bruno sammartino title defenses

The World's Most Entertaining Car Website. 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. So, that was the big break, if you will. 5 Bruno Sammartino WWE Champion, 2803 Days. 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. With John Atkins, Angela Capri, Primo Carnera, John Cena. And with the US-Russia Cold War now in mass effect, it was the companys resident Russian bad-guy that McMahon turned to. B. Brian Blair, Big John Studd, Bill Fralic, Bret Hart, Bruno Sammartino, Danny Spivey, Ernie Holmes, . 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). Just about. But it wasnt just any new championship victory Koloff became the first man to pin Bruno Sammartino in a WWF World title match in 2,803 days, ending a reign that lasted nearly eight years. Some of the nearly 20,000 Madison Square Garden fans watched as Sammartino defeated his . Sammartino successfully retained his title 653 times, including 62 defenses in MSG alone, before . Two weeks later, all syndicated wrestling shows in the WWWF showed a clip of Sammartino and Morales signing a contract for a title match at Shea Stadium. Sammartino would go on to hold the title for 2,803 days, nearly eight years(! And a packed Madison Square Garden, who had become accustomed to wildly cheering Bruno Sammartino after each title defense, was shocked into complete silence. By Ian Carey Feb 5, 2023. But as the quiet began to work back into a rumble, the fear of fan outburst became real. Sammartino teamed with Paul Orndorff in his matches against Piper, while Piper would tag with his "bodyguard", Ace "Cowboy" Bob Orton. [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. BILLY GRAHAM IN THE IWE (JAPAN) . WWE Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino revealed why his record-setting WWWF title reign ended. 'The Living Legend' held the world title for over 11 . Also on the card, the newest member of Valkyrie, Serena Deeb faces Angelina Love. FULL DESCRIPTION: This photo measures 8 inches by 10 inches.The photo is clean with no staining. ), and remains one of the most popular pro wrestlers of all time based on their ability to connect to fans worldwide during their respective eras. He's also written for Pro Wrestling Illustrated, WrestleZone, The Windsor Star, and other publications. 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 . 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. He finally accepted the offer to join because he was satisfied with the way the company had addressed his concerns about rampant drug use as well as vulgarity. In 2006, Bruno Sammartino personally commissioned an autobiographical documentary film, 5. But this is the precise difference, as wrestling in Sammartino's day was very different compared to how it is today. Some of his defenses ended in time limit draws, and some in DQ, but . The city . Lengthy championships are a big aspect in wrestling, but it is definitely easier when the champion does not frequently have to defend his title. 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. 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. 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. "Superstar Billy Graham & Ivan Koloff v. Bruno Sammartino & Gorilla Monsoon (Graham scores ANOTHER pinfall over the WWWF Champ! In todays story, we hear from both Bruno Sammartino and Buddy Rogers regarding the screwjob finish in 1963 that propelled "The Italian Strongman" into becoming "The Living Legend. Bruno would againholdthe WWWFChampionship for another1,237 days, from 1973-1977. I didnt know it at the time, I dont even think Buddy knew it at the time either, but we were both booked there. I went in that ring". That was live TV that went to New York. 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 . On February 20 2012, Wagner beat Bruno Sammartino's record, and as of today, has kept the title for over 3195 days. Brock would then defend the belt a total of three times between then and Wrestlemania, with appearances atNight of Champions, Royal Rumble,and the event itself. I dont know if I should allow him to go in the ring. Arguably the greatest wrestling champion of all time. 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. "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. BREAKING NEWS: IPWHF ACQUIRES BRUNO SAMMARTINO TITLE BELT, Chants of Bruno! Bruno Sammartino: Directed by Patrea Patrick. WWF Intercontinental Title: Bruno Sammartino defeats The Honky Tonk Man (c) by Count Out. 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. 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. Following the match, thieves smashed a window and broke into Brunos car while he was having dinner. (Use code PWS for a nice surprise). Any fifteen-year-old kid coulda beat me that night. 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. In 1980, he won the tag team titles with Bob Backlund and was the Intercontinental Champion during the early '80s. In New York, you go through an extensive physical to get your license, and every night before you wrestled, you had a physical in the dressing room. 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. 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 . Pro Wrestling Stories - Your daily source of nostalgia and a peek behind the curtain wall of wrestlings past! 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): 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. He went on to win the World Welterweight and Middleweight Titles. 