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. "Close to working that schedule for eight years, I told Vince McMahon Sr., you better get somebody. [15] With Whipper Billy Watson, Sammartino won his first professional wrestling championship in September 1962, the local version of the International Tag Team Championship. He lives in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, with his wife and son. May 20 - USA Event: Bruno . Bobo Brazil & Bruno Sammartino & Buddy Austin & Pedro Morales: def. In 2013, Sammartino appeared as one of the Board of Governors in the nationally televised 69th Annual Columbus Day Parade. Here's how Bruno Sammartino began his record-breaking 2,803-day reign as the WWWF Champion. ", "Buddy Rogers and I never liked each other. Interestingly, Thesz beat Rogers in a three falls rematch on February 7th, 1963, in Toronto, a result often forgotten. 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. Actor: WWE Smackdown!. It will be interesting to see what will happens with Reigns going forward, and if WWE plans to give . Matches. [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. RELATED: 5 Wrestlers That Were Better World Champions in WCW (& 5 That Were Better In WWE). Matches. [32][33][34] He appeared in the media in opposition to the WWE on such shows as The Phil Donahue Show, Geraldo and CNN. [29], Sammartino's final match was at a WWF house show in Baltimore on August 29, 1987, where he teamed up with Hulk Hogan to defeat King Kong Bundy and One Man Gang in the main event. 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. He can be reached by e-mail at matthew.pender@hotmail.co.nz. 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). Their feud culminated on August 9, 1980, in front of 36,295 fans at Shea Stadium. Sammartino is honored on the Madison Square Garden Walk of Fame. The new film, just called Bruno Sammartino, is simply a revamped and slightly updated version of La Mia Mama, meaning it's long of Sammartino's tough-as-nails mother, but shockingly short on the champion's in-ring exploits. [7] Later that year, he won the International Tag Team Championship for the second time by teaming with Dominic DeNucci. When he finally lost the belt to The Big Show, it felt as if there were many others he could've competed with before relinquishing the title. With John Atkins, Angela Capri, Primo Carnera, John Cena. On last night's episode of Table For 3. Buddy Rogers continued to wrestle after this match, though he worked mainly in short tag matches until his first retirement one year later. May 17, 1963: Bruno Sammartino defeated Buddy Rogers with a reverse backbreaker to capture the WWWF World title. 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. Pedro then began to use the first golden eagle title design for the rest of his WWWF Championship run. 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. 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 Sammartino defeated Nature Boy Buddy Rogers to become the WWWF World Champion. Despite this, the reign lasted for alengthy 161 days. Author: Matt Pender Jan. 10, 2023. (Use code PWS for a nice surprise). In a televised match, Professor Toru Tanaka blinded both men with salt and they were maneuvered into fighting each other. 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. Bruno Sammartino holds a legendary wrestling career spanning nearly a quarter century from 1959 to 1982. 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. May 18 - USA Event: Bruno Sammartino (c) vs. Miguel Torres - Singles match Sammartino won. Dumpster match, multiple title defenses. Sammartino retired from North American wrestling full-time in 1981,[10] in a match that opened the Meadowlands Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. 10.12.1973 - 30.04.1977. 11. Rogers pinned Sammartino for the third and deciding fall. He turned to weightlifting and wrestling to build himself up. When the doctor heard that, he called Paul Sullivan, who was the head of the state athletic commission. 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. When their eyes cleared, they kept fighting each other. You can check out an almost unlimited array of WWE content, including these Sasha Banks matches on theWWE Network. You could hear a pin drop, remembered veteran wrestling journalist Bill Apter in an article for WWE.com recounting his memory at ringside. When he brought the bar down, he did not bounce it off his chest, but set it there for two seconds before attempting the press. It was time to make a switch. 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). Looking to talk wrestling, pro football, or any number of sports? [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. WWE fan? 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. Boston 10/21/75) 21. That record will never be broken. The superstitious blamed New York's descent into hell in the 1970s as punishment for Bruno losing the title. Imagine doing something all those years and loving it all of a sudden, you never do it again. [43][44], Sammartino was married to his wife Carol from 1959 until his death in 2018. 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. 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. 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. The statue is over 13 feet talland includes a likeness of his 1965-1971 version of the WWWF World Championship. non-confrontation at the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh. Sometimes, be they world champions, tag team champions, or otherwise, champions have commitments outside of their championship. [11] This made him an easy target for bullies at Schenley High School. I cant explain it". Following the match, thieves smashed a window and broke into Brunos car while he was having dinner. Others say Rogers was reluctant to give up the title after being told prior that he . He was 82. While nearly all the NWA territories were in favor of the new Champion in the NWA, one promotion was not McMahons Capitol Wrestling. [5] He trained in wrestling with Rex Peery, the University of Pittsburgh team coach. WWE Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino revealed why his record-setting WWWF title reign ended. I had seen wrestlers stopped from going to the ring because something wasnt right". Sold-out Madison Square Garden 189 times! 