He is the living legend, Bruno Sammartino.JOIN US and hit SUBSCRIBE!https://cultaholic.com/https://www.. His biggest moment was winning the WWWF heavyweight title from the legendary Bruno Sammartino. [28] The suit was eventually settled out of court by McMahon Sr's son, Vince McMahon after his father had died, and included an agreement for Sammartino to return to the company as a commentator. 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). It will be interesting to see what will happens with Reigns going forward, and if WWE plans to give . He returned to in-ring action soon after with his son, as they wrestled against Beefcake and Valiant at Madison Square Garden. Sammartino actually . [52][53] Mayor Bill Peduto remembered him as "one of the greatest ambassadors the city of Pittsburgh ever had."[54]. [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. The Genius Cast with Lanny Poffo (2018-19), HOMAGE.com Our favorite in retro wrestling attire! George "The Animal" Steele would wrestle Sammartino for the WWWF title every summer in arenas throughout the northeast. The main reason the question of part-time champions was first raised was due to the resurgence of Brock Lesnar. But I respected him", "I had already signed for my match with Sammartino then six weeks before, I went into Georgetown University hospital with a heart attack. Head on over to theLWOS Boardsto engage in conversation with fellow fans! 27.06.1987. They couldnt believe Bruno got defeated after seven years as champion. Author: Matt Pender Jan. 10, 2023. [15], On the advice of wrestler Yukon Eric, Sammartino contacted Toronto promoter Frank Tunney hoping to take advantage of Toronto's large Italian population. After regaining the title in December 1973 . The climax of their feud came was a victory for Sammartino and Santana in a steel cage match in Madison Square Garden. Many other belts would come his way in his long storied career as well. Others say Rogers was reluctant to give up the title after being told prior that he . Fortunately for Bruno Sammartino, his time had now arrived. 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. In early 1977, Sammartino informed McMahon Sr. that he felt he could no longer continue as champion due to his injuries. You can check out an almost unlimited array of WWE content, including these Sasha Banks matches on theWWE Network. "Afterwards, there were obviously bad feelings. His Intercontinental Championship reign is the perfect example of that. 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 Sammartino often mentioned Don Leo Jonathan when he was asked about his toughest foes. Many wonder which duo will be next in line to hold these belts. I cant explain it". Sammartino pinned George "The Animal" Steele in his match. However, he is currently on a similar run of holding the belt for an exceptional amount of time with minimal defenses. 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. I knew it was all done; I just knew I couldnt produce like I once did. 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 . Matches. 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. 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. On April 30, 1977, he was defeated by Superstar Billy Graham for 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. 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. [11] In 1998, he said he had been estranged from David since retiring from wrestling against David's wishes for a tag team.[45]. He held the company's top title from 1963 to 1971 and again from 1973 to 1977. Two weeks before the Madison Square Garden show, I wrestled him on TV in Washington, DC. 5 Bruno Sammartino WWE Champion, 2803 Days. 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". Matches. 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. After his second reign ended, Sammartino leisurely toured the U.S. and the world. "Bruno Sammartino proved that hard work can overcome even the most difficult of circumstances. Shinsuke Nakamuraheld the WWE Intercontinental Championship for a total of 201 days throughout the latter half of 2019. The following title matches feature the WWE Championship. [4][10] He was the youngest of seven children, four of whom died during his early childhood. [43][44], Sammartino was married to his wife Carol from 1959 until his death in 2018. Also during this time, Sammartino began serving as color commentator for the WWF's syndicated programs, WWF Championship Wrestling and WWF All-Star Wrestling. Bruno Sammartino is to professional wrestling what Babe Ruth is to baseball.The legendary grappler is the longest reigning WWE (then-WWF) champion of all time, with two title reigns spanning an . FULL DESCRIPTION: This photo measures 8 inches by 10 inches.The photo is clean with no staining. [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). ", Disclaimer, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosure. Sometimes, be they world champions, tag team champions, or otherwise, champions have commitments outside of their championship. 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. or scroll down to learn more about the history of Bruno's Belt. On January 22, 1980, his former student Larry Zbyszko turned on him at the World Wrestling Federation's Championship Wrestling show. 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. 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.". 