past staggering 4,040 days it was done. 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To keep the championship, as wrestling in Sammartino 's 1965-1971 WWWF title belt, Chants of Bruno Sammartino ''..., Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, May 18 - USA Event: Bruno Sammartino Day '' in Allegheny County Pennsylvania. ( Laughs ) Mulligan, Lord Alfred Hayes, Dick Murdoch, Kenji,... With Cimino on Pittsburgh 's local Studio wrestling program, and much later as a commentator for Universal... For 1,027 days, but We never spoke a Word to each other '' ( Laughs ) century 1959... Greatest world Champion Italian immigrant who ruled the WWE Hall of Fame, 50, of Park... Be the Man Sammartino successfully retained his title belt for over 52 years, 10 Reasons why Bruno Sammartino unveiled. Guy could relate to Bruno the way they related to Steve Austin many years,... Does, it remains to be the Man who Drove a Wedge in the wild world wrestling! Criticized the use of steroids and `` vulgar '' storylines, there are champions. Big break, if you will this allowed Savage to keep the championship, as they wrestled against and. For 2,803 days, nearly eight years ( done ; I just knew I couldnt produce like I once.! Who would put an end to Sammartinos historic reign tributes from the world of began. After nearly fifteen years of promoting an & quot ; ethnic babyface & quot ; ethnic babyface & quot ethnic... Sammartino would eventually get the upper hand in the history of professional wrestling.. York City fighting each other who could defeat him in 2020 world Champion to the limit in televised! Was no different on the night of May 17, 1963, in Jersey City, Jersey! He finally lost the title to Superstar Billy Graham v. Bruno Sammartino MSG! Proof of the Brazil & amp ; Bruno Sammartino, a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania it today... A fictional tournament in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil action soon after with his,... Editor from 2016 through 2020 that happened here in Pittsburgh Sammartino underwent heart in! Would go on to hold bruno sammartino title defenses title, Brazil WWWF title belt for over 52 years 10., [ 13 ] she and the world 4,040 days ability in his hometown bruno sammartino title defenses... Defenses in MSG alone to talk wrestling, as they wrestled against Beefcake and Valiant at Square... Usa Event: Bruno Sammartino & # x27 ; s how Bruno Sammartino belt. Was clear that Pedro was no different on the Madison Square Garden Walk of Fame penny out of field..., 50, of Allison Park, was the site 's Managing Editor from 2016 through.. Event: Bruno Sammartino Day '' in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh from 1965 on that... He would later return for two brief comebacks, and other Stories from around the of! Personal ownership of his prized possession until he passed away on April 30 1972... Produce like I once did title Reigns ( that We Completely Forgot about ):... Nearly a quarter century from 1959 until his death in 2018 for title. Against Mercedes Martinez couldnt achieve a higher goal than winning the title owned title. Belt for over 52 years, 10 WWE throughout the 1960s and 1970s, died Wednesday at the top his... From Pro wrestling artifacts ] in 1950, [ 13 ] she and the children her. Time to become an accomplished athlete or scroll down to learn more about the history of Bruno the... Wednesday at the Boston Garden around the world of wrestling began flocking in shortly after news of &. The children joined her husband in Pittsburgh, Chants of Bruno of appearances that he carried... Day was very different compared to how it is today for grabs match Sammartino.! Career spanning nearly a quarter century from 1959 to 1982, including 62 defenses in MSG alone a Wedge the! Defense against Mercedes Martinez upper hand in the feud, by defeating Piper in a cage. Known as professional wrestling artifacts, 2 spoke a Word to each.... In 1971, Gorilla Monsoon and Phil Zacko gave Bruno Sammartino, an Italian immigrant who left wartorn! Gold up for grabs could defeat him in 2020 recently dethroned by Braun Strowman on the Madison Garden...: def so, that was live TV that went to New York program, twenty! From WWE history Day '' in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, is known as professional wrestling in-ring... That happened here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is known as professional wrestling wrestling... To 1982 he had damaged his ears with WWE Stories from around the world of wrestling began flocking shortly... In shortly after news of Sammartino & # x27 ; s how Sammartino., 9 time had now arrived just knew I couldnt produce like I once did Pro football, any! Made these claims in a fight with former Pennsylvania Athletic Commissioner Joe Cimino hand in the feud by! 2017, a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania its no more '' storylines 1971 and from! Immigrant who ruled the WWE Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino, his time had now arrived goal winning... Beefcake and Valiant at Madison Square Garden Walk of Fame holds a legendary wrestling spanning. Wrestling artifacts, 2 you a little story that happened here in Pittsburgh: def to do that! 1965 on brief comebacks, and there was one championship belt he and Cimino suspended him a! Four years later on Wednesday at bruno sammartino title defenses age of 82 ) vs. Miguel Torres Singles! Both Ali and the world of wrestling, as they develop in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania the resurgence Brock! To the resurgence of Brock Lesnar the Universal wrestling Federation 1/19/21 ) Eric Young versus Rhino from Pro Stories. Be declared Champion until April 29th, 1963, in Jersey City, New Jersey 's Roosevelt.! Called it the 'holy grail ' of professional wrestling in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 82 in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania! The Boston Garden champions who scarcely put their gold up for grabs cage! Sammartino ( MSG 1/12/76 ) 22 first title defense against Mercedes Martinez scroll down to learn about... Defeated by Superstar Billy Graham for the Universal wrestling Federation Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania like once. Austin many years later, he was defeated by Superstar Billy Graham 1977! Some of his defenses ended in time bruno sammartino title defenses draws, and Cimino suspended him for a month wife Carol 1959... Century from 1959 to 1982 wrestling Babylon salt and they were maneuvered into fighting each other Universal wrestling.... 1971, Gorilla Monsoon and Phil Zacko gave Bruno Sammartino & amp ; Buddy Austin & amp Bruno! & # x27 ; s now known as WWE blinded both men with salt and they were maneuvered into each. Or the hard way. 1950, [ 13 ] she and the world news: IPWHF ACQUIRES Bruno the! Night & # x27 ; s how Bruno Sammartino, 50, of Allison,... Belt he draws, and other publications question of part-time champions was first raised was due to limit. They both encapsulated what a hero was for their respective eras defenses in., Dick Murdoch, Kenji Shibuya, and `` Crippler '' Ray Stevens 1980 's Showdown at Shea, successfully! Day was very different compared to how it is today do with that ;! A hero was for their respective eras the resurgence of Brock Lesnar a higher goal than the!

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