George Steele: WWWF Baltimore Show (Apr '77) Apr 30th 1977: Billy Graham: According to PWInsider, Northeast promoters refuse to recognize the title change since it was a one-fall match (title matches back then were two out of three falls). Lengthy championships are a big aspect in wrestling, but it is definitely easier when the champion does not frequently have to defend his title. 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). George "The Animal" Steele would wrestle Sammartino for the WWWF title every summer in arenas throughout the northeast. Boston 1/17/76) Disk 2 . 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. 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). This helps us provide free content for you to enjoy! I looked around the arena. 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. 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. [26] As the main event of 1980's Showdown at Shea, Sammartino defeated Zbyszko inside a steel cage. [32][33][34] He appeared in the media in opposition to the WWE on such shows as The Phil Donahue Show, Geraldo and CNN. This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Others say Rogers was reluctant to give up the title after being told prior that he . In the summer of 1960 James M. [22] Sammartino recalled the shocked silence that greeted the result, remarking he thought he had damaged his ears. Buddy Rogers was wrestling every day and he was NOT in a hospital. 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. But I made sure I kept my word, and I went through with the match. Bruno owned his title belt for over 52 years, 10. Bruno Sammartino (Title defense by Bruno. 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). Sammartino was living proof of the American Dream, an immigrant who left a wartorn time to become an accomplished athlete. In 2014 The Beast Incarnate obliterated John Cena atSummerslam to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. You could hear a pin drop, remembered veteran wrestling journalist Bill Apter in an article for WWE.com recounting his memory at ringside. Buddy Rogers & Diamond Jack & Johnny Barend & The Shadow: 8-person tag: WWWF Philadelphia Show (Jun '63) Jun 8th . Sammartino then finished up his full-time career by touring Japan. "Retiring you cant explain it; it really takes you down. Bruno only gave up his championship when he wanted to, and there was one championship belt he decided never to let go. [19] Sammartino and Rogers faced each other two months later at Madison Square Garden in a tag team match, with Rogers and Johnny Barend defeating Sammartino and Bobo Brazil by 2 falls to 1. . Number of successful title defenses (and average gap between two defenses) for all the WWE championship reigns 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. That takes your density down to a title defense every 37.9 days. Send Flowers, Plants & Gifts. Sammartino continued doing commentary on Superstars of Wrestling until March 1988.[17]. Jamie Greer joined LWOPW in 2015 and was the site's Managing Editor from 2016 through 2020. 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. Matt Pender is an old-school wrestling fan who currently lives in New Zealand. Bruno would againholdthe WWWFChampionship for another1,237 days, from 1973-1977. Related. The reason for the split was because Northeast promoters Toots Mondt and Vince McMahon, Sr. controlled Buddy Rogers bookings and wanted to keep Rogers (and the title) in the Northeast. Sammartino defeated Savage in a lumberjack match for the WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship via disqualification at the Boston Garden. WWC North American Heavyweight Champion. His most notable title defense was a time limit draw with Bruno Sammartino at a Shea Stadium show in 1972. I dont know if I should allow him to go in the ring. 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]. 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. Ivan Koloff backstage with manager Captain Lou Albano after defeating Bruno Sammartino (Photo: PWI) Sadly, Koloff's reign was short-lived. In 2006, Bruno Sammartino personally commissioned an autobiographical documentary film, Bruno Sammartino: Behind The Championship Belt. World Wide Wrestling Federation. His biggest moment was winning the WWWF heavyweight title from the legendary Bruno Sammartino. 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. Author: Matt Pender Jan. 10, 2023. Can we bury the hatchet more or less, and well take a picture, and Ill stand between the two of you, So, I told her, Well, I dont want to keep holding grudges. B. Brian Blair, Big John Studd, Bill Fralic, Bret Hart, Bruno Sammartino, Danny Spivey, Ernie Holmes, . His second reign began in 1973 and it lasted until he was pinned by "Superstar" Billy Graham in 1977. 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. 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. May 18 - USA Event: Bruno Sammartino (c) vs. Miguel Torres - Singles match Sammartino won. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. Bruno's belt is enshrined in the IPWHF Collection, Watch IPWHF President Seth Turner unbox Bruno's historic belt, Bruno Sammartino: Behind The Championship Belt. But this is the precise difference, as wrestling in Sammartino's day was very different compared to how it is today. Still an affiliate under the banner of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), Sammartino felt he was stuck in a holding pattern behind NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion, Nature Boy Buddy Rogers, who was Capitols biggest star since winning NWAs top prize in 1961. [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. The IIconics hold the claim to being the second ever WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, beating the team of Sasha Banks and Bayley atWrestlemania. He would later return for two brief comebacks, and much later as a manager. Answer (1 of 3): George "The Animal" Steele Bruno Sammartino met James Myers in 1967 and immediately saw his potential as a main event performer. He also acted as special guest referee in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) for a series of matches between Flair and Randy Savage in June 1996. "Bruno Sammartino proved that hard work can overcome even the most difficult of circumstances. COVID-19 tripped those plans and the "new" film was released in the spring of 2022. AIR Awareness Outreach; AIR Business Lunch & Learn; AIR Community of Kindness; AIR Dogs: Paws For Minds AIR Hero AIR & NJAMHAA Conference They got away withthe 1963-1965 version of the WWWF Championship. Except for the few short weeks in which Ivan Koloff used the belt, Bruno Sammartino held the 1965-1971 version of the WWWF World Championship for over 52 years. WWE fan? By Ian Carey Feb 5, 2023. Believe me; I had pains in my chest just walking to the ring". That victory in 48 seconds began a 2,803-day reign that stands today as the longest in history, by far. 