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]. International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame. [12][11] During this time, his mother would sneak into their German-occupied town for food and supplies. Seth Turner, President of the International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, successfully procured the belt. 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. Lonnie Mayne The Glass Eating, Raw Meat Chewing Original Moondog! RELATED: 10 Superstars Who Were WWE ChampionFor One Day Or Less. 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". Bruno's belt now appearsin an acclaimed film, 9. 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. Unique lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts. Defeating Stan Stasiak, Bruno became the first-ever two-time WWE Champion. Now, here's the tricky thing. In many ways, it was a full circle. 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. . - Bruno Sammartino and Dominic DeNucci defeated The Mongols (Geeto and Bepo) for the WWF International Tag Team Titles. Of all the statues created byWWE, including AndrThe Giant, Ultimate Warrior, Dusty Rhodes, Ric Flair, and Rowdy Roddy Piper, only the Bruno statue wearsa championship belt. 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. 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. . During his reign, he defended his World title against all contenders Buddy Austin, The Crusher, Gorilla Monsoon, Killer Kowalski, Dr. Jerry Graham, Giant Baba, Boris Malenko, Freddie Blassie, Gene Kiniski, George The Animal Steele, Crippler Ray Stevens, Tiger Jeet Singh, and The Sheik were just some of the names to challenge Sammartino during his reign. I worked in pain. Bruno! 'The Living Legend' held the world title for over 11 . WWE Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino, who held the championship belt for nearly eight consecutive years from 1963 to 1971, has died at age 82. . Sammartino teamed with Paul Orndorff in his matches against Piper, while Piper would tag with his "bodyguard", Ace "Cowboy" Bob Orton. He held the title until 1971. Sammartino would eventually get the upper hand in the feud, by defeating Piper in a steel cage match at the Boston Garden. Sammartino ended up in a screaming match with Cimino on Pittsburgh's local Studio Wrestling program, and Cimino suspended him for a month. Any fifteen-year-old kid coulda beat me that night. 1/29/68 Bruno defeated Toru Tanaka in 16:31 Last match held at old MSG 50th Street & 8th Avenue 14,130 paying $42,875.10. In a televised match, Professor Toru Tanaka blinded both men with salt and they were maneuvered into fighting each other. While Bruno represented the America of working hard, being honest, and overcoming evil, Austin represented the more modern version of giving it to the man, having a beer and saying the heck with it. Ivan Koloff was actually a pro wrestler from Montreal, Quebec in Canada, and after starting out in the Canadian indies in 1961, soon adopted a Russian gimmick, under the name Ivan Zukoff. Bruno was the foot that held the door open for Rocky to become a phenomenon. May 13 - USA Event: Buddy Rogers (c) vs. Bobo Brazil - Singles match Brazil won by disqualification. In the late 1960s, Sammartino was involved in a fight with former Pennsylvania Athletic Commissioner Joe Cimino. Here's how Bruno Sammartino began his record-breaking 2,803-day reign as the WWWF Champion. Exclusives. With John Atkins, Angela Capri, Primo Carnera, John Cena. Never Forget That Donald Trump Once Shaved Vince McMahon's Head and Is a Member of the WWE Hall of Fame Sammartino won the title on May 17, 1963, defeating Rogers in 48 seconds. By Ian Carey Feb 5, 2023. It was the hardest thing in my life to go out of wrestling. Irvin Muchnick mentioned the incident in his book, Wrestling Babylon. Ivan Koloff vs Bruno Sammartino 1/18/71 The Russian Nightmare had a long career starting in Canada and continuing thru the United States. It was no different on the night of May 17, 1963, whenBruno Sammartino defeated Nature Boy Buddy Rogers to become the WWWF World Champion. On AXS (1/19/21) Eric Young versus Rhino. In 2006, Bruno Sammartino personally commissioned an autobiographical documentary film, Bruno Sammartino: Behind The Championship Belt. Battle Royal: Winner: Bruno Sammartino. 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 . I didnt get as great as I did in wrestling by not loving it. [32][33][34] He appeared in the media in opposition to the WWE on such shows as The Phil Donahue Show, Geraldo and CNN. [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. That made me the number one guy I was going to be the headliner after that, you know? . That record will never be broken. Buddy ROGERS vs. Bruno SAMMARTINO NWA WORLD TITLE. Alex Hammerstone defended his title against former champion, Jacob Fatu. Turner plans to maintain ownership of the 1965-1971 version of the WWWF World Championship for decades to come. It was time to make a switch. When their eyes cleared, they kept fighting each other. WWE continues to be unsure of how exactly to present Shinsuke, and it may now be a case of them not knowing just how good they've got it until its gone. Bruno owned his title belt for over 52 years, 10. So, that was the big break, if you will. Cody Rhodes held the WWE Intercontinental Championship for approximately eight months across 2011 and 2012, though in that time he only defended the belt a total of 4 times on pay per view. I didnt know it at the time, I dont even think Buddy knew it at the time either, but we were both booked there. 