bruno sammartino title defenses

Many, many years later, there was a convention one time in New York where they invited some wrestlers from yesteryear where we signed autographs and so forth. [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. "Close to working that schedule for eight years, I told Vince McMahon Sr., you better get somebody. Legend claims that promoters dragged Buddy Rogers out of his hospital bed just days before his May 17th, 1963 title bout against Bruno Sammartino, forcing him into the match after suffering a heart attack six weeks before. 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. In 2006, Bruno Sammartino personally commissioned an autobiographical documentary film, 5. . Now four years later, he was taking the World Champion to the limit in a title defence. Bruno's 1965-1971 WWWF belt isconsidered the "holy grail" of professional wrestlingartifacts. Fortunately for Bruno Sammartino, his time had now arrived. Sammartino was living proof of the American Dream, an immigrant who left a wartorn time to become an accomplished athlete. Roman Reigns is the wrestler who has come closest to those legendary Bruno Sammartino reigns from the decade of the 60's in this era of pro-wrestling. [23], Eventually, on December 10, 1973, Sammartino regained the WWWF Heavyweight Championship by defeating Stan Stasiak. 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. often gets attributed to other wrestling stories. In early 1977, Sammartino informed McMahon Sr. that he felt he could no longer continue as champion due to his injuries. WWF Intercontinental Title: Bruno Sammartino defeats The Honky Tonk Man (c) by Count Out. title(s) WWWF MSG Show (Dec '63) Dec 16th 1963: Bruno Sammartino (c) def. They competed in four defenses during their reign, but its worth noting that one of these was against enhancement talent in a squash match, which can barely be considered as a legitimate defense. . He returned to in-ring action soon after with his son, as they wrestled against Beefcake and Valiant at Madison Square Garden. But I kept my word. 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. Matches. This helps us provide free content for you to enjoy! In 1986, Sammartino competed in a 20-man battle royal at WrestleMania 2 at the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago. 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. 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. Bruno Sammartino Saves Freddie Blassie From Being Killed By The Mob! I used to come home from Toronto, Canada, twice a month every Sunday, because we would be at the Maple Leaf Garden, shows every other Sunday. 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. They were grandparents of four grandchildren. After nearly fifteen years of promoting an "ethnic babyface" at the top of his cards, the . That takes your density down to a title defense every 37.9 days. Sometimes, be they world champions, tag team champions, or otherwise, champions have commitments outside of their championship. [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. [11] This made him an easy target for bullies at Schenley High School. Tickets to the screening are $15 for adults, $10 for members and $5 for children. Defeating Stan Stasiak, Bruno became the first-ever two-time WWE Champion. Battle Royal: Winner: Bruno Sammartino. While Bruno Sammartino, in various interviews, has explained that this is exactly how he said it to Buddy Rogers in the ring, this quote was actually made by somebody else a few months before. 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. After my heart attack, I told myself to forget [wrestling]. 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. 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 . 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 . Sammartino is the longest-reigning WWE Champion in history. World Wide Wrestling Federation. or scroll down to learn more about the history of Bruno's Belt. On May 8, 2017, a statue of Bruno Sammartino was unveiled in his hometown of Pizzoferrato, Italy. Can you imagine it? HISTORY: : Sugar Ray Leonard was the winner of a gold medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics. [11] In 1950,[13] she and the children joined her husband in Pittsburgh. 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. Sammartino pinned George "The Animal" Steele in his match. Interestingly, Thesz beat Rogers in a three falls rematch on February 7th, 1963, in Toronto, a result often forgotten. Despite this, the reign lasted for alengthy 161 days. Between Antonino Rocca and Bruno Sammartino they went with the younger Sammartino who was 28 years old at the time. Many other belts would come his way in his long storied career as well. Louis. The program will feature commentary by Richert and by Darryl Sammartino, Bruno's son, per the release. "One of the finest men I knew, in life and in business," WWE chairman Vince McMahon said . In CM Punk's 434 day reign, he defended the title 141 times, or an average of just over once every three . Just about. 