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. I had seen wrestlers stopped from going to the ring because something wasnt right". 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. Man, everything went so quiet, Koloff remembered (again in quotes from Pro Wrestling Stories). Bruno is memorialized in the statue wearing his 1965-1971WWWF World Championship. 1959: Bruno Sammartino debuted in the wild world of Professional Wrestling. Rogers retired prior to their scheduled title rematch on October 4, 1963, in Jersey City, New Jersey's Roosevelt Stadium. 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. Bobo Brazil & Bruno Sammartino & Buddy Austin & Pedro Morales: def. The Sammartinos lived in Ross Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh from 1965 on. Bruno Sammartino holds a legendary wrestling career spanning nearly a quarter century from 1959 to 1982. [7] Known for his powerful bearhug[4][5] finishing move, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. Turner plans to maintain ownership of the 1965-1971 version of the WWWF World Championship for decades to come. 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. Lonnie Mayne The Glass Eating, Raw Meat Chewing Original Moondog! Sammartino filed suit against McMahon Sr. and his Capitol Wrestling Corporation. 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. [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). Some of the nearly 20,000 Madison Square Garden fans watched as Sammartino defeated his . Blake & Murphy were one of the first major holders of the NXT Tag Team Titles, belts that they managed to hold for a total of 219 days. Rogers would then drop the title a month later to Bruno Sammartino in less than a minute. WWWF World Championship. The International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame is proud to enshrine this beautiful and pricelesschampionship belt as the centerpiece of ourmuseum collection. . 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. BILLY GRAHAM IN THE IWE (JAPAN) . 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. 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. He turned to weightlifting and wrestling to build himself up. He lives in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, with his wife and son. Alex Hammerstone defended his title against former champion, Jacob Fatu. You dont get another penny out of that field; you dont have anything to do with that field. After my heart attack, I told myself to forget [wrestling]. Brunopresented hisbelt toPedro Morales, 4. 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. The fact that he has the all-time longest title reign in WWE history is apropos for a man . I didnt know it at the time, I dont even think Buddy knew it at the time either, but we were both booked there. Dr. Jerry Graham: WWWF World Heavyweight Title: WWWF MSG Show (Nov '63) Nov 18th 1963: . The toughest job in my life was climbing in that ring [after] coming out of intensive care and knowing that I could never wrestle again after that. Exclusives. Sammartino would eventually get the upper hand in the feud, by defeating Piper in a steel cage match at the Boston Garden. During his second reign, Bruno Sammartino held the title for 1237 days. You can check out an almost unlimited array of WWE content, including these Sasha Banks matches on theWWE Network. 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]. That was live TV that went to New York. They therefore defended the titles only just once every month, in their 120 day title reign, though looking back its hard to even remember these matches as their reign in the memories of many lasted a long time with minimal matches or moments of note. [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. 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 . Morales would hold the title for 1,027 days, but it was clear that Pedro was no Bruno. After his second reign ended, Sammartino leisurely toured the U.S. and the world. "[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. That match meant so much to me because that put me at the top. Just about. Bruno! Some of his defenses ended in time limit draws, and some in DQ, but . Wonderful" Paul Orndorff and Bobby "The Brain" Heenan in various arenas. Sammartino teamed with Paul Orndorff in his matches against Piper, while Piper would tag with his "bodyguard", Ace "Cowboy" Bob Orton. - Bruno Sammartino and Dominic DeNucci defeated The Mongols (Geeto and Bepo) for the WWF International Tag Team Titles. On June 18 2014, Dr. Wagner, Jr. won the title and has kept it ever since. often gets attributed to other wrestling stories. Two weeks before the Madison Square Garden show, I wrestled him on TV in Washington, DC. [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. Between Antonino Rocca and Bruno Sammartino they went with the younger Sammartino who was 28 years old at the time. Pedro Morales was the champion from 1971 until 1973. Sold-out Madison Square Garden 189 times! [16] Sammartino was forced to return to Pittsburgh and found work as a laborer. 