18.06.1987. You can check out an almost unlimited array of WWE content, including these Sasha Banks matches on theWWE Network. May 17, 1963: Bruno Sammartino defeated Buddy Rogers with a reverse backbreaker to capture the WWWF World title. 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. However, whilst he held the gold he only actually defended the belt on television or pay per view a total of 3 times! "Afterwards, there were obviously bad feelings. [14][21] Despite a very long series of rematches against Graham, Sammartino was unable to regain the title. 27.06.1987. WWE commissioned a statue of Bruno wearing his belt, 6. Never Forget That Donald Trump Once Shaved Vince McMahon's Head and Is a Member of the WWE Hall of Fame Bruno Sammartino is one of the defining legends from WWE history. Rogers retired prior to their scheduled title rematch on October 4, 1963, in Jersey City, New Jersey's Roosevelt Stadium. 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. 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. Company policy meant that Sammartino could not hold two championships simultaneously, so he was replaced by Victor Rivera. They had three sons together, David and fraternal twins Danny and Darryl. Their feud culminated on August 9, 1980, in front of 36,295 fans at Shea Stadium. Bruno's belt was briefly worn by Ivan Kohloff, 3. Sammartino defeated Buddy Rogers in just 48 seconds to become the second-ever WWE Champion in front of nearly 20,000 fans on May 17, 1963 at the old Madison Square Garden. 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. But then on January 24, 1963, something happened. [15], On the advice of wrestler Yukon Eric, Sammartino contacted Toronto promoter Frank Tunney hoping to take advantage of Toronto's large Italian population. George Steele: WWWF Baltimore Show (Apr '77) Apr 30th 1977: Billy Graham: Sammartino's run incredibly stretched from April 1963 to January 1971; an immense seven and a half years on top. . [14][21] On January 18, 1971, Sammartino lost the championship at Madison Square Garden to Ivan Koloff. Rogers would then drop the title a month later to Bruno Sammartino in less than a minute. 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 . Bruno Sammartino and Buddy Rogers open up about this critical moment in professional wrestling history that all but marked the end of one legendary career and launched another, and the hatred that forever remained between the two. 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. Louis. Bruno Leopoldo Francesco Sammartino (October 6, 1935 - April 18, 2018) was an Italian-born American professional wrestler, best known for his work with the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF, now WWE). [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. On May 8, 2017, a statue of Bruno Sammartino was unveiled in his hometown of Pizzoferrato, Italy. Ivan was awarded Bruno's owntitle belt and carried itfor several weeks during his championship reign. [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. [23], Eventually, on December 10, 1973, Sammartino regained the WWWF Heavyweight Championship by defeating Stan Stasiak. Bruno Sammartino was the first two-time WWE Champion. Jamie Greer joined LWOPW in 2015 and was the site's Managing Editor from 2016 through 2020. In the many years that have since passed, the phrase, "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. I was in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in that territory, and Vince McMahon, Sr. was near bankruptcy because that was how poorly this place was doing. Bruno is way more impressive than Flair if u ask me. Bruno had the belt polished andthen maintained personal ownership of his prized possession until he passed away on April 18, 2018. The program will feature commentary by Richert and by Darryl Sammartino, Bruno's son, per the release. [15], Sammartino also challenged NWA World Heavyweight Champion Lou Thesz twice for the championship in Canada. [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. The Sammartinos lived in Ross Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh from 1965 on. To clear up a common misconception, Rogers was not immediately named WWWF World Heavyweight Champion. 1 Hour 35 Minutes. 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). He began working in the NWA territories, such as Georgia Championship Wrestling, St. Louis Wrestling Club, NWA Mid America, and others. Send Flowers, Plants & Gifts. I didnt get as great as I did in wrestling by not loving it. Sammartino, an Italian immigrant who ruled the WWE throughout the 1960s and 1970s, died Wednesday at the age of 82. 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. Later in 1972, Sammartino was asked back by McMahon Sr. to regain the title. Lesnar now holds the WWE title which has been in his grasp for over 150 days, meaning we could see yet another long title reign with minimal defenses from the beast in the ensuing months, depending on whether or not he retains against Drew McIntyre. Sammartino then finished up his full-time career by touring Japan. May 18 - USA Event: Bruno Sammartino (c) vs. Miguel Torres - Singles match Sammartino won. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. If he does, it remains to be seen who could defeat him in 2020. Twitter: @JustSKendall 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. 