It was time to make a switch. In a televised match, Professor Toru Tanaka blinded both men with salt and they were maneuvered into fighting each other. Over the course of his record-breaking run, Sammartino successfully retained his title 653 times, including 62 defenses in MSG alone. Bruno Leopoldo Francesco Sammartino was an Italian-born American professional wrestler, best known for his work with the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF, now WWE). Bruno Sammartino, a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is known as professional wrestling's Living Legend. Author: Matt Pender Jan. 10, 2023. After leaving the WWF, Sammartino became an outspoken critic of the path on which Vincent K. McMahon had taken professional wrestling. In 1971, Gorilla Monsoon and Phil Zacko gave Bruno Sammartino the belt that he had carried from 1965-1971 to keep. WWA World Tag Team Champion (with Dick The Bruiser as Annihilation Inc.) [43][44], Sammartino was married to his wife Carol from 1959 until his death in 2018. On April 6, 2013, Sammartino received the Key to the City in Jersey City, New Jersey. Sometimes, be they world champions, tag team champions, or otherwise, champions have commitments outside of their championship. "Close to working that schedule for eight years, I told Vince McMahon Sr., you better get somebody. While he was still a pop culture icon in the New York area, McMahon was faced with the real possibility of his World Champion getting injured or having his popularity wane from mental burnout. 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 . On February 20 2012, Wagner beat Bruno Sammartino's record, and as of today, has kept the title for over 3195 days. In winning the title, Sammartino became the second WWE Champion in the company's history and did so in just 48 seconds. Bruno Sammartino Saves Freddie Blassie From Being Killed By The Mob! [26] As the main event of 1980's Showdown at Shea, Sammartino defeated Zbyszko inside a steel cage. Also during this time, Sammartino began serving as color commentator for the WWF's syndicated programs, WWF Championship Wrestling and WWF All-Star Wrestling. World Wide Wrestling Federation. 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). . For half of that time he reigned as World Champion, . If he does, it remains to be seen who could defeat him in 2020. When McMahon Sr. gestured for them to shake hands, both wordlessly turned and walked away. [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. 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. Actor: WWE Smackdown!. Sammartino defeated Savage in a lumberjack match for the WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship via disqualification at the Boston Garden. Sammartino, shocked and hurt by Zbyszko's betrayal, vowed to make Zbyszko pay dearly. 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. 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. Sammartino would eventually get the upper hand in the feud, by defeating Piper in a steel cage match at the Boston Garden. RELATED: Ruthless Aggression: 10 Title Reigns (That We Completely Forgot About). Boston 10/21/75) 21. Bruno once again proved to be the premier competitor in sports-entertainment and carried the title for a second impressive reign of . 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 . It was no different on the night of May 17, 1963, whenBruno Sammartino defeated Nature Boy Buddy Rogers to become the WWWF World Champion. 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. He said that the grueling schedule was taking its toll on him and he couldn't keep up the pace of it. Rogers pinned Sammartino for the third and deciding fall. often gets attributed to other wrestling stories. 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. Bruno, the Italian superhero from Pittsburgh, battled the 6'6" 315 "Mormon Giant" a number of times in 1973 and 1974 and Jonathan won at least twice. Roman Reigns is the wrestler who has come closest to those legendary Bruno Sammartino reigns from the decade of the 60's in this era of pro-wrestling. Sammartino finally lost the WWE Championship in January 1971 . 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. Also on the card, the newest member of Valkyrie, Serena Deeb faces Angelina Love. 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. Sammartino, professional wrestling's "Living Legend" and one of its longest-reigning champions, has died. 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. 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. Sammartino was the longest-reigning champion in the history of what's now known as WWE. Pro Wrestling Stories - Your daily source of nostalgia and a peek behind the curtain wall of wrestlings past! Morales would hold the title for 1,027 days, but it was clear that Pedro was no Bruno. 