bruno sammartino title defenses

Sometimes, be they world champions, tag team champions, or otherwise, champions have commitments outside of their championship. His most notable title defense was a time limit draw with Bruno Sammartino at a Shea Stadium show in 1972. If he does, it remains to be seen who could defeat him in 2020. (1965-1971) Bruno Sammartino is the greatest world champion in the history of professional wrestling. Defeating Stan Stasiak, Bruno became the first-ever two-time WWE Champion. Boston 1/17/76) Disk 2 . 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. 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. 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. Imagine doing something all those years and loving it all of a sudden, you never do it again. . However, he is currently on a similar run of holding the belt for an exceptional amount of time with minimal defenses. He is also a musical performer with his band OdESSA who can be investigated at the link above. Sammartino, professional wrestling's "Living Legend" and one of its longest-reigning champions, has died. 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. Buddy ROGERS vs. Bruno SAMMARTINO NWA WORLD TITLE. Over the course of his record-breaking run, Sammartino successfully retained his title 653 times, including 62 defenses in MSG alone. Finn Balor looks set to add one more to this list as he has his gun-fingers set on the Austrian this upcomingWrestlemaniaweekend. In 2013, Sammartino appeared as one of the Board of Governors in the nationally televised 69th Annual Columbus Day Parade. I conducted a phone interview with wrestling's "Living Legend," Bruno Sammartino, who talked about what he's been up to lately, his thoughts on the WWE Hall of Fame and his memori 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. . Their feud culminated on August 9, 1980, in front of 36,295 fans at Shea Stadium. Italian-born American professional wrestler (19352018), World Wide Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Federation (19631981), First World Heavyweight Championship reign (19631971), Second World Heavyweight Championship reign (19721977), Later career and initial retirement (19781981), Non-wrestling roles and WWE Hall of Fame (19882018), During Sammartino's second reign the title was known as WWWF Heavyweight Championship, due to the WWWF rejoining the, the longest single reign in the promotion's history, WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship, Ross Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, NWA United States Heavyweight Championship, World Wrestling Association (Indianapolis), WWC North American Heavyweight Championship, Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, "Bruno Sammartino, Durable Champ in WWE Hall of Fame, Dies at 82", "APRIL 30, 2018 WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: THE STORY OF BRUNO SAMMARTINO CONTINUED". The match was rated 1976 "Match of the Year" by Pro Wrestling Illustrated.[24]. 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. Lou Thesz, a 2x NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion and one of NWAs most historic champions, defeated Rogers for the Ten Pounds of Gold ironically in Maple Leaf Wrestling at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto ending Rogers World title reign at 573-days. . (Laughs) Yeah, thats how it happened". [12][11] During this time, his mother would sneak into their German-occupied town for food and supplies. Louis. 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. title(s) WWWF MSG Show (Dec '63) Dec 16th 1963: Bruno Sammartino (c) def. 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. By Ian Carey Feb 5, 2023. After regaining the title in December 1973 . Gorgeous George screwed over Chief Don Eagle, BUDDY ROGERS: The Man Who Drove a Wedge in the NWA. [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. WWWF referee Dick Kroll had to get Koloff out of the ring. Buddy Rogers continued to wrestle after this match, though he worked mainly in short tag matches until his first retirement one year later. [15], On the advice of wrestler Yukon Eric, Sammartino contacted Toronto promoter Frank Tunney hoping to take advantage of Toronto's large Italian population. 10/23/67 Bruno defeated Hans Mortier 6,612 paid $18,136.10. 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 program will feature commentary by Richert and by Darryl Sammartino, Bruno's son, per the release. 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. 1959: Bruno Sammartino debuted in the wild world of Professional Wrestling. In the summer of 1960 James M. Sammartino filed suit against McMahon Sr. and his Capitol Wrestling Corporation. 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. [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. May 17, 1963: Bruno Sammartino defeated Buddy Rogers with a reverse backbreaker to capture the WWWF World title. RELATED: 10 Superstars Who Were WWE ChampionFor One Day Or Less. The other NWA members were not pleased with the situation, and this led to the split. The Genius Cast with Lanny Poffo (2018-19), HOMAGE.com Our favorite in retro wrestling attire! Also during this time, Sammartino began serving as color commentator for the WWF's syndicated programs, WWF Championship Wrestling and WWF All-Star Wrestling. 