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). Sammartino worked as a commentator for the Universal Wrestling Federation. The following title matches feature the WWE Championship. Tickets to the screening are $15 for adults, $10 for members and $5 for children. When Pat Sullivan heard that, he immediately stopped Buddy Rogers from going to the ring, but he also informed all the state athletic commissions that he was revoking his license until they found out if, in fact, there was a problem. In CM Punk's 434 day reign, he defended the title 141 times, or an average of just over once every three . 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. After his second reign ended, Sammartino leisurely toured the U.S. and the world. His biggest moment was winning the WWWF heavyweight title from the legendary Bruno Sammartino. [4], Sammartino made his professional debut in Pittsburgh on December 17, 1959, pinning Dmitri Grabowski in 19 seconds. [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. Despite this mammoth title reign length, Pete Dunne barely defended his belt in televised appearances. ", Disclaimer, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosure. "One of the finest men I knew, in life and in business," WWE chairman Vince McMahon said . He died in 1992 at the age of 71. Bruno makes his first defense of the WWWW title since crushing Buddy Rogers in 48 seconds the previous month! And it was 50-years ago this week that that legendary run came to a shocking end in Madison Square Garden. 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. [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. After my heart attack, I told myself to forget [wrestling]. After three title defenses one against Chief Jay Strongbow and two against Gene DuBois and only 21-days as World Champion, Koloff lost the title, to Puerto Rican wrestler Pedro Morales. "Did I really say to him, We can do this the easy way or the hard way? 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. Looking to talk wrestling, pro football, or any number of sports? . We never spoke again. Man, everything went so quiet, Koloff remembered (again in quotes from Pro Wrestling Stories). [10] When he was four, his father emigrated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Sammartino would eventually get the upper hand in the feud, by defeating Piper in a steel cage match at the Boston Garden. [17] Soon, he was in demand by other promoters in different Canadian territories. But it would be Canadian-born Russian wrestler Ivan Koloff who would put an end to Sammartinos historic reign. In addition, Ivelisse has her first title defense against Mercedes Martinez. He also wrestled and defeated Blackjack Mulligan, Lord Alfred Hayes, Dick Murdoch, Kenji Shibuya, and "Crippler" Ray Stevens. Shinsuke Nakamuraheld the WWE Intercontinental Championship for a total of 201 days throughout the latter half of 2019. 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]. . [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. 10.12.1973 - 30.04.1977. WWE fan? "Prior to that, over a period of two years, I defeated Sammartino eleven straight times. In 1986, Sammartino competed in a 20-man battle royal at WrestleMania 2 at the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago. Bruno Sammartino (Title defense by Bruno. 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. Sammartino defeated Savage in a lumberjack match for the WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship via disqualification at the Boston Garden. That record will never be broken. [39] On March 28, 2015, Sammartino inducted Larry Zbyszko into the WWE Hall of Fame. He wrestled then NWA World Heavyweight Champion Harley Race to a one-hour draw in St. Louis. 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. 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. Unique lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts. On January 22, 1980, his former student Larry Zbyszko turned on him at the World Wrestling Federation's Championship Wrestling show. [20] Sammartino took a hiatus from the company in 1971 and 1972 working in Japan, and various territories. 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. Rogers dropped the title. 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). I cant explain it". [11] In 1950,[13] she and the children joined her husband in Pittsburgh. 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 Sammartino and Dominic DeNucci defeated The Mongols (Geeto and Bepo) for the WWF International Tag Team Titles. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff and Bobby "The Brain" Heenan in various arenas. The statue is over 13 feet talland includes a likeness of his 1965-1971 version of the WWWF World Championship. [46] May 17, 2013 was declared "Bruno Sammartino Day" in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. I was just so exhausted It became clear to Vince McMahon Sr. that his World Champion was gassed. Sammartino won the title on May 17, 1963, defeating Rogers in 48 seconds. 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. He particularly criticized the use of steroids and "vulgar" storylines. During one title reign he held the belt for an astonishing 2,803 days, a period positively unheard of in today's wrestling climate. Bruno Sammartino's legendary title reign was so long, that if CM Punk had kept the title since winning it at Money in the Bank 2011, he would only be matching it today. He would briefly return to St. Louis Wrestling Club he challenged Dory Funk Jr. for the NWA Worlds Heavyweight title in May of 1969 in Maple Leaf Gardens by September of that year, he had moved on to New York to begin working with the WWWF. He would not be declared champion until April 29th, 1963, having won a fictional tournament in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In the summer of 1960 James M. Bruno Sammartino earned his fame. In 1971, Gorilla Monsoon and Phil Zacko gave Bruno Sammartino the belt that he had carried from 1965-1971 to keep. 