2/19/68 Bruno won with the backbreaker on Bull Ramos before 13,059 fans in the first match at the new MSG. 11. Twitter: @JustSKendall 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. . [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. WWF Intercontinental Title: Bruno Sammartino defeats The Honky Tonk Man (c) by Count Out. Chants of Bruno! Sammartino is the longest-reigning WWE Champion in history. He turned to weightlifting and wrestling to build himself up. 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. HISTORY: : Sugar Ray Leonard was the winner of a gold medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics. He is overall a two-time world champion in professional wrestling. [40], Sammartino is included in two DVDs summarizing his career and life: Bruno Returns to Italy With Bruno Sammartino (2006) and Bruno Sammartino: Behind the Championship Belt (2006). Sammartino 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. Bruno Sammartino defeated Nature Boy Buddy Rogers to become the WWWF World Champion. Their feud culminated on August 9, 1980, in front of 36,295 fans at Shea Stadium. In contrast, Hogan and Andr headlined exactly one card in White Plains, New York before they wrestled at Shea, and they drew 1,200 in a building that held 3,500.[27]. Although this promotion was big in its hay-day, I can't find some reliable sources that Wagner keeps defending the title. I didnt get as great as I did in wrestling by not loving it. That takes your density down to a title defense every 37.9 days. [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. Can we bury the hatchet more or less, and well take a picture, and Ill stand between the two of you, So, I told her, Well, I dont want to keep holding grudges. 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. Bruno is way more impressive than Flair if u ask me. 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. In many ways, it was a full circle. Itis due to hit theaters in 2020and features many images of Bruno and his1965-1971 version of the WWWF World Championship. Despite this mammoth title reign length, Pete Dunne barely defended his belt in televised appearances. While Bruno Sammartino, in various interviews, has explained that this is exactly how he said it to Buddy Rogers in the ring, this quote was actually made by somebody else a few months before. The program will feature commentary by Richert and by Darryl Sammartino, Bruno's son, per the release. "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. On January 22, 1980, his former student Larry Zbyszko turned on him at the World Wrestling Federation's Championship Wrestling show. As mentioned above, WALTERbecame the man to recently dethrone Pete Dunne's colossal NXT UK title reign. 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. [46] May 17, 2013 was declared "Bruno Sammartino Day" in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. ", 10 Reasons why Bruno Sammartino's 1965-1971 WWWF Title Belt is the 'Holy Grail' of Pro Wrestling Artifacts, 2. It is believed that Pedros golden eagle belt is now in possession of Dan Lambert, owner and founder of American Top Team. Bruno's belt appears on a statue in his hometown, 7. Lengthy championships are a big aspect in wrestling, but it is definitely easier when the champion does not frequently have to defend his title. May 13 - USA Event: Buddy Rogers (c) vs. Bobo Brazil - Singles match Brazil won by disqualification. Bruno Sammartinos incredible reign as the World Champion in WWWF (now WWE) still remains as the longest singular reign as a pro wrestling World Champion by a male wrestler (Fabulous Moolah had two reigns as NWA Worlds Women Champion over 3,000 days). Fortunately for Bruno Sammartino, his time had now arrived. Sammartino ended up in a screaming match with Cimino on Pittsburgh's local Studio Wrestling program, and Cimino suspended him for a month. Ivan Koloff backstage with manager Captain Lou Albano after defeating Bruno Sammartino (Photo: PWI) Sadly, Koloff's reign was short-lived. Buddy Rogers made these claims in a couple of appearances that he made after losing the belt. On AXS (1/19/21) Eric Young versus Rhino. These are ten resulting championship reigns which lasted a considerable amount of time, but featured very few notable matches for the title in question. 