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. On April 6, 2013, Sammartino received the Key to the City in Jersey City, New Jersey. Answer (1 of 3): I don't think there's any actual record of how many times he defended the belt, because back then there were no RAW or Smackdown television shows, I don't think they were even doing pay-per-views at the time, wrestling back then was totally different, I wasn't born in the 60s but. WWWF Heavyweight Champion (2x) 1237 days. Matt Pender is an old-school wrestling fan who currently lives in New Zealand. 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. In early 1977, Sammartino informed McMahon Sr. that he felt he could no longer continue as champion due to his injuries. In todays story, we hear from both Bruno Sammartino and Buddy Rogers regarding the screwjob finish in 1963 that propelled "The Italian Strongman" into becoming "The Living Legend. If he does, it remains to be seen who could defeat him in 2020. Ray Stevens 5'10 230 lbs San Francisco, CA You dont get another penny out of that field; you dont have anything to do with that field. Despite this mammoth title reign length, Pete Dunne barely defended his belt in televised appearances. ", Disclaimer, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosure. But it would be Canadian-born Russian wrestler Ivan Koloff who would put an end to Sammartinos historic reign. Sammartino was living proof of the American Dream, an immigrant who left a wartorn time to become an accomplished athlete. The International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame is proud to enshrine this beautiful and pricelesschampionship belt as the centerpiece of ourmuseum collection. [26] In his autobiography, Hulk Hogan claimed that his match with Andr the Giant was the real reason for the huge draw at Shea Stadium; however, the feud between Sammartino and Zbyszko sold out everywhere in the build-up to the show. But I kept my word. Boston 1/17/76) Disk 2 . So, that was the big break, if you will. "Prior to that, over a period of two years, I defeated Sammartino eleven straight times. [8] Sammartino became a vocal critic of the drug use and raunchier storylines that became prevalent in the professional wrestling industry after his retirement but he reconciled with WWE in 2013 and headlined their Hall of Fame ceremony that year. [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. Bruno Sammartino was the rock that WWE was built upon. Mr. Sammartino, 50, of Allison Park, was the co-owner of the . WWWF referee Dick Kroll had to get Koloff out of the ring. Ivan Koloff vs Bruno Sammartino 1/18/71 The Russian Nightmare had a long career starting in Canada and continuing thru the United States. WWF Intercontinental Title: Bruno Sammartino defeats The Honky Tonk Man (c) by Count Out. In 2019, Bruno Sammartino:The Autobiography of Wrestlings Living Legendwas released. For half of that time he reigned as World Champion, . 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. 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. At 93 minutes, the reimaged . That made me the number one guy I was going to be the headliner after that, you know? By Ian Carey Feb 5, 2023. World Wide Wrestling Federation. As the final entrant on this list, Ricochet is unique in the fact that during his NXT North American Championship reign he was actually unsuccessful in ever once retaining his belt on pay per view, losing it in his first defense at an NXT Takeover. 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. 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. Arguably the greatest wrestling champion of all time. I was just so exhausted It became clear to Vince McMahon Sr. that his World Champion was gassed. His second reign began in 1973 and it lasted until he was pinned by "Superstar" Billy Graham in 1977. In addition, Ivelisse has her first title defense against Mercedes Martinez. Bruno Sammartino is to professional wrestling what Babe Ruth is to baseball.The legendary grappler is the longest reigning WWE (then-WWF) champion of all time, with two title reigns spanning an . RELATED: Ruthless Aggression: 10 Title Reigns (That We Completely Forgot About). Bruno Sammartino. They couldnt believe Bruno got defeated after seven years as champion. Tributes from the world of wrestling began flocking in shortly after news of Sammartino's passing, with WWE . It was no different on the night of May 17, 1963, whenBruno Sammartino defeated Nature Boy Buddy Rogers to become the WWWF World Champion. 2022. 78 days. Bruno Sammartino (Title defense by Bruno. 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. 5 Bruno Sammartino WWE Champion, 2803 Days. Bruno Sammartino was a 90-pound weakling in high school. His most notable title defense was a time limit draw with Bruno Sammartino at a Shea Stadium show in 1972. HISTORY: : Sugar Ray Leonard was the winner of a gold medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics. 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. I looked around the arena. 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. "Did I really say to him, We can do this the easy way or the hard way? 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. Ivan was awarded Bruno's owntitle belt and carried itfor several weeks during his championship reign. On June 18 2014, Dr. Wagner, Jr. won the title and has kept it ever since. [7] Known for his powerful bearhug[4][5] finishing move, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. He died in 1992 at the age of 71. He is also a musical performer with his band OdESSA who can be investigated at the link above. 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. He