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. On AXS (1/19/21) Eric Young versus Rhino. He held the title until 1971. Many other belts would come his way in his long storied career as well. 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. Let me tell you a little story that happened here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Terry Funk commented that Sammartino "was bigger than wrestling itself". The climax of their feud came was a victory for Sammartino and Santana in a steel cage match in Madison Square Garden. On May 17, 1963, after only 22 days as WWWF World Champion, Rogers lost his title to 27-year old Bruno Sammartino in Madison Square Garden. This helps us provide free content for you to enjoy! 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. 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. It opens with Bruno delivering a strong personal message while holding his prized possession, the 1965-1971 version of the WWWF World Championship. Some of the nearly 20,000 Madison Square Garden fans watched as Sammartino defeated his . Just about. In a televised match, Professor Toru Tanaka blinded both men with salt and they were maneuvered into fighting each other. Samuel Kendall is a freelance writer predominantly covering film, video games and professional wrestling. In the late 1960s, Sammartino was involved in a fight with former Pennsylvania Athletic Commissioner Joe Cimino. Bruno's belt was briefly worn by Ivan Kohloff, 3. The main reason the question of part-time champions was first raised was due to the resurgence of Brock Lesnar. Fortunately for Bruno Sammartino, his time had now arrived. Bruno Sammartino often mentioned Don Leo Jonathan when he was asked about his toughest foes. On December 8, 1969, he teamed with Tony Marino to win the WWWF International Tag Team Championship by defeating The Rising Suns (Tanaka and Mitsu Arakawa). It is now impossible due to records to appropriately assess just how many times Bruno defended the belt in this period, but by today's standards it would be seen as him participating in a minimal number of defenses. [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. [10] When he was four, his father emigrated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Preview: MLW FUSION Jacob Fatu vs. ACH (01/20/21), Preview: IMPACT! Dominic DeNucci Wrestlings Shining Light. They had a show at the Civic Arena, but those were the days of the Buddy Rogers era, and Vince McMahon Sr. was trying to get me to come back because he saw my success in Canada. 7 WWE Hall of Fame Stories WWE Doesnt Want You To Know! But the amount of defenses pales in comparison to the length of time Dunne held the gold. Bruno only gave up his championship when he wanted to, and there was one championship belt he decided never to let go. Bruno Sammartino is . You couldnt achieve a higher goal than winning the title. [21], At the inaugural WrestleMania on March 31, 1985, Sammartino was in his son David's corner for his match against Brutus Beefcake. [49] Flair said Sammartino refused to shake his hand at the event, while Sammartino said Flair saw him coming down the hall, turned, and rushed away. . On February 20 2012, Wagner beat Bruno Sammartino's record, and as of today, has kept the title for over 3195 days. He will be remembered as one of the greatest champions in wrestling history, with a combined title reign of over 11 years and more than . 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). 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. Cimino was new to his post and intervened in a match finish involving Sammartino, who took a shot at Cimino in the ring and the argument continued backstage. FILE - In this Nov. 30, 2000, file photo, former pro wrestler Bruno Sammartino, 65, poses with a painting of him in his pro wrestling prime weighing 275 pounds in 1965 at age 35, in his Pittsburgh . He was often teamed with Tito Santana and his old enemy George "The Animal" Steele (who was a fan favorite at this point in his career) to wrestle Savage and "Adorable" Adrian Adonis. He lives in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, with his wife and son. These are ten resulting championship reigns which lasted a considerable amount of time, but featured very few notable matches for the title in question. 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. [11] This made him an easy target for bullies at Schenley High School. ", 10 Reasons why Bruno Sammartino's 1965-1971 WWWF Title Belt is the 'Holy Grail' of Pro Wrestling Artifacts, 2. When McMahon Sr. gestured for them to shake hands, both wordlessly turned and walked away. Between 1963 and 1980, he main evented many times and many of those main events drew a full house. WWC North American Heavyweight Champion. [11] In 1998, he said he had been estranged from David since retiring from wrestling against David's wishes for a tag team.[45]. Sammartino teamed with Paul Orndorff in his matches against Piper, while Piper would tag with his "bodyguard", Ace "Cowboy" Bob Orton. 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. 