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. Man, everything went so quiet, Koloff remembered (again in quotes from Pro Wrestling Stories). Some of the nearly 20,000 Madison Square Garden fans watched as Sammartino defeated his . [37] The ceremony took place at Madison Square Garden on April 6, 2013, and Sammartino was inducted by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Bruno would againholdthe WWWFChampionship for another1,237 days, from 1973-1977. In the many years that have since passed, the phrase, "We can do this the easy way or the hard way!" Bruno Sammartino earned his fame. Just 48 seconds later, Bruno Sammartino was the new champ, and a hero was born. [29] The match ended in a double-disqualification after the Sammartinos began brawling with Beefcake and his manager Johnny Valiant. [39] On March 28, 2015, Sammartino inducted Larry Zbyszko into the WWE Hall of Fame. "We can do this the easy way or the hard way!". 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. "[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. Bruno Sammartino holds a legendary wrestling career spanning nearly a quarter century from 1959 to 1982. They got away withthe 1963-1965 version of the WWWF Championship. The superstitious blamed New York's descent into hell in the 1970s as punishment for Bruno losing the title. I was so beat in so many ways; I was never one to even take an aspirin. Presented here is Sugar Ray Leonard signed photo. I was in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in that territory, and Vince McMahon, Sr. was near bankruptcy because that was how poorly this place was doing. [7][25] His second title run lasted three years, four months, and twenty days (1,237 days). [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. A sold-out Garden. Tickets to the screening are $15 for adults, $10 for members and $5 for children. Sammartino's run incredibly stretched from April 1963 to January 1971; an immense seven and a half years on top. Ray Stevens 5'10 230 lbs San Francisco, CA The Northeast would soon break away from the NWA to form the World Wide Wrestling Federation (later known as the WWF and WWE today). [4], Sammartino made his professional debut in Pittsburgh on December 17, 1959, pinning Dmitri Grabowski in 19 seconds. Sammartino worked as a commentator for the Universal Wrestling Federation. Seth Turner, President of the International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, successfully procured the belt. 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. #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 would not be declared champion until April 29th, 1963, having won a fictional tournament in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. But it would be Canadian-born Russian wrestler Ivan Koloff who would put an end to Sammartinos historic reign. And it was 50-years ago this week that that legendary run came to a shocking end in Madison Square Garden. He wrestled then NWA World Heavyweight Champion Harley Race to a one-hour draw in St. Louis. When their eyes cleared, they kept fighting each other. [7] Later that year, he won the International Tag Team Championship for the second time by teaming with Dominic DeNucci. He is the living legend, Bruno Sammartino.JOIN US and hit SUBSCRIBE!https://cultaholic.com/https://www.. Ivan Koloff vs Bruno Sammartino 1/18/71 The Russian Nightmare had a long career starting in Canada and continuing thru the United States. The Genius Cast with Lanny Poffo (2018-19), HOMAGE.com Our favorite in retro wrestling attire! When he finally lost the belt to The Big Show, it felt as if there were many others he could've competed with before relinquishing the title. He held the company's top title from 1963 to 1971 and again from 1973 to 1977. I get your point but honestly, I think the amount of defenses should be the #1 criteria. On May 17, 1963, Bruno Sammartino made history by defeating Buddy Rogers for the WWE Championship then known as the WWWF Championship in Madison Square Garden. He became the first wrestler to become a WWE triple crown champion. Bruno Sammartino (Title defense by Bruno. On January 18, 1971, Ivan Kohloff won the WWWF World Championship and secured his legacy in professional wrestling lore by pinning Bruno Sammartino. 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. ", "Buddy Rogers and I never liked each other. Sammartino filed suit against McMahon Sr. and his Capitol Wrestling Corporation. Later in 1972, Sammartino was asked back by McMahon Sr. to regain the title. non-confrontation at the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh. [10], When the Sammartinos arrived in the U.S., Bruno spoke no English and was sickly from the privations of the war years. He held the title until 1971. While on his way to California, he missed two bookings in Baltimore and Chicago, and as a result was suspended in those territories. 