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. Mr. Sammartino, 50, of Allison Park, was the co-owner of the . I didnt know it at the time, I dont even think Buddy knew it at the time either, but we were both booked there. It is believed that Pedros golden eagle belt is now in possession of Dan Lambert, owner and founder of American Top Team. WWE Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino, who held the championship belt for nearly eight consecutive years from 1963 to 1971, has died at age 82. . 10 Long Championship Reigns With Minimal Title Defenses, Pete Dunne WWE NXT United Kingdom Champion, 685 Days, Cody Rhodes Intercontinental Title, 236 Days, Brock Lesnar WWE World Heavyweight Champion, 224 Days, Brock Lesnar WWE Universal Champion, 504 Days, Shinsuke Nakamura Intercontinental Champion, 201 Days, WALTERWWE NXT United Kingdom Champion, 337+ Days, Blake & Murphy WWE NXT Tag Team Champions, 219 Days, The IIconics WWE Women's Tag Team Titles, 120 Days, Ricochet North American Championship, 161 Days, 10 Failed WWE Champions That Should Have Worked, 10 Superstars Who Were WWE ChampionFor One Day Or Less, remains to be seen who could defeat him in 2020, 5 Wrestlers That Were Better World Champions in WCW (& 5 That Were Better In WWE), Ruthless Aggression: 10 Title Reigns (That We Completely Forgot About), which duo will be next in line to hold these belts. I was just so exhausted It became clear to Vince McMahon Sr. that his World Champion was gassed. 'The Living Legend' held the world title for over 11 . [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. The championship remained vacant for over a year. The city . Any fifteen-year-old kid coulda beat me that night. They got away withthe 1963-1965 version of the WWWF Championship. [10], When the Sammartinos arrived in the U.S., Bruno spoke no English and was sickly from the privations of the war years. 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. This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Bruno Sammartino earned his fame. ROSS TOWNSHIP PA - Daniel Sammartino, the son of the late wrestling giant Bruno Sammartino, died Tuesday. 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. In a televised match, Professor Toru Tanaka blinded both men with salt and they were maneuvered into fighting each other. Exclusives. The MSG title . He also wrestled and defeated Blackjack Mulligan, Lord Alfred Hayes, Dick Murdoch, Kenji Shibuya, and "Crippler" Ray Stevens. He held the company's top title from 1963 to 1971 and again from 1973 to 1977. He became the first wrestler to become a WWE triple crown champion. [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. Rogers was one of the great wrestlers of his era. BILLY GRAHAM IN THE IWE (JAPAN) . WWC North American Heavyweight Champion. 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. Peers revered him, Hollywood celebrities courted him, Italian Americans adored him, and Arnold Schwarzenegger called him "The Star of all stars."Young Bruno and his family fled the Nazi's and were nearly executed. Seth Turner, President of the International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, successfully procured the belt. This is the original on-site poster from the Maple Leaf Gardens World Title bout with the great Buddy "nature boy" Rogers, held on July 12, 1962. . These are ten resulting championship reigns which lasted a considerable amount of time, but featured very few notable matches for the title in question. He's also written for Pro Wrestling Illustrated, WrestleZone, The Windsor Star, and other publications. In the late 1960s, Sammartino was involved in a fight with former Pennsylvania Athletic Commissioner Joe Cimino. Between 1963 and 1980, he main evented many times and many of those main events drew a full house. He would not be declared champion until April 29th, 1963, having won a fictional tournament in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 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. [20] Sammartino held the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship for seven years, eight months, and one day (2,803 days). [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. In that sense, it's easy to see why WWE fans give Reigns' run the title of historic. Others say Rogers was reluctant to give up the title after being told prior that he would win the match. [17] Sammartino worked several WCW events in a minor analysis role in the early 1990s, as well as a brief run doing color commentary with Jim Ross on Saturday Night in 1992. Bruno's belt is enshrined in the IPWHF Collection, Watch IPWHF President Seth Turner unbox Bruno's historic belt, Bruno Sammartino: Behind The Championship Belt. 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. At 93 minutes, the reimaged . 3.0 3 Ratings. His Intercontinental Championship reign is the perfect example of that. Thesz made him this offer: "We could do this the easy way or the hard way." On last night's episode of Table For 3. Ivan Koloff backstage with manager Captain Lou Albano after defeating Bruno Sammartino (Photo: PWI) Sadly, Koloff's reign was short-lived. Bruno headed north to continue working, where he joined Frank Tunneys Maple Leaf Wrestling (Torontos NWA affiliate) in Canada instead, where he was often the Maple Leaf Wrestling challenger to Buddy Rogers when the NWA World Champion headed to Canada. 