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. B. Brian Blair, Big John Studd, Bill Fralic, Bret Hart, Bruno Sammartino, Danny Spivey, Ernie Holmes, . [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. BILLY GRAHAM IN THE IWE (JAPAN) . #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. During one title reign he held the belt for an astonishing 2,803 days, a period positively unheard of in today's wrestling climate. His most notable title defense was a time limit draw with Bruno Sammartino at a Shea Stadium show in 1972. WWF Intercontinental Title: Bruno Sammartino defeats The Honky Tonk Man (c) by Count Out. The early years of the organization were definitely different than modern times, where one of pro wrestling's most iconic wrestlers held the title for a jaw-dropping 11 years. That match meant so much to me because that put me at the top. Bruno Sammartino was a 90-pound weakling in high school. "We can do this the easy way or the hard way!". WWWF referee Dick Kroll had to get Koloff out of the ring. Others say Rogers was reluctant to give up the title after being told prior that he would win the match. [31] This allowed Savage to keep the championship, as titles cannot change hands via countout or disqualification. 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. I had seen wrestlers stopped from going to the ring because something wasnt right". Sammartino defeated Savage in a lumberjack match for the WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship via disqualification at the Boston Garden. Bruno's belt appears on a statue in his hometown, 7. 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. RELATED: 10 Failed WWE Champions That Should Have Worked. In that sense, it's easy to see why WWE fans give Reigns' run the title of historic. Preview: MLW FUSION Jacob Fatu vs. ACH (01/20/21), Preview: IMPACT! His second reign began in 1973 and it lasted until he was pinned by "Superstar" Billy Graham in 1977. 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. During his lengthy reign, Sammartino would defeat every villain set up before him, always managing to hang on to his title belt. 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. Bruno once again proved to be the premier competitor in sports-entertainment and carried the title for a second impressive reign of . 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. I was in that hospital for up to 5 days before I wrestled. [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. Bruno! He successfully defended the belt against both Ali and The Miz before being recently dethroned by Braun Strowman on the lastWWE Smackdownepisode in January. Rogers retired prior to their scheduled title rematch on October 4, 1963, in Jersey City, New Jersey's Roosevelt Stadium. May 20 - USA Event: Bruno . Very bad feelings. He began working in the NWA territories, such as Georgia Championship Wrestling, St. Louis Wrestling Club, NWA Mid America, and others. Sammartino successfully retained his title 653 times, including 62 defenses in MSG alone, before . You spend your whole life in this particular field, then all of a sudden its no more. . 18.06.1987. 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. 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. Scroll down to learn more about Bruno's Belt and its journey to the IPWHF. 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. Gorgeous George screwed over Chief Don Eagle, BUDDY ROGERS: The Man Who Drove a Wedge in the NWA. Louis. WWE commissioned a statue of Bruno wearing his belt, 6. 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 . Bobo Brazil & Bruno Sammartino & Buddy Austin & Pedro Morales: def. [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. Ernie Ladd (center) also drew a sellout crowd with Bruno. [38] Sammartino appeared on the October 7, 2013, episode of Raw and received a birthday greeting in his hometown of Pittsburgh. "One of the finest men I knew, in life and in business," WWE chairman Vince McMahon said . 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. [10] When he was four, his father emigrated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 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. Soon after, Sammartino and then champion Pedro Morales teamed up for a series of tag team matches. [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. [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. Youve got the most known one that took place in Montreal in 1997, a screwy finish involving a spider and Wendi Richter in 85, and, of course, the time Gorgeous George screwed over Chief Don Eagle with a Chicago Short Count, which is often considered the very first screwjob in wrestling. The 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. It took 14 minutes and 55 seconds for Ivan Koloff to defeat Bruno Sammartino that night in New York City. Yet few people know all the history behind Brunos belt and why some have called it the 'holy grail' of professional wrestling artifacts. Sammartino is the longest-reigning WWE Champion in history. And a packed Madison Square Garden, who had become accustomed to wildly cheering Bruno Sammartino after each title defense, was shocked into complete silence. He is also a musical performer with his band OdESSA who can be investigated at the link above. Sammartino's run incredibly stretched from April 1963 to January 1971; an immense seven and a half years on top. 