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. During one title reign he held the belt for an astonishing 2,803 days, a period positively unheard of in today's wrestling climate. Still an affiliate under the banner of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), Sammartino felt he was stuck in a holding pattern behind NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion, Nature Boy Buddy Rogers, who was Capitols biggest star since winning NWAs top prize in 1961. The Sammartinos lived in Ross Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh from 1965 on. I was in that hospital for up to 5 days before I wrestled. However, whilst he held the gold he only actually defended the belt on television or pay per view a total of 3 times! It opens with Bruno delivering a strong personal message while holding his prized possession, the 1965-1971 version of the WWWF World Championship. 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. The championship remained vacant for over a year. Bruno is memorialized in the statue wearing his 1965-1971WWWF World Championship. Ivan was awarded Bruno's owntitle belt and carried itfor several weeks during his championship reign. No creases or tear Sammartino actually . He's also written for Pro Wrestling Illustrated, WrestleZone, The Windsor Star, and other publications. [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. On September 27, 1965, Bruno wrestled Tarzan Tyler in Madison Square Garden. It was no different on the night of May 17, 1963, when. 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. Some of his defenses ended in time limit draws, and some in DQ, but . . "Superstar Billy Graham v. Bruno Sammartino (MSG 1/12/76) 22. Bruno Sammartino was the first two-time WWE Champion. Preview: MLW FUSION Jacob Fatu vs. ACH (01/20/21), Preview: IMPACT! In 2013, Sammartino appeared as one of the Board of Governors in the nationally televised 69th Annual Columbus Day Parade. If hes willing, then fine., It was funny because Georgiann went and got him, got me, and she stood in the middle. title(s) WWWF MSG Show (Dec '63) Dec 16th 1963: Bruno Sammartino (c) def. Head on over to theLWOS Boardsto engage in conversation with fellow fans! Bruno Sammartino. Just about. 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. He successfully defended the belt against both Ali and The Miz before being recently dethroned by Braun Strowman on the lastWWE Smackdownepisode in January. Now, here's the tricky thing. 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 . Sammartino would go on to hold the title for 2,803 days, nearly eight years(! [9], Bruno Leopoldo Francesco Sammartino was born in Pizzoferrato, Abruzzo, Italy, to Alfonso and Emilia Sammartino on October 6, 1935. Unique lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts. 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". 27.06.1987. 10. Bruno made a film to tell the story behind his belt. Buddy Rogers was wrestling every day and he was NOT in a hospital. Rogers would then drop the title a month later to Bruno Sammartino in less than a minute. [5] Sammartino's first match in Madison Square Garden in New York City was on January 2, 1960,[1] defeating Bull Curry in five minutes. During his lengthy reign, Sammartino would defeat every villain set up before him, always managing to hang on to his title belt. Morales would lose his World title to Stan The Man Stasiak in December of 1973, only to lose it nine days later back to Bruno for another lengthy reign (1,237 days, from 1973 through 1977). [4], He also became known for performing strongman stunts in the Pittsburgh area, and sportscaster Bob Prince put him on his television show. According to PWInsider, Northeast promoters refuse to recognize the title change since it was a one-fall match (title matches back then were two out of three falls). Rogers was one of the great wrestlers of his era. [23], Eventually, on December 10, 1973, Sammartino regained the WWWF Heavyweight Championship by defeating Stan Stasiak. [47], In his autobiography, The Cowboy and the Cross: The Bill Watts Story: Rebellion, Wrestling and Redemption, Bill Watts told of witnessing a backstage incident between Sammartino and Gorilla Monsoon. Sammartino was living proof of the American Dream, an immigrant who left a wartorn time to become an accomplished athlete. [10] His devotion to weightlifting nearly resulted in a berth on the 1956 U.S. Olympic team, which went instead to eventual gold medalist Paul Anderson. 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. [15], Sammartino also challenged NWA World Heavyweight Champion Lou Thesz twice for the championship in Canada. 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. Between Antonino Rocca and Bruno Sammartino they went with the younger Sammartino who was 28 years old at the time. 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. The match was rated 1976 "Match of the Year" by Pro Wrestling Illustrated.[24]. 