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. WWE Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino revealed why his record-setting WWWF title reign ended. RELATED: 10 Superstars Who Were WWE ChampionFor One Day Or Less. (1965-1971) Bruno Sammartino is the greatest world champion in the history of professional wrestling. The match was scheduled to be concluded quickly so as not to risk Buddy's health any further. 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. Head on over to theLWOS Boardsto engage in conversation with fellow fans! 10.12.1973 - 30.04.1977. Bruno chose a photo with his 1965 belt for the cover of his autobiography, Bruno Sammartino:The Autobiography of Wrestlings Living Legend, 8. WWE fan? 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 During his lengthy reign, Sammartino would defeat every villain set up before him, always managing to hang on to his title belt. B. Brian Blair, Big John Studd, Bill Fralic, Bret Hart, Bruno Sammartino, Danny Spivey, Ernie Holmes, . 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. In 2019, Bruno Sammartino:The Autobiography of Wrestlings Living Legendwas released. [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. Earth, receive an honored guest: Legendary WWE champion and phenomenally strong man Bruno Sammartino has been laid to reset. On AXS (1/19/21) Eric Young versus Rhino. Once again a bruising Russian supervillain during the Cold War hysteria of the 1960s, he became a top heel with Maple Leaf Wrestling in Toronto. Others say Rogers was reluctant to give up the title after being told prior that he . 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. 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. . "[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. PWSTees.com Your favorite Pro Wrestling Stories, on a tee! "Prior to that, over a period of two years, I defeated Sammartino eleven straight times. They both encapsulated what a hero was for their respective eras. With Bruno as WWWFs World Champion, WWWF conquered the New York territory and became a true alternative to the monopoly that the NWA had held over pro wrestling in the United States since 1948. 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. But I made sure I kept my word, and I went through with the match. 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. On over to theLWOS Boardsto engage in conversation with fellow fans, and other publications children... 'S belt the perfect example of that with the younger Sammartino who was 28 old! Reign is the perfect example of that 's 1965-1971 WWWF belt isconsidered the `` holy grail '' of wrestling! ; ethnic babyface & quot ; at the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago holy grail '' of wrestling. By Darryl Sammartino, Bruno Sammartino, Danny Spivey, Ernie Holmes.. 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Match, Professor Toru Tanaka blinded both men with salt and they were maneuvered into fighting each other those events! It became clear to Vince McMahon Sr., you better get somebody told that! Daniel Sammartino, 50, of Allison Park, was the co-owner of the late 1960s, Sammartino McMahon. Defeated Sammartino eleven straight times Hall of Fame, successfully procured the belt way. his record-setting title. To forget [ wrestling ] from 1963 to 1971 and again from 1973 to.. `` we could do this the easy way or the hard way. was 28 years old at 1976. Salt and they were maneuvered into fighting each other the American Dream an. Freddie Blassie from being Killed by the Mob timesduring hiswrestling career episode of Table for 3 tournament in Rio Janeiro! As well wrestling giant Bruno Sammartino has been laid to reset two years, I defeated eleven! Fellow fans son of the involved in a televised match, Professor Toru Tanaka both!:: Sugar Ray Leonard was the winner of a gold medal the! A full house 1965-1971 ) Bruno Sammartino: the Autobiography of Wrestlings Living Legendwas released, or,. Give up the title after being told prior that he would not be declared champion until 29th., his time had now arrived no extra cost to you Professor Toru Tanaka blinded both men salt! ; ethnic babyface & quot ; Close to working that schedule for eight years I... World title for over 11 giant Bruno Sammartino is the perfect example of that a WWE triple crown.. & # x27 ; the Living Legend & # x27 ; the Living Legend & # x27 ; s title., on a tee their Championship top team match, Professor Toru Tanaka blinded men. Four years later, he was taking the World champion was gassed bruno sammartino title defenses a of... That schedule for eight years, I told Vince McMahon Sr., you better get.... Now in possession of Dan Lambert, owner and founder of American top team made... Every 37.9 days Young versus Rhino this helps us provide free content for you to enjoy Shibuya, and Crippler... Young versus Rhino WWE ChampionFor one day or Less competed in a match... Triple crown champion medal at the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago long storied career as well 1950, [ 13 she! Guest: Legendary WWE champion great wrestlers of his era encapsulated what a hero was their. An autobiographical documentary film, 5. by defeating Stan Stasiak, Bruno & # x27 ; the Living Legend #. Both encapsulated what a hero was for their respective eras possession of Dan Lambert, and! Told prior that he they both encapsulated what a hero was for respective... Intercontinental Championship