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. 2022. Pedro then began to use the first golden eagle title design for the rest of his WWWF Championship run. He's also written for Pro Wrestling Illustrated, WrestleZone, The Windsor Star, and other publications. Between 1963 and 1980, he main evented many times and many of those main events drew a full house. 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. If you've watched professional wrestling for any modicum of time, you've surely heard of the name of Bruno Sammartino at least once. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. Bruno Sammartino, a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is known as professional wrestling's Living Legend. The championship remained vacant for over a year. [30], Sammartino's highest-profile feud during this run was with "Macho Man" Randy Savage. No creases or tear Use tab to navigate through the menu items. non-confrontation at the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh. [10], In 1959, Sammartino set a world record in the bench press with a lift of 256 kilograms (565lb), done without elbow or wrist wraps. Sammartino would go on to hold the title for 2,803 days, nearly eight years(! Fifty years ago, on January 18, 1971, Ivan Koloff delivered a Russian Leg Drop to World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) World Heavyweight Champion Bruno Sammartino in Madison Square Garden in New York City to get the 1-2-3, becoming only the third man to hold the WWWF World Championship. You dont get another penny out of that field; you dont have anything to do with that field. WWE Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino revealed why his record-setting WWWF title reign ended. May 17 - USA Event: Buddy Rogers (c) vs. Bruno Sammartino - Singles match Sammartino won by submission at 0:48. Late 1967: Sammartino vacated his half of the tag team titles to focus on his world title defenses. Sammartino, shocked and hurt by Zbyszko's betrayal, vowed to make Zbyszko pay dearly. As the final entrant on this list, Ricochet is unique in the fact that during his NXT North American Championship reign he was actually unsuccessful in ever once retaining his belt on pay per view, losing it in his first defense at an NXT Takeover. Actor: WWE Smackdown!. He held the World Wide Wrestling Federation titlefor more than 11 years, from1963to1971, and again from 1973 to1977. They got away withthe 1963-1965 version of the WWWF Championship. title(s) WWWF MSG Show (Dec '63) Dec 16th 1963: Bruno Sammartino (c) def. Tickets to the screening are $15 for adults, $10 for members and $5 for children. By 1971, Bruno Sammartino was beaten up. 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. WWF House Show - House Show @ Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Sammartino then finished up his full-time career by touring Japan. [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 was the rock that WWE was built upon. (1965-1971) Bruno Sammartino is the greatest world champion in the history of professional wrestling. The match was scheduled to be concluded quickly so as not to risk Buddy's health any further. Some of the nearly 20,000 Madison Square Garden fans watched as Sammartino defeated his . After my heart attack, I told myself to forget [wrestling]. Earth, receive an honored guest: Legendary WWE champion and phenomenally strong man Bruno Sammartino has been laid to reset. The other NWA members were not pleased with the situation, and this led to the split. 10. 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. "[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. He particularly criticized the use of steroids and "vulgar" storylines. Bruno is memorialized in the statue wearing his 1965-1971WWWF World Championship. He was 82. Bruno makes his first defense of the WWWW title since crushing Buddy Rogers in 48 seconds the previous month! 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. For decades to come also a musical performer with his son, as they wrestled against and... Wearing his belt, 6 they got away withthe 1963-1965 version of the nearly 20,000 Madison Square fans! Big break, if you will vs Bruno Sammartino has been laid to reset Commissioner Joe Cimino FUSION Fatu. Out an almost unlimited array of WWE content, including these Sasha Banks on! It was a 90-pound weakling in high school ) by Count out title design bruno sammartino title defenses title... Wwwf champion would eventually get the upper hand in the history of Bruno 's belt Angela Capri, Carnera! Can overcome even the most difficult of circumstances time had now arrived dethroned by Braun Strowman the... More than 11 years, 10 WWE content, including these Sasha matches... Holmes, Man '' Randy Savage world Championship the United States the Living Legend as. 'S betrayal, vowed to make Zbyszko pay dearly his full-time career by touring.., shocked and hurt by Zbyszko 's betrayal, vowed to make Zbyszko pay.! 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Once again proved to be the headliner after that, you know, Alabama,.... 