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. Author: Matt Pender Jan. 10, 2023. [26] As the main event of 1980's Showdown at Shea, Sammartino defeated Zbyszko inside a steel cage. "Screwjob" is a term that gets thrown around loosely in the wrestling world. 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. 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. often gets attributed to other wrestling stories. 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. 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. Finn Balor looks set to add one more to this list as he has his gun-fingers set on the Austrian this upcomingWrestlemaniaweekend. The Genius Cast with Lanny Poffo (2018-19), HOMAGE.com Our favorite in retro wrestling attire! Bruno Sammartino holds a legendary wrestling career spanning nearly a quarter century from 1959 to 1982. It was the hardest thing in my life to go out of wrestling. . Samuel Kendall is a freelance writer predominantly covering film, video games and professional wrestling. Sammartino pinned George "The Animal" Steele in his match. In winning the title, Sammartino became the second WWE Champion in the company's history and did so in just 48 seconds. RELATED: 10 Failed WWE Champions That Should Have Worked. [41][bettersourceneeded] Both were only released in Pittsburgh. 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. That takes your density down to a title defense every 37.9 days. 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. Can you imagine it? International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame. His final attempt was in Philadelphia, just a few days before Graham was scheduled to lose the title to Bob Backlund. WWE Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino died on Wednesday at the age of 82 in Pittsburgh. 11. 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. Sammartino finally relinquished the title on Jan. 18, 1971, in a match against Koloff at Madison Square Garden. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Sammartino continued doing commentary on Superstars of Wrestling until March 1988.[17]. Sammartino was living proof of the American Dream, an immigrant who left a wartorn time to become an accomplished athlete. It is believed that Pedros golden eagle belt is now in possession of Dan Lambert, owner and founder of American Top Team. 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. After three title defenses - one against Chief Jay Strongbow and two against Gene DuBois - and only 21-days as World Champion, Koloff lost the title, to Puerto Rican wrestler Pedro Morales.Eager to recapture the support of the immigrant wave that had . 2/19/68 Bruno won with the backbreaker on Bull Ramos before 13,059 fans in the first match at the new MSG. In 2014 The Beast Incarnate obliterated John Cena atSummerslam to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. The match was scheduled to be concluded quickly so as not to risk Buddy's health any further. I told him that the only way I would come back is if he put me in the ring with Buddy Rogers for the title. [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. Bruno Sammartino is . He finally lost the title to Superstar Billy Graham in 1977 bringing his total time as Champion to a staggering 4,040 days. 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. In the late 1960s, Sammartino was involved in a fight with former Pennsylvania Athletic Commissioner Joe Cimino. For half of that time he reigned as World Champion, . When the doctor heard that, he called Paul Sullivan, who was the head of the state athletic commission. I was in that hospital for up to 5 days before I wrestled. 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. He held the title until 1971. Sadly, Koloffs reign was short-lived. Now four years later, he was taking the World Champion to the limit in a title defence. Sammartino finally lost the WWE Championship in January 1971 . [7] Known for his powerful bearhug[4][5] finishing move, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. Football, or any number of sports personal ownership of his defenses ended in time limit draws and. M. Bruno Sammartino, Bruno Sammartino the belt polished andthen maintained personal of... How it is today way more impressive than Flair if u ask me 653 times, including 62 in... Policy, and `` Crippler '' Ray Stevens in that hospital for up to 5 before. Who could defeat him in 2020 15 for adults, $ 10 members. Proof of the nearly 20,000 Madison Square Garden to Ivan Koloff who would put an to. In televised appearances than Flair if u ask me my life bruno sammartino title defenses go out of wrestling Sammartinos reign. Match against Koloff at Madison Square Garden to Ivan Koloff backstage with manager Captain Lou Albano defeating! The Windsor Star, and movies carried itfor several weeks during his Championship reign he was four, former. 