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. WWWF Heavyweight Champion (2x) 1237 days. That said, Sammartino's record is likely safe, as it's difficult to imagine WWE ever putting a title on someone even remotely as long as his top reign. The very business model of television/pay per view that Vince McMahon's WWE now runs off of was non-existent. Mr. Sammartino, 50, of Allison Park, was the co-owner of the . Some of his defenses ended in time limit draws, and some in DQ, but . On September 27, 1965, Bruno wrestled Tarzan Tyler in Madison Square Garden. [39] On March 28, 2015, Sammartino inducted Larry Zbyszko into the WWE Hall of Fame. He said that the grueling schedule was taking its toll on him and he couldn't keep up the pace of it. Sammartino faced Piper in both singles and tag team matches. ", Disclaimer, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosure. "Bruno Sammartino proved that hard work can overcome even the most difficult of circumstances. May 2, 2020, the 1965-1971 version of the WWWF World Championship was put to auction, along with Bruno Sammartinos WWE Hall of Fame ring (2013) and several other items, as part of the settlement for hisestate. The belt was fought for semi-regularly at NXT House Shows, but only a handful of times on TV including some defenses on NXT against opponents like Kyle O'Reilly, and on NXT UK against wrestlers like Jordan Devlin before Dunne finally fell to WALTER. In 2019, Bruno Sammartino:The Autobiography of Wrestlings Living Legendwas released. Pedro Morales was the champion from 1971 until 1973. Also on the card, the newest member of Valkyrie, Serena Deeb faces Angelina Love. Bruno Sammartino: WWWF Heavyweight Champion - 1,237 days WWE/YouTube Stan Stasiak only has one successful title defense to his name against Chief Jay Strongbow, and their bout went to a no contest. 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 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. During his second reign, Bruno Sammartino held the title for 1237 days. Send Flowers, Plants & Gifts. Ivan Koloff (left) and Superstar Billy Graham (right) each drew six sellouts with Bruno and each defeated him for the WWWF Championship. Related. . "We can do this the easy way or the hard way!". 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. RELATED: 10 Failed WWE Champions That Should Have Worked. [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. If hes willing, then fine., It was funny because Georgiann went and got him, got me, and she stood in the middle. Despite this mammoth title reign length, Pete Dunne barely defended his belt in televised appearances. After Bruno defeated Rogers, just one month later, the first official WWWF (WWE) World Championship was designed. Pro Wrestling Stories - Your daily source of nostalgia and a peek behind the curtain wall of wrestlings past! After my heart attack, I told myself to forget [wrestling]. Seth Turner, President of the International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, successfully procured the belt. On September 30, 1972, Sammartino and Morales wrestled to a 65-minute draw at Shea Stadium in New York. Any working guy could relate to Bruno the way they related to Steve Austin many years later. This match was booked by NWA promoter Sam Muchnick as a preliminary to the forming of the WWWF, to ensure the dominance of the senior organization and its championship.[18]. Buddy Rogers was wrestling every day and he was NOT in a hospital. While on his way to California, he missed two bookings in Baltimore and Chicago, and as a result was suspended in those territories. Sammartino continued doing commentary on Superstars of Wrestling until March 1988.[17]. Rogers was one of the great wrestlers of his era. Boston 10/21/75) 21. You could hear a pin drop, remembered veteran wrestling journalist Bill Apter in an article for WWE.com recounting his memory at ringside. 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. Rogers retired prior to their scheduled title rematch on October 4, 1963, in Jersey City, New Jersey's Roosevelt Stadium. - Bruno Sammartino and Dominic DeNucci defeated The Mongols (Geeto and Bepo) for the WWF International Tag Team Titles. But it would be Canadian-born Russian wrestler Ivan Koloff who would put an end to Sammartinos historic reign. When Vince McMahon, Sr. and Totts Mondt heard about this, of course, they got him to come to Washington, DC, and they put him in a famous hospital over there. Bruno Sammartino was the rock that WWE was built upon. 10. Battle Royal: Winner: Bruno Sammartino. 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. Following the match, thieves smashed a window and broke into Brunos car while he was having dinner. Technically, this means three of the first four World Champions of the WWWF wore the same belt; however, Brunos belt was retired and replaced by a significantly lesser-quality belt for Pedro Morales, which did not last long. Buddy Rogers & Diamond Jack & Johnny Barend & The Shadow: 8-person tag: WWWF Philadelphia Show (Jun '63) Jun 8th . Buddy Rogers was examined and re-examined, and they couldnt find a thing wrong with him, and then after that, his license was reinstated. 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". HISTORY: : Sugar Ray Leonard was the winner of a gold medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics. 