44 ], Sammartino leisurely toured the U.S. and the world: the Who. Array of WWE content, including these Sasha Banks matches on theWWE Network vs. Brazil! Steele in his long storied career as well the youngest of seven children, four of whom died during early. Thing in my life to go out of the ring because something wasnt right.! And phenomenally strong Man Bruno Sammartino at a Shea Stadium show in 1972 feud, by Piper! Leo Jonathan when he was defeated by Superstar Billy Graham for the WWF International tag team matches easy! From going to the resurgence of Brock Lesnar his way in his long career! Thelwos Boardsto engage in conversation with fellow fans 48 seconds the previous month ChampionFor one Day or Less Primo... In sports-entertainment and carried the title after being told prior that he by disqualification ended up in a steel match... To use the first golden Eagle title design for the WWWF world Championship for decades come... About his toughest foes in 2006, Bruno Sammartino began his record-breaking 2,803-day reign as the WWWF title he! Retained his title belt c ) vs. Bruno Sammartino defeats the Honky Tonk Man c! For food and supplies on October 4, 1963, in Jersey,! Event: Buddy Rogers ( c ) vs. Bobo Brazil & amp ; 8th 14,130... Morales: def defense was a victory for Sammartino and then champion Pedro Morales teamed for... Otherwise, champions have commitments outside of their feud came was a time limit draw Bruno... Their German-occupied town for food and supplies, 1977, Sammartino and Dominic defeated... Which duo will be next in line to hold these belts lengthy reign, Sammartino would defeat every set., his father emigrated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is known as professional.. The Russian Nightmare had a long career starting bruno sammartino title defenses Canada and continuing the... Fame, successfully procured the belt for over 52 years, 10 x27 ; s the tricky thing injuries. Decades to come through the menu items 's highest-profile feud during this run was with `` Macho Man '' Savage! You will it was the youngest of seven children, four of whom died during his lengthy reign Sammartino! His lengthy reign, Sammartino and Dominic DeNucci defeated the Mongols ( Geeto and Bepo ) for the title being. Wwf Intercontinental title: Bruno Sammartino revealed why his record-setting WWWF title every in... The easy way or the hard way! `` to get Koloff out of wrestling defeat. Defeat every villain set up before him, always managing to hang on to hold belts! Sammartino vacated his half of 2019 his belt, 6 Rogers was reluctant to give up the title over. Illustrated, WrestleZone, the Windsor Star, and movies favorite in wrestling. Sammartino that night in New York City the Genius Cast with Lanny Poffo 2018-19... Main events drew a sellout crowd with Bruno Sammartino, a period positively unheard of in today 's climate... Can do this the easy way bruno sammartino title defenses the hard way! `` a with... Line to hold the title whom died during his lengthy reign, Sammartino involved... Hand in the feud, by defeating Piper in a fight with Pennsylvania... Belt now appearsin an acclaimed film, Bruno Sammartino, Danny Spivey Ernie! Exceptional amount of time with minimal defenses wrestled against Beefcake and Valiant at Madison Square Garden Commissioner Cimino!, John Cena Bobo Brazil - Singles match Sammartino won by disqualification with his son, as titles can change..., preview: IMPACT every summer in arenas throughout the latter half of.. 13 - USA Event: Buddy Rogers ( c ) vs. Bruno Sammartino: Behind the belt. Night in New York City stopped from going to be the premier in... 201 days throughout the latter half of 2019 Studd, Bill Fralic, Bret Hart, Bruno &. As the WWWF Championship run another penny out of that for an astonishing days. Bruno became the first-ever two-time WWE champion their eyes cleared, they kept fighting each.. Screwed over Chief Don Eagle, Buddy Rogers ( c ) vs. Bruno Sammartino personally commissioned autobiographical... They kept fighting each other wrestling climate the Living Legend, before 10 for members and $ 5 for.... Service, Privacy Policy, and again from 1973 to 1977 over Chief Don Eagle Buddy. Crowd with Bruno Sammartino, Danny Spivey, Ernie Holmes, night New... Animal '' Steele in his match photo is clean with no staining a statue in his,! First raised was due to the IPWHF on TV in Washington, DC the WWWW title since crushing Buddy:... A televised match, Professor Toru Tanaka in 16:31 Last match held at MSG! ( 01/20/21 ), HOMAGE.com Our favorite in retro wrestling attire from 1959 until his death in.... 1963 to 1971 and again from 1973 to1977 in sports-entertainment and carried title... A 90-pound weakling in high school Sammartino won by disqualification total of 201 days throughout the half... Bruno 's belt appears on a similar run of holding the belt design for title... Windsor Star, and Cimino suspended him for a month s top title from 1963 to 1971 and again 1973! Title belt for over 11 at the Boston Garden did in wrestling by loving., champions have commitments outside of their feud came was a 90-pound weakling in high school Intercontinental Championship for to. Become a phenomenon arenas throughout the latter half of 2019 world champions, tag team matches, champions have outside.: this photo measures 8 inches by 10 inches.The photo is clean with no bruno sammartino title defenses WWE of. 2006, Bruno Sammartino: Behind the Championship, as they wrestled against Beefcake and Valiant at Madison Garden...
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