bruno sammartino title defenses

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. Sammartino actually . COVID-19 tripped those plans and the "new" film was released in the spring of 2022. 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. There are paper champions, there are fighting champions, and there are champions who scarcely put their gold up for grabs. In that sense, it's easy to see why WWE fans give Reigns' run the title of historic. "Screwjob" is a term that gets thrown around loosely in the wrestling world. RELATED: 10 Superstars Who Were WWE ChampionFor One Day Or Less. He is also a musical performer with his band OdESSA who can be investigated at the link above. [14], Feeling like he was being held back in the New York territory in favor of National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) star Buddy Rogers, Sammartino gave his notice to Capitol Wrestling Corporation (CWC) owner Vince McMahon Sr. and planned to go to San Francisco to work for Roy Shire. Later in 1972, Sammartino was asked back by McMahon Sr. to regain the title. Bruno is way more impressive than Flair if u ask me. WWE Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino died on Wednesday at the age of 82 in Pittsburgh. 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. 10.12.1973 - 30.04.1977. Sold-out Madison Square Garden 189 times! Shinsuke Nakamuraheld the WWE Intercontinental Championship for a total of 201 days throughout the latter half of 2019. Tributes from the world of wrestling began flocking in shortly after news of Sammartino's passing, with WWE . I was just so exhausted It became clear to Vince McMahon Sr. that his World Champion was gassed. [17] Soon, he was in demand by other promoters in different Canadian territories. It opens with Bruno delivering a strong personal message while holding his prized possession, the 1965-1971 version of the WWWF World Championship. Lonnie Mayne The Glass Eating, Raw Meat Chewing Original Moondog! Mr. Sammartino, 50, of Allison Park, was the co-owner of the . 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. Never Forget That Donald Trump Once Shaved Vince McMahon's Head and Is a Member of the WWE Hall of Fame 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 . Rhodes appeared in several multi-man matches during this time such as the Money in the Bank ladder match and the Elimination Chamber, where opportunities at a loftier prize outweighed defending the title he already held. 'The Living Legend' held the world title for over 11 . An ever-increasing argument in today's wrestling world, in light of a continued use of part-time stars from yesteryear like Goldberg and Brock Lesnar, is how often should we realistically see the world champion defend their belt in televised appearances? Wrestling legend Bruno Sammartino has died at the age of 82. In many ways, it was a full circle. 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. Pro Wrestling Stories - Your daily source of nostalgia and a peek behind the curtain wall of wrestlings past! [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 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. 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. Unique lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts. On May 17, 1963, Bruno Sammartino made history by defeating Buddy Rogers for the WWE Championship then known as the WWWF Championship in Madison Square Garden. Bruno had the belt polished andthen maintained personal ownership of his prized possession until he passed away on April 18, 2018. Buddy Rogers continued to wrestle after this match, though he worked mainly in short tag matches until his first retirement one year later. On June 18 2014, Dr. Wagner, Jr. won the title and has kept it ever since. So, as far as I was concerned, Bruno never stood a chance with me. Some of his defenses ended in time limit draws, and some in DQ, but . He lives in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, with his wife and son. Here's how Bruno Sammartino began his record-breaking 2,803-day reign as the WWWF Champion. Buddy Rogers was examined and re-examined, and they couldnt find a thing wrong with him, and then after that, his license was reinstated. Bruno Sammartino is one of the defining legends from WWE history. 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. Sammartino worked as a commentator for the Universal Wrestling Federation. 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. On last night's episode of Table For 3. Per tradition, the NWA World title could only be contested in 2-out-of-3 falls matches, yet Thesz had been crowned champion following a one fall match. 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). 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. 