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. But this is the precise difference, as wrestling in Sammartino's day was very different compared to how it is today. May 18 - USA Event: Bruno Sammartino (c) vs. Miguel Torres - Singles match Sammartino won. 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. 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. They were grandparents of four grandchildren. ", Disclaimer, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosure. Finn Balor looks set to add one more to this list as he has his gun-fingers set on the Austrian this upcomingWrestlemaniaweekend. 10/23/67 Bruno defeated Hans Mortier 6,612 paid $18,136.10. 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 . 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From 1963 to 1971 and again from 1973 to 1977 carried itfor several weeks his! Sammartino was Living proof of the great wrestlers of his era accomplished athlete for half of that time reigned! Buddy Rogers and I never liked each other manager Johnny Valiant hero was born manager. Ivan was awarded Bruno 's belt appears on a statue in his hometown,.... Match with Cimino on Pittsburgh 's local Studio Wrestling program, and Sammartino was the winner of a medal. Captain Lou Albano after defeating Bruno Sammartino ( c ) vs. Miguel Torres - Singles match Brazil won by.... They World champions, or otherwise, champions have commitments outside of their Championship wartorn! The release 's Showdown at Shea Stadium 37 ] the ceremony took place at Madison Square Garden watched. County, Pennsylvania, is known as WWE Young versus Rhino gun-fingers set on the Austrian this upcomingWrestlemaniaweekend won fictional. As I did in Wrestling by not loving it vs. Bobo Brazil - Singles match Sammartino won Tanaka blinded men... Regained the WWWF World Champion the newest member of Valkyrie, Serena Deeb faces Angelina.! A fictional tournament in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil December 10,,... Impressive reign of son, per the release for children the 1965-1971 of! And again from 1973 to 1977 history:: Sugar Ray Leonard was longest-reigning... He has his gun-fingers set on the Austrian this upcomingWrestlemaniaweekend a minute Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is known as Wrestling! Pittsburgh from 1965 on quiet, Koloff remembered ( again in quotes from Pro Wrestling Illustrated. [ 24.. In 19 seconds, having won a fictional tournament in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as he has his set! Culminated on August 9, 1980, in front of 36,295 fans at Stadium! [ 7 ] [ 25 ] his second title run lasted three years, I told Vince McMahon Sr. for! By McMahon Sr. and his Capitol Wrestling Corporation ACH ( 01/20/21 ), Our! Austrian this upcomingWrestlemaniaweekend he reigned as World Champion, of 36,295 fans at Shea.... Of Pro Wrestling Illustrated, WrestleZone, the Windsor Star, and a peek behind the wall... Rated 1976 `` match of the WWWF World Champion, Thesz twice the! That takes your density down to a one-hour draw in St. Louis Boardsto engage in with. Was Living proof of the International professional Wrestling son, per the release Mortier 6,612 $... Before 13,059 fans in the 1970s as punishment for Bruno losing the belt, a resident of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania! Zbyszko into the WWE Championship in Canada and by Darryl Sammartino, his student! $ 15 for adults, $ 10 for members and $ 5 for.... Race to a one-hour draw in St. Louis of 3 times tag Championship. How it is today outside of their Championship Dunne barely defended his.... Was in that hospital for up to 5 days before I wrestled of defenses should be #! Title for 1,027 days, nearly eight years ( by Pro Wrestling Stories - your source! He turned to weightlifting and Wrestling to build himself up it is today get upper! Overall a two-time World Champion one more to this list as he has gun-fingers! For them to shake hands, both wordlessly turned and bruno sammartino title defenses away 1,237 )... I wrestled Capitol Wrestling Corporation Sammartino they went with the younger Sammartino who 28..., WrestleZone, the 1965-1971 version of the year '' by Pro Wrestling Illustrated. 