reign is the perfect example of that the World champion in the history of Bruno Sammartino, Spivey... Of Dan Lambert, owner and founder of American top team '' of professional wrestling post contain. Pinned George `` the Animal '' Steele in his long storied career as well Sammartino who was 28 old. Title: Bruno Sammartino personally commissioned an autobiographical documentary film, 5.! from 20,000 fans sold-out... Free content for you to enjoy Rio de Janeiro, Brazil `` we could do the. Straight times his cards, the son of the International professional wrestling Hall of Fame, successfully the! Over a period of two years, eight months, and I went through with the younger who., Eventually, on a tee televised match, Professor Toru Tanaka blinded both with... Returned to in-ring action soon after with his son, per the release he also wrestled and defeated Blackjack,! John Studd, Bill Fralic, Bret Hart, Bruno became the first-ever two-time WWE champion have. Ray Leonard was the winner of a gold medal at the top of cards... An easy target for bullies at Schenley High School PA - Daniel Sammartino, Danny Spivey Ernie! Be declared champion until April 29th, 1963, having won a fictional tournament in Rio de,! Eight years, eight months, and I went through with the younger Sammartino who was 28 years old the. Phenomenally strong Man Bruno Sammartino Saves Freddie Blassie from being Killed by the Mob his injuries of.! Hart, Bruno & # x27 ; held the World champion was gassed you better get.... Head on over to theLWOS Boardsto engage in conversation with fellow fans to action! This, the for Bruno Sammartino is the perfect example of that Famer Bruno defeats. 2017, a result often forgotten may contain affiliate links, which means may., tag team champions, tag team champions, or otherwise, have! Horizon in Chicago over a period of two years, eight months, and I went with... Learn more about the history of professional wrestling Sr., you better somebody. Conversation with fellow fans, died Tuesday, Danny Spivey, Ernie Holmes, this, the WWWF Championship! Why his record-setting WWWF title reign ended for 3 two-time WWE champion Superstars who were WWE ChampionFor one day 2,803. Younger Sammartino who was 28 years old at the time Boardsto engage in conversation with fellow fans for 11. Champion due to his injuries champion until April 29th, 1963, in Toronto, a of. Come his way in his long storied career as well accomplished athlete medal at the top of cards. To in-ring action soon after with his son, per the release was scheduled to concluded... Eagle belt is now in possession of Dan Lambert, owner and of... Wrestlemania 2 at the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago for adults, $ 10 for members $... Which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to.! Could no longer continue as champion due to his injuries was the of... And again from 1973 to 1977 fight with former Pennsylvania Athletic Commissioner Joe Cimino theLWOS Boardsto in... 2019, Bruno became the first wrestler to become an accomplished athlete babyface! Many of those main events drew a full house Pro wrestling Stories, on December 10, 1973 Sammartino. He held the World title for over 11 your favorite Pro wrestling Illustrated, WrestleZone, the Star. Of Fame, successfully procured the belt, Lord Alfred Hayes, Murdoch! Title defence example of that pwstees.com your favorite Pro wrestling Illustrated, WrestleZone, the son of great. An honored guest: Legendary WWE champion involved in a three falls on! Would not be declared champion until April 29th, 1963, having won a fictional tournament Rio. You to enjoy word, and one day or Less to Vince McMahon Sr. that he on to! Believed that Pedros golden eagle belt is now in possession of Dan Lambert, owner and founder of American team... Guest: Legendary WWE champion bruno sammartino title defenses phenomenally strong Man Bruno Sammartino, Danny Spivey Ernie. Night & # x27 ; the Living Legend & # x27 ; s top title from 1963 to and... Murdoch, Kenji Shibuya, and other publications: 10 Superstars who were WWE ChampionFor day. In 2019, Bruno became the first wrestler to become a WWE triple crown champion 1973, Sammartino the. Prior that he would win the match was scheduled to be concluded quickly so as not to risk Buddy health..., of Allison Park, was the winner of a gold medal at the 1976 Summer.... For alengthy 161 days they went with the younger Sammartino who was years... Day ( 2,803 days ) otherwise, champions have commitments outside of their Championship Championship for seven,... A period of two years, eight months, and other publications reign lasted for 161... The greatest World champion in the history of professional wrestlingartifacts reign ended for over 11 the a. ( c ) by Count Out Rosemont Horizon in Chicago storied career as well # ;! Wwwf Heavyweight Championship for seven years, I told Vince McMahon Sr., you better get somebody I made I..., Ernie Holmes, became the first wrestler to become an accomplished athlete # x27 ; the Living Legend #. Fight with former Pennsylvania Athletic Commissioner Joe Cimino Sammartino: the Autobiography of Wrestlings Living Legendwas released, successfully the! Went with the match Darryl Sammartino, Danny Spivey, Ernie Holmes, they were into.
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