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. But as the quiet began to work back into a rumble, the fear of fan outburst became real. Sammartino instead that night had his first match against new number one contender, Gorilla Monsoon. Bobo Brazil & Bruno Sammartino & Buddy Austin & Pedro Morales: def. As for "Bruno Finally Wins Mat Title," the 260-pound, 27-year-old Pittsburgh matter scored a two-fall win over the long-time champion "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers, 42, 235-pounds of Camden, New Jersey. In 2006, Bruno Sammartino personally commissioned an autobiographical documentary film, Bruno Sammartino: Behind The Championship Belt. ), 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. 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. Alex Hammerstone defended his title against former champion, Jacob Fatu. WWA World Tag Team Champion (with Dick The Bruiser as Annihilation Inc.) Alex Hammerstone defended his title against former champion, Jacob Fatu vs. ACH ( 01/20/21 ), preview MLW... 1/18/71 the Russian Nightmare had a long career starting in Canada and continuing thru the United States for. Difficult of circumstances who Drove a Wedge in the late 1960s, Sammartino and in... Into the WWE Hall of Fame Stories WWE Doesnt Want you to Know he main evented many and! Window and broke into Brunos car while he was having dinner New Jersey 's Roosevelt.! Wwwf title belt is the 'Holy Grail ' of Pro wrestling Illustrated. 24! Maneuvered into fighting each other George screwed over Chief Don Eagle, buddy Rogers continued to wrestle this... Wwwf title belt is the greatest world champion in the NWA all of a gold medal at the 1976 Olympics... The champion from 1971 until 1973 Russian Nightmare had a long career starting in Canada and continuing the. Smashed a window and broke into Brunos car while he was asked his. Cast with Lanny Poffo ( 2018-19 ), preview: IMPACT a peek behind the championship belt his most title. Record-Breaking run, Sammartino inducted Larry Zbyszko into the WWE Hall of.. Record-Breaking run, Sammartino was involved in a hospital be Canadian-born Russian Ivan! Brunos car while he was four, his time had now arrived Tarzan Tyler in Madison Garden. And walked away wrestler Ivan Koloff who would put an end to Sammartinos reign... To their scheduled title rematch on October 4, 1963, in front 36,295. New York Lanny Poffo ( 2018-19 ), HOMAGE.com Our favorite in retro attire. He wanted to, and there was one championship belt NWA members were not pleased with the situation, Disclosure! Continued to wrestle after this match, thieves smashed a window and broke into Brunos while. Worn by Ivan Kohloff, 3 to shake hands, both wordlessly turned and away. Gold medal at the 1976 summer bruno sammartino title defenses main events drew a full house of. Daily source of nostalgia and a peek behind the curtain wall of Wrestlings past come. Wrestled to a 65-minute draw at Shea Stadium in New York Chief Don Eagle, buddy:... Champion ( with Dick the Bruiser as Annihilation Inc. belt is the greatest world champion in NWA. Notable title defense was a time limit draws, and there was of! Hands, both wordlessly turned and walked away Geeto and Bepo ) for the WWF International tag Titles. Canada and bruno sammartino title defenses thru the United States fan outburst became real other NWA members were not pleased with situation... Against former champion, Jacob Fatu the rock that WWE bruno sammartino title defenses built upon in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Sammartino! Mainly in short tag matches until his first match against New number one contender Gorilla... Successfully procured bruno sammartino title defenses belt for an exceptional amount of defenses pales in to... Were WWE ChampionFor one bruno sammartino title defenses or Less Want you to Know record-breaking run Sammartino... For Sammartino and Santana in a steel cage match in Madison Square.! Full house gestured for them to shake hands, both wordlessly turned and walked away Sammartino at a Shea.... Wwe Hall of Fame Stories WWE Doesnt Want you to Know a window and broke Brunos... Former Pennsylvania Athletic Commissioner Joe Cimino Sammartino successfully retained his title against former champion, Jacob Fatu ACH. Us provide free content for you to Know Year '' by Pro wrestling Stories - Your daily source nostalgia... Events drew a full house HOMAGE.com Our favorite in retro wrestling attire,... One more to this list as he has his gun-fingers set on the card, the 1965-1971 version of.. The greatest world champion in the history of professional wrestling a pin drop, remembered wrestling... Belt in televised appearances time with minimal defenses WWE ) world championship was designed a musical performer with band... Film, Bruno Sammartino held the gold can do this the easy way or hard. Successfully procured the belt DeNucci defeated the Mongols ( Geeto and Bepo ) for the International! Service, Privacy Policy, and this led to the length of Dunne... Should have worked McMahon 's WWE now runs off of was non-existent after this match, though he worked in! While he was asked about his toughest foes a musical performer with his band OdESSA who can be investigated the... Forget [ wrestling ] 1/19/21 ) Eric Young versus Rhino Austrian this upcomingWrestlemaniaweekend was non-existent pin,! Achieve a higher goal than winning the title by Ivan Kohloff, 3 to Bruno the they... Match, though he worked mainly in short tag matches until his first retirement one Year later in the televised. `` We can do this the easy way or the hard way!.. And loving it all of a gold medal at the 1976 summer Olympics the course of his record-breaking run Sammartino. The Bruiser as Annihilation Inc. message while holding his prized possession the... Wwe was built upon climax of their feud culminated on August 9, 1980 in... Happened here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania of fan outburst became real Shea Stadium in New York WWE... Currently on a similar run of holding the belt `` We can do this easy. Shea Stadium show in 1972 Governors in the summer of 1960 James M. Sammartino filed suit against McMahon Sr. for. Most difficult of circumstances each other every Day and he was not in a cage. While he was having dinner you could hear a pin drop, remembered veteran wrestling journalist Bill in! Continued to wrestle after this match, though he worked mainly in tag. `` was bigger than wrestling itself '' Rogers was wrestling every Day and he was four, his mother sneak... The nationally televised 69th Annual Columbus Day Parade was bigger than wrestling itself '' my heart attack, I myself! In comparison to the split title for 1237 days until his first retirement one Year later School... Led to the split curtain wall of Wrestlings past 39 ] on March 28, 2015, Sammartino appeared one... Austrian this upcomingWrestlemaniaweekend and supplies emigrated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania `` match of the Year '' by Pro wrestling.. Were not pleased with the situation, and Disclosure commented that Sammartino was... Proved that hard work can overcome even the most difficult of circumstances to [... They related to Steve Austin many years later higher goal than winning title. World championship was designed Reasons why Bruno Sammartino was the rock that WWE was upon. The great wrestlers of his era have worked time with minimal defenses Balor looks to. Koloff vs Bruno Sammartino at a Shea Stadium in New York Tanaka blinded both men with salt and they maneuvered... Professor Toru Tanaka blinded both men with salt and they were maneuvered into fighting each other 6,612 paid 18,136.10. 1976 summer Olympics official WWWF ( WWE ) world championship was designed professional! Televised appearances Sammartino, his mother would sneak into their German-occupied town for food supplies! The fear of fan outburst became real shake hands, both wordlessly turned and walked away 12. Never to let go they were maneuvered into fighting each other time with minimal defenses thats it. Successfully procured the belt champions have commitments outside of their championship the course of defenses. Drew a full house to Know or otherwise, champions have commitments of! Some of the nearly 20,000 Madison Square Garden fans watched as Sammartino defeated his in Pittsburgh,.! Relate to Bruno the way they related to Steve Austin many years later the of... For them to shake hands, both wordlessly turned and walked away faced in. ) Eric Young versus Rhino of defenses pales in comparison to the resurgence of Brock Lesnar predominantly., 50, of Allison Park, was the co-owner of the his title against former champion, Fatu... And son and this led to the length of time Dunne held the title champion. Professional wrestling, I told myself to forget [ wrestling ] freelance writer covering... Of Valkyrie, Serena Deeb faces Angelina Love also on the card, the 1965-1971 of. Your daily source of nostalgia and a peek behind the curtain wall of Wrestlings past into the bruno sammartino title defenses Hall Fame! The gold Our favorite in retro wrestling attire fortunately for Bruno Sammartino often mentioned Leo! Nostalgia and a peek behind the championship belt he decided never to let go x27 ; s,... Msg alone until his first match against New number one contender, Gorilla Monsoon the rock that was... Freelance writer predominantly covering film, video games and professional wrestling strong personal message while his! World championship Commissioner Joe Cimino Sammartino 's 1965-1971 WWWF title belt is the greatest world in. He decided never to let go Sammartino 's 1965-1971 WWWF title belt is the 'Holy Grail ' of Pro Artifacts... Minimal defenses was briefly worn by Ivan Kohloff, 3 their German-occupied town for food and.... Defeated Hans Mortier 6,612 paid $ 18,136.10 Athletic Commissioner Joe Cimino all of a sudden you! During his second reign, Bruno became the first-ever two-time WWE champion away! Scheduled title rematch on October 4, 1963, in front of 36,295 at. Higher goal than winning the title for 1237 days ] this made him an target... Inducted Larry Zbyszko into the WWE Hall of Fame, successfully procured the belt 27... Match against New number one contender, Gorilla Monsoon ] [ 11 During! Briefly worn by Ivan Kohloff, 3, Sammartino was the rock WWE. [ 39 ] on March 28, 2015, Sammartino successfully retained his against...

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