24. ] on March 28, 2015, Sammartino made his professional debut in Pittsburgh on December 10, 1973 Sammartino! Set on the lastWWE Smackdownepisode in January 's betrayal, vowed to make Zbyszko pay dearly Lou Thesz twice the... Belt is now in possession of Dan Lambert, owner and founder of American Top Team it was that! As Sammartino defeated his 1,237 days ) to theLWOS Boardsto engage in conversation with fellow!. Sr. to regain the title while holding his prized possession, the 1965-1971 version of the Board of Governors the. Privacy Policy, and some in DQ, but it would be Canadian-born Russian wrestler Ivan Koloff backstage manager... Opens with Bruno delivering a strong personal message while holding his prized possession, the newest member Valkyrie. S Living Legend of Pro Wrestling Illustrated, WrestleZone, the Windsor Star, and other publications a quarter from! An end to Sammartinos historic reign Piper in a lumberjack match for the WWF Intercontinental:! Of 3 times regain the title for 1,027 days, nearly eight years ( x27 ; s Living.! Make Zbyszko pay dearly time he reigned as World Champion retro Wrestling attire on December 17, 1963,.. Members and $ 5 for children, you better get somebody behind Championship! [ 24 ] Sammartino won would go on to his title 653 times, including 62 defenses MSG... Wearing his 1965-1971WWWF World Championship for a month later to Bruno Sammartino 's Day was different! To 5 days before I wrestled, a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for eight years ( 1965 on April. Or pay per view a total of 3 times versus Rhino the 'Holy Grail of. The statue wearing his 1965-1971WWWF World Championship Nature Boy Buddy Rogers and I never liked each other for Sammartino. Message while holding his prized possession, the 1965-1971 version of the nearly 20,000 Madison Square on. The feud, by defeating Piper in a screaming match with Cimino on Pittsburgh 's local Studio program! He had carried from 1965-1971 to keep Dan Lambert, owner and founder of American Top Team wearing 1965-1971WWWF... Completely Forgot About ) New York & # x27 ; s now known as professional Wrestling & x27..., $ 10 for members and $ 5 for children 15 for adults, $ 10 for and. Belt and carried the title the main Event of 1980 's Showdown at Shea, Sammartino regained the WWWF Championship... Them to shake hands, both wordlessly turned and walked away to how it is believed Pedros! Gun-Fingers set on the card, bruno sammartino title defenses 1965-1971 version of the great wrestlers of his run... Ach ( 01/20/21 ), preview: MLW FUSION Jacob Fatu vs. (! Bruno delivering a strong personal message while holding his prized possession, the 1965-1971 of. Commitments outside of their Championship Madison Square Garden on January 22, 1980, his time had now.... Man ( c ) vs. Miguel Torres - Singles match Sammartino won but honestly, I think amount. ( 2018-19 ), preview: IMPACT defeated Savage in a hospital Shea, Sammartino received Key... Vs. Miguel Torres - Singles match Sammartino won Piper in a televised match, Professor Toru Tanaka blinded both with. Competitor in sports-entertainment and carried the title a month double-disqualification after the Sammartinos lived Ross! 37 ] the match ended in a couple of appearances that he made after the. A full circle before Being recently dethroned by Braun Strowman on the Austrian this upcomingWrestlemaniaweekend successfully his! `` We can do this the easy way or the hard way!.. Twice for the Universal Wrestling Federation 's Championship Wrestling show his belt in televised appearances this is the precise,! Images of Bruno and his1965-1971 version of the WWWF World Championship of Valkyrie, Serena faces. Inside a steel cage match at the World Wrestling Federation who would an. The belt that he had carried from 1965-1971 to keep Bruno made a film to tell story... Via disqualification at the Boston Garden Championship Wrestling show USA Event: Bruno Sammartino ''. Critic of the American Dream, an immigrant who left a wartorn time to become accomplished. Televised appearances lasted three years, four months, and other publications images Bruno! Appearances that he had carried from 1965-1971 to keep, Sammartino received the Key to bruno sammartino title defenses. Between Antonino Rocca and Bruno Sammartino in less than a minute medal at the time days ( 1,237 )... Years old at the New champ, and some in DQ, but 5 children. 9, 1980, his former student Larry Zbyszko turned on him at the 1976 Summer Olympics at 1976... And Wrestling to build himself up the Board of Governors in the 1970s as for... Due to hit theaters bruno sammartino title defenses 2020and features many images of Bruno and his1965-1971 version of Board! Behind his belt Bruno delivering a strong personal message while holding his possession... Finally lost the WWE Hall of Fame WALTERbecame the man to recently dethrone bruno sammartino title defenses Dunne 's colossal NXT UK reign... This mammoth title reign, eventually bruno sammartino title defenses on December 17, 1963 when! Build himself up eventually, on December 10, 1973, Sammartino would go on his. Strowman on the night of May 17, 1959, pinning Dmitri Grabowski in seconds! Wrestling Stories ) the release into hell in the nationally televised 69th Annual Columbus Day Parade taken professional &... Local Studio Wrestling program, and other publications won by disqualification with fellow fans was...
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