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. 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. 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]. (According to Wrestledata.com, the two were on opposing ends of a tag team contest in 1960. His biggest moment was winning the WWWF heavyweight title from the legendary Bruno Sammartino. RELATED: 10 Failed WWE Champions That Should Have Worked. Let me tell you a little story that happened here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Ivan Koloff backstage with manager Captain Lou Albano after defeating Bruno Sammartino (Photo: PWI) Sadly, Koloff's reign was short-lived. [7][25] His second title run lasted three years, four months, and twenty days (1,237 days). WWF House Show - House Show @ Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Bruno Sammartino. Interestingly, Thesz beat Rogers in a three falls rematch on February 7th, 1963, in Toronto, a result often forgotten. Sammartino finally lost the WWE Championship in January 1971 . Bruno Leopoldo Francesco Sammartino was an Italian-born American professional wrestler, best known for his work with the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF, now WWE). Bruno Sammartino was a 90-pound weakling in high school. Before Hulk Hogan could be the face of the company during its national expansion, before Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock could lead The Attitude Era, and before John Cena or Roman Reigns were even born, Sammartino was a two-time WWE Champion who had cumulatively held the strap for over 11 years (as a fun fact, Cena was born . It 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. On AXS (1/19/21) Eric Young versus Rhino. Soon after, Sammartino and then champion Pedro Morales teamed up for a series of tag team matches. 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. He currently writes for both CBR and TheSportster including features, list articles and news. [14][21] On January 18, 1971, Sammartino lost the championship at Madison Square Garden to Ivan Koloff. Now, here's the tricky thing. With John Atkins, Angela Capri, Primo Carnera, John Cena. 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 the longest single reign in the promotion's history at 2,803 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. Also during this time, Sammartino began serving as color commentator for the WWF's syndicated programs, WWF Championship Wrestling and WWF All-Star Wrestling. On April 30, 1977, he was defeated by Superstar Billy Graham for the title. In 2014 The Beast Incarnate obliterated John Cena atSummerslam to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. In 2006, Bruno Sammartino personally commissioned an autobiographical documentary film, Bruno Sammartino: Behind The Championship Belt. Dr. Jerry Graham: WWWF World Heavyweight Title: WWWF MSG Show (Nov '63) Nov 18th 1963: . But the amount of defenses pales in comparison to the length of time Dunne held the gold. Buddy ROGERS vs. Bruno SAMMARTINO NWA WORLD TITLE. 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. Sammartino's run incredibly stretched from April 1963 to January 1971; an immense seven and a half years on top. Dominic DeNucci Wrestlings Shining Light. "We can do this the easy way or the hard way!". Bruno Sammartino depicts the exciting story of the championship wrestler and his family's narrow escape from the Nazis in World War II Italy. [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. 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. During his lengthy reign, Sammartino would defeat every villain set up before him, always managing to hang on to his title belt. The superstitious blamed New York's descent into hell in the 1970s as punishment for Bruno losing the title. The Sammartinos also teamed against "Mr. Alex Hammerstone defended his title against former champion, Jacob Fatu. wrestling champion, was personally selected by Vincent J. McMahon to fill the void left when his longtime titleholder Bruno Sammartino made the decision that he no longer wanted to carry the WWWF championship. [39] On March 28, 2015, Sammartino inducted Larry Zbyszko into the WWE Hall of Fame. NEXT: 5 Longest & 5 Shortest WCW Title Reigns. By Robert D. McFadden. 10/23/67 Bruno defeated Hans Mortier 6,612 paid $18,136.10. 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. 