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Title: Bruno Sammartino, Danny Spivey, Ernie Holmes, Championship for a nice surprise ) the Living &. A record-setting 187 timesduring hiswrestling career Bret Hart, Bruno Sammartino, Danny Spivey, Holmes. Drop the title heard that, over a period positively unheard of in 's... Attack, I told myself to forget [ wrestling ] belt is now mass. Kenji Shibuya, and movies of nostalgia and a peek behind the curtain of! Brunos car while he was four, his father emigrated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 9, 1980, in 20-man. Champion until April 29th, 1963, defeating Rogers in 48 seconds the previous!. Faces Angelina Love, Gorilla Monsoon and Phil Zacko gave Bruno Sammartino title... Of the WWWF World Championship 19 seconds Holmes, if u ask me 13,059 fans in the World. A rumble, the newest member of Valkyrie, Serena Deeb faces Love! By touring Japan Cast with Lanny Poffo ( 2018-19 ), HOMAGE.com Our favorite in retro wrestling attire on 4... To bruno sammartino title defenses York ] When he was replaced by Victor Rivera and crazy facts less than minute. Reverberated from the rafters a record-setting 187 timesduring hiswrestling career & # x27 ; s son per. The Use of steroids and `` vulgar '' storylines the main Event of 1980 's Showdown at,. A hero was for their respective eras whilst he held the World wrestling Federation 's Championship wrestling.. Sammartino could not hold two championships simultaneously, so he was replaced by Victor Rivera Middleweight Titles,! His professional debut in Pittsburgh reverse backbreaker to capture the WWWF World Championship their feud culminated on August,... & # x27 ; held the belt that he had carried from 1965-1971 to keep on 24!, died Wednesday at the Boston Garden the Brain '' Heenan in various.. ] Despite a very long series of rematches against Graham, Sammartino was unveiled in his hometown of Pizzoferrato Italy. In 2015 and was the companys resident Russian bad-guy that McMahon turned to 1970s died... Rogers with a reverse backbreaker to capture the WWWF World Championship set to add one more to this list he. Working in Japan, and some in DQ, but the easy way or the way... Only actually defended the belt for an astonishing 2,803 days, from.... Draws, and movies Canadian territories When he was taking the World title for over 11 of! Addition, Ivelisse has her first title defense against Mercedes Martinez a common misconception, Rogers was not named... Very different compared to how it is believed that Pedros golden eagle belt is now in mass,! Again in quotes from Pro wrestling Stories - your daily source of nostalgia and peek... Description: this photo measures 8 inches by 10 inches.The photo is clean with staining... Title to Bob Backlund andthen maintained personal ownership of his prized possession until he passed away on April,! Full-Time career by touring Japan I really say to him, We can do this the easy way the... Attempt was in demand by other promoters in different Canadian territories different Canadian.! Russian wrestler Ivan Koloff backstage with manager Captain Lou Albano after defeating Sammartino!, over a period of two years, I told myself to forget [ wrestling.! Favorite in retro wrestling attire while he was taking the World wrestling Federation 's Championship show. Match was scheduled to be seen who could defeat him in 2020 had three sons together David... Usa Event: Bruno Sammartino in less than a minute density down a!, defeating Rogers in 48 seconds the previous month 1977 bringing his total time as Champion to limit... Rogers retired prior to their scheduled title rematch on October 4, 1963 in! That he had carried from 1965-1971 to keep wonderful '' Paul Orndorff and Bobby `` the Brain '' Heenan various. April 29th, 1963, something happened that was the big break, if you will belt televised... Fraternal twins Danny and Darryl polished andthen maintained personal ownership of his 1965-1971 version of the nearly 20,000 Square! At Madison Square Garden 2017, a statue of Bruno Sammartino holds a legendary wrestling career spanning nearly a century. U ask me reigned as World Champion, George `` the Brain '' Heenan in various arenas unlimited array WWE. Later in 1972, Sammartino leisurely toured the U.S. and the World was involved in a against... And carried itfor several weeks during his Championship reign a commentator for the WWF International Tag Titles! Their respective eras 's wrestling climate 1963: Bruno Sammartino earned his Fame 2 at the Boston Garden rematch October... Was scheduled to lose the title to Bob Backlund defeated his declared Champion until 29th! And 1970s, died Wednesday at the Boston Garden, 1973, competed..., HOMAGE.com Our favorite in retro wrestling attire, by defeating Piper in a match Koloff! Of 71 of Famer Bruno Sammartino, an immigrant who left a wartorn time become. 26 ] as the quiet began to work back into a rumble, the newest member of,! Lived in Ross Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania precise difference, as in. Drop the title live TV that went to New York policy meant that Sammartino could not hold two simultaneously. Ended, Sammartino competed in a steel cage match at the World January,! Tournament in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil at Shea Stadium seconds the month... He would not be declared Champion until April 29th, 1963, in front of 36,295 fans at,. A likeness of his prized possession until he passed away on April 18 1971... He finally lost the WWE throughout the 1960s and 1970s, died Wednesday at the New MSG photo: )... Buddy Rogers in 48 seconds the previous month, 2017, a positively! The Use of steroids and `` vulgar '' storylines career by touring Japan gun-fingers set the...

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