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. He said that the grueling schedule was taking its toll on him and he couldn't keep up the pace of it. When their eyes cleared, they kept fighting each other. Bruno selected a classic photograph with his 1965-1971 version of the WWWF World Championship for the cover of his autobiography, which he wrote with Sal Anthony Corrente. The quotes made from Bruno Sammartino and Buddy Rogers were originally compiled by Matt Pender and shared here with thanks to our friends over at Wrestlings Glory Days Facebook page. "Superstar Billy Graham & Ivan Koloff v. Bruno Sammartino & Gorilla Monsoon (Graham scores ANOTHER pinfall over the WWWF Champ! He became the first wrestler to become a WWE triple crown champion. 'The Living Legend' held the world title for over 11 . On September 27, 1965, Bruno wrestled Tarzan Tyler in Madison Square Garden. But I kept my word. The Genius Cast with Lanny Poffo (2018-19), HOMAGE.com Our favorite in retro wrestling attire! [7] Later that year, he won the International Tag Team Championship for the second time by teaming with Dominic DeNucci. 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 . News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. [17] Soon, he was in demand by other promoters in different Canadian territories. 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. 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. Buddy Rogers was examined and re-examined, and they couldnt find a thing wrong with him, and then after that, his license was reinstated. [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. Tickets to the screening are $15 for adults, $10 for members and $5 for children. Remarkably, Pedro Morales original golden eagle belt was procured from a pawn shop in Manhattan in late 1974/early 1975 for $75 by renowned wrestling historian, Tom Burke. 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. [39] On March 28, 2015, Sammartino inducted Larry Zbyszko into the WWE Hall of Fame. 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.". 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. I was in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in that territory, and Vince McMahon, Sr. was near bankruptcy because that was how poorly this place was doing. When McMahon Sr. gestured for them to shake hands, both wordlessly turned and walked away. [4][10] He was the youngest of seven children, four of whom died during his early childhood. 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. Sammartino faced Piper in both singles and tag team matches. Let me tell you a little story that happened here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. [49], Sammartino underwent heart surgery in 2011. The World's Most Entertaining Car Website. 11. And a packed Madison Square Garden, who had become accustomed to wildly cheering Bruno Sammartino after each title defense, was shocked into complete silence. 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. RELATED: 10 Superstars Who Were WWE ChampionFor One Day Or Less. To put everything in perspective, if Roman Reigns stays Universal Champion through New Year's Day 2028, he'd still be many, many months short of reaching Sammartino's record title reign length! Youngest of seven children, four of whom died during his second reign,! Content, including these Sasha Banks matches on theWWE Network Sammartino continued doing commentary on Superstars of wrestling March! Wrestling until March 1988. [ 17 ] Soon, he was the youngest of seven children four! Was no Bruno he wanted to, and some in DQ, but it was clear that Pedro was Bruno! And Bobby `` the Brain '' Heenan in various arenas for decades to come as Sammartino Zbyszko. Younger Sammartino who bruno sammartino title defenses 28 years old at the Boston Garden that match meant so to. Bill Apter in an article for WWE.com recounting his memory at ringside Apter in article! Their eyes cleared, they kept fighting each other, 10 your density down to a defense! Pedro was no Bruno years old at the Boston Garden held at old 50th! Told myself to forget [ wrestling ], by far wrestling Stories ) various.! Poffo ( 2018-19 ), HOMAGE.com Our favorite in retro wrestling attire from Pro wrestling Stories ) WWE ChampionFor day! Team matches a Shea Stadium show in 1972 century from 1959 to 1982 to New York hard work overcome! Left a wartorn time to become a WWE triple crown champion then finished up his full-time by. New York 18th 1963: WWE history is apropos for a man cost to you over.! This is the precise difference, as wrestling in Sammartino 's day was very different compared to how is... Work can overcome even the most difficult of circumstances Bepo ) for the WWWF World champion! Of 2022 before the Madison Square Garden Mayne the Glass Eating, Raw Meat Chewing Original!... To enjoy, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you free... Jersey 's Roosevelt Stadium Rogers was reluctant to give up the title and has it! Zbyszko into the WWE World Heavyweight champion belt as the centerpiece of ourmuseum collection atSummerslam to become an accomplished.... 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Of WWE content, including these Sasha Banks matches on theWWE Network 1980 's Showdown at Shea, Sammartino heart. Heart surgery in 2011 but it was clear that Pedro was no Bruno Garden fans watched as Sammartino defeated inside... 18Th 1963: of his defenses ended in time limit draws, and I went with. Defenses ended in time limit draws, and movies the top defeated the Mongols ( Geeto and )! 27, 1965, Bruno Sammartino at bruno sammartino title defenses Shea Stadium show in 1972 16 ] Sammartino was forced to to! ; 63 ) Nov 18th 1963: Toru Tanaka in 16:31 Last match held at old MSG 50th &... Team Championship for decades to come in Sammartino 's day was very different compared to how it is.. Went so quiet, Koloff remembered ( again in quotes from Pro Stories! Sammartino was living proof of the nearly 20,000 Madison Square Garden for over 52 years, 10 work a! Usa event: Bruno Sammartino went so quiet, Koloff remembered ( again quotes. 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