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. Actor: WWE Smackdown!. Lengthy championships are a big aspect in wrestling, but it is definitely easier when the champion does not frequently have to defend his title. While on his way to California, he missed two bookings in Baltimore and Chicago, and as a result was suspended in those territories. By Ian Carey Feb 5, 2023. Just 48 seconds later, Bruno Sammartino was the new champ, and a hero was born. May 18 - USA Event: Bruno Sammartino (c) vs. Miguel Torres - Singles match Sammartino won. Tickets to the screening are $15 for adults, $10 for members and $5 for children. When McMahon Sr. gestured for them to shake hands, both wordlessly turned and walked away. Sammartino was living proof of the American Dream, an immigrant who left a wartorn time to become an accomplished athlete. [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. And a packed Madison Square Garden, who had become accustomed to wildly cheering Bruno Sammartino after each title defense, was shocked into complete silence. Bruno made a film to tell the story behind his belt. 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. In the late 1960s, Sammartino was involved in a fight with former Pennsylvania Athletic Commissioner Joe Cimino. If hes willing, then fine., It was funny because Georgiann went and got him, got me, and she stood in the middle. That record will never be broken. 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. [12][11] During this time, his mother would sneak into their German-occupied town for food and supplies. In 1971, Gorilla Monsoon and Phil Zacko gave Bruno Sammartino the belt that he had carried from 1965-1971 to keep. These are ten resulting championship reigns which lasted a considerable amount of time, but featured very few notable matches for the title in question. 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 . [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. Sammartino ended up in a screaming match with Cimino on Pittsburgh's local Studio Wrestling program, and Cimino suspended him for a month. ~~~Bruno Sammartino would hold the WWWF World title for an incredible EIGHT years straight! And it was 50-years ago this week that that legendary run came to a shocking end in Madison Square Garden. Itis due to hit theaters in 2020and features many images of Bruno and his1965-1971 version of the WWWF World Championship. Bruno owned his title belt for over 52 years, 10. Despite this, the reign lasted for alengthy 161 days. Pedro then began to use the first golden eagle title design for the rest of his WWWF Championship run. May 13 - USA Event: Buddy Rogers (c) vs. Bobo Brazil - Singles match Brazil won by disqualification. Sammartino continued doing commentary on Superstars of Wrestling until March 1988.[17]. After nearly fifteen years of promoting an "ethnic babyface" at the top of his cards, the . B. Brian Blair, Big John Studd, Bill Fralic, Bret Hart, Bruno Sammartino, Danny Spivey, Ernie Holmes, . 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. I knew it was all done; I just knew I couldnt produce like I once did. Bruno's belt was briefly worn by Ivan Kohloff, 3. 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. April 18, 2018. During one title reign he held the belt for an astonishing 2,803 days, a period positively unheard of in today's wrestling climate. You can check out an almost unlimited array of WWE content, including these Sasha Banks matches on theWWE Network. 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). From that point, Bruno Sammartino held the title for seven years, eight . He can be reached by e-mail at matthew.pender@hotmail.co.nz. I worked in pain. Any working guy could relate to Bruno the way they related to Steve Austin many years later. The International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame is proud to enshrine this beautiful and pricelesschampionship belt as the centerpiece of ourmuseum collection. Which brings us to 2017, when Brock Lesnar held the WWE Universal Championship for a phenomenal 504 days after defeating fellow part-timer Bill Goldberg at Wrestlemania 33. It's especially telling when you compare Sammartino's 2nd reign that was 1237 days long (or about 4 years) and he had 195 title defenses during all that. During one title reign he held the belt for an astonishing 2,803 days, a period positively unheard of in today's wrestling climate. [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. Yet few people know all the history behind Brunos belt and why some have called it the 'holy grail' of professional wrestling artifacts. 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). Sammartino, professional wrestling's "Living Legend" and one of its longest-reigning champions, has died. He actually made his WWWF debut on Spectator Sports TV out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, defeating WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino by count-out (the title cant change hands via count-out). Sammartino won the title on May 17, 1963, defeating Rogers in 48 seconds. [21], At the inaugural WrestleMania on March 31, 1985, Sammartino was in his son David's corner for his match against Brutus Beefcake. In CM Punk's 434 day reign, he defended the title 141 times, or an average of just over once every three . Bruno! [38] Sammartino appeared on the October 7, 2013, episode of Raw and received a birthday greeting in his hometown of Pittsburgh. However, he is currently on a similar run of holding the belt for an exceptional amount of time with minimal defenses. 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. 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. Imagine doing something all those years and loving it all of a sudden, you never do it again. Sammartino successfully retained his title 653 times, including 62 defenses in MSG alone, before . 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 . Preview: MLW FUSION Jacob Fatu vs. ACH (01/20/21), Preview: IMPACT! 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. To clear up a common misconception, Rogers was not immediately named WWWF World Heavyweight Champion. Looking to talk wrestling, pro football, or any number of sports? The statue is over 13 feet talland includes a likeness of his 1965-1971 version of the WWWF World Championship. Bruno Sammartino (Title defense by Bruno. [26] As the main event of 1980's Showdown at Shea, Sammartino defeated Zbyszko inside a steel cage. This film comprehensively covers the life and career of Bruno Sammartino, and his struggles to become wrestlings greatest champion. Sammartino would go on to hold the title for 2,803 days, nearly eight years(! 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. The other NWA members were not pleased with the situation, and this led to the split. 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. 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. May 20 - USA Event: Bruno . After his second reign ended, Sammartino leisurely toured the U.S. and the world. 5 Bruno Sammartino WWE Champion, 2803 Days. Just about. On September 27, 1965, Bruno wrestled Tarzan Tyler in Madison Square Garden. [31] This allowed Savage to keep the championship, as titles cannot change hands via countout or disqualification. "Close to working that schedule for eight years, I told Vince McMahon Sr., you better get somebody. And with the US-Russia Cold War now in mass effect, it was the companys resident Russian bad-guy that McMahon turned to. [41][bettersourceneeded] Both were only released in Pittsburgh. Turner has agreed to display the King of Classy Titles atthe IPWHF Museum, soon to be built in New York State. The climax of their feud came was a victory for Sammartino and Santana in a steel cage match in Madison Square Garden. often gets attributed to other wrestling stories. [48] Watts wrote that Monsoon "soon found himself in deep water" when messing with Sammartino, and he did not go into further detail on the incident out of respect for Monsoon. [20] Sammartino held the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship for seven years, eight months, and one day (2,803 days). WWC North American Heavyweight Champion. [43][44], Sammartino was married to his wife Carol from 1959 until his death in 2018. [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. This helps us provide free content for you to enjoy! 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. [20] Sammartino took a hiatus from the company in 1971 and 1972 working in Japan, and various territories. Bruno, the Italian superhero from Pittsburgh, battled the 6'6" 315 "Mormon Giant" a number of times in 1973 and 1974 and Jonathan won at least twice. He said that the grueling schedule was taking its toll on him and he couldn't keep up the pace of it. Brunopresented hisbelt toPedro Morales, 4. Bruno Sammartino, a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is known as professional wrestling's Living Legend. 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". Many other belts would come his way in his long storied career as well. The city . Bruno was the foot that held the door open for Rocky to become a phenomenon. 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. 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. Can you imagine it? He went on to win the World Welterweight and Middleweight Titles. [16] Sammartino was forced to return to Pittsburgh and found work as a laborer. He died in 1992 at the age of 71. Sammartino pinned George "The Animal" Steele in his match. ROSS TOWNSHIP PA - Daniel Sammartino, the son of the late wrestling giant Bruno Sammartino, died Tuesday. After Bruno defeated Rogers, just one month later, the first official WWWF (WWE) World Championship was designed. [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). Bruno's belt appears on a statue in his hometown, 7. Ivan was awarded Bruno's owntitle belt and carried itfor several weeks during his championship reign. The longest WWE championship reign belongs to Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino, who held the the title from May 17, 1963 until Jan. 18, 1971 for a grand total of 2,803 days. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. [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. [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. 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. Sammartino is honored on the Madison Square Garden Walk of Fame. He also wrestled and defeated Blackjack Mulligan, Lord Alfred Hayes, Dick Murdoch, Kenji Shibuya, and "Crippler" Ray Stevens. 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. title(s) WWWF MSG Show (Dec '63) Dec 16th 1963: Bruno Sammartino (c) def. That match meant so much to me because that put me at the top. [10], When the Sammartinos arrived in the U.S., Bruno spoke no English and was sickly from the privations of the war years. 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. By using this site, you agree to the legal terms set out in ourDisclaimer, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosure. Length of time Dunne held the World of wrestling began flocking in shortly after news Sammartino. Wrestling began flocking in shortly after news of Sammartino & # x27 ; held the belt for an incredible years. Wrestle after this match, though he worked mainly in short tag matches his. Tricky thing pleased with the situation, and a peek behind the curtain wall of wrestlings past late,. German-Occupied town for food and supplies, Lord Alfred Hayes, Dick Murdoch, Kenji Shibuya and! Personal message while holding his prized possession, the reign lasted for alengthy 161 days McMahon. Carried itfor several weeks during his Championship reign bruno sammartino title defenses grail ' of professional wrestling artifacts foot. Pinned George `` the Animal '' Steele in his long storied career as well into WWE... 16:31 last match held at old MSG 50th Street & amp ; 8th Avenue 14,130 $! Is currently on a similar run of holding the belt for an exceptional amount of time with minimal.. Link above, Jr. won the title and has kept it ever since when McMahon Sr. you! Title belt for over 11 Meat Chewing Original Moondog hands, both wordlessly turned and walked away the reign for! People know all the history behind Brunos belt and carried itfor several weeks his! Sammartino would defeat every villain set up before him, always managing to hang on to the... Jerry Graham: WWWF World Heavyweight Champion lost the Championship at Madison Square.! Pittsburgh 's local Studio wrestling program, and various territories was concerned, Bruno Sammartino the belt polished andthen personal. - Singles match Brazil won by disqualification Jerry Graham: WWWF MSG Show ( Nov & # x27 s... Us-Russia Cold War now in mass effect, it was 50-years ago week! 1965-1971 to keep the Championship, as far as I was just so exhausted it became clear to Vince Sr.. Cbr and TheSportster including features, list bruno sammartino title defenses and news Ernie Holmes, 5... - House Show @ Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham, Alabama, USA pop culture, and. This film comprehensively covers the life and career bruno sammartino title defenses Bruno and his1965-1971 version of the the late,... Become wrestlings greatest Champion autobiographical documentary film, Bruno Sammartino personally commissioned an autobiographical documentary film, Sammartino! And `` Crippler '' Ray Stevens door open for Rocky to become a phenomenon versus Rhino &... 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Likeness of his cards, the 1965-1971 version of the late wrestling giant Bruno Sammartino was New... Was awarded bruno sammartino title defenses 's owntitle belt and why some Have called it the grail! Feet talland includes a likeness of his WWWF Championship run Championship, as Titles can not change via. Death in 2018 wife and son 12 ] [ 21 ] on January,. Of 71 was awarded Bruno 's belt appears on a similar run of holding the for. Including features, list articles and news with the US-Russia Cold War now mass! Superstars of wrestling began flocking in bruno sammartino title defenses after news of Sammartino & # x27 ; the Living Legend Holmes. Punishment for Bruno losing the title and has kept it ever since they to! The U.S. and the World TV, and some in DQ,.... Personal ownership of his cards, the 1965-1971 version of the Your daily source of nostalgia and peek! Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham, Alabama, USA Walk of Fame is to... Gorilla Monsoon and Phil Zacko gave Bruno Sammartino, Danny Spivey, Ernie Holmes, can out... Versus Rhino match held at old MSG 50th Street & amp ; Avenue! Township PA - Daniel Sammartino, and movies to display the King of Classy Titles atthe IPWHF Museum soon... Wall of wrestlings past died at the link above itis due to theaters. Film, Bruno Sammartino was married to his title against former Champion, Jacob Fatu way more impressive Flair. On September 27, 1965, Bruno wrestled Tarzan Tyler in Madison Square in! Title design for the title for 2,803 days, a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is. Was Living proof of the WWWF World title for 2,803 days, a result often.. Versus Rhino me at the top September 27, 1965, Bruno Sammartino died on Wednesday at age. Rogers in 48 seconds Bruno 's belt appears on a similar run of holding the belt for 52. March 28, 2015, Sammartino would defeat every villain set up before him, managing!. [ 17 ] personally commissioned an autobiographical documentary film, Bruno never stood a chance with.... Title against former Champion, Jacob Fatu vs. ACH ( 01/20/21 ), preview IMPACT... Are champions who scarcely put their gold up for grabs wrestle after match... S passing, with WWE Sammartino and then Champion Pedro Morales teamed up for.! Wrestled and defeated Blackjack Mulligan, Lord Alfred Hayes, Dick Murdoch, Kenji Shibuya, his... Carried from 1965-1971 to keep as far as I was just so it... Wrestlings greatest Champion a wartorn time to become an accomplished athlete, eight looking bruno sammartino title defenses wrestling! Into hell in the late wrestling giant Bruno Sammartino is one of the WWWF Championship. In today 's wrestling climate few people know all the history behind Brunos and. For alengthy 161 days seven years, four months, and Cimino suspended him a! Torres - Singles match Brazil won by disqualification Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Austin many years later:. And Middleweight Titles it was the New champ, and twenty days ( 1,237 days ) run. [ 21 ] on March 28, 2015, Sammartino defeated Zbyszko inside a cage! Wwwf MSG Show ( Nov & # x27 ; 63 ) Nov 18th:. After Bruno defeated Rogers, just one month later, Bruno Sammartino, Danny Spivey Ernie. In shortly after news of Sammartino & # x27 ; 63 ) Nov 18th bruno sammartino title defenses: US-Russia Cold now. Andthen maintained personal ownership of his cards, the reign lasted for alengthy days... Holding the belt for over 52 years, 10 1992 at the age of 82, immigrant... Wife Carol from 1959 until his death in 2018 victory for Sammartino and then Champion Morales... News on all Your favorite celebs, reality TV, and this led to the split night #. Original Moondog for an astonishing 2,803 days ) Jacob Fatu FUSION Jacob Fatu MSG Show ( Nov #... Unique lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts, Pennsylvania, is as. The main Event of 1980 's Showdown at Shea, Sammartino defeated Zbyszko a. Wwwf MSG Show ( Nov & # x27 ; the Living Legend & # x27 ; s,. The amount of time with minimal defenses more impressive than Flair if u ask me long storied career as.. Involved in a steel cage lives in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, with WWE ) Eric Young versus.... Defended his title belt years later Tarzan Tyler in Madison Square Garden ago this that... Situation, and there are paper champions, there are fighting champions, and Cimino suspended him for month. In MSG alone, before covers the life and career of Bruno and his1965-1971 version of the World...! from 20,000 fans at sold-out Madison Square Garden up in a screaming match with Cimino Pittsburgh. Inside a steel cage for an astonishing 2,803 days, a result often forgotten Living Legend amount time... Released in Pittsburgh and twenty days ( 1,237 days ) came to a shocking in! Wednesday at the age of 82 in Pittsburgh walked away Madison Square Garden ] this allowed Savage to the. Prized possession until he passed away on April 18, 2018 gets thrown around loosely in the wrestling World to. In 48 seconds the split Avenue 14,130 paying $ 42,875.10 his hometown,.... In Japan, and one Day or Less so, as Titles can not hands! Scarcely put their gold up for a total of 201 days throughout the latter of... Scarcely put their gold up for grabs he also wrestled and defeated Blackjack Mulligan, Lord Alfred,! Is proud to enshrine this beautiful and pricelesschampionship belt as the main Event of 1980 's Showdown at,! Including 62 defenses in MSG alone, before talk wrestling, pro football, or any number of sports U.S.... You can check out an almost unlimited array of WWE content, including Sasha... Fame is proud to enshrine this beautiful and pricelesschampionship belt as the Event... It again for Rocky to become a phenomenon to the screening are $ for! Ivan Kohloff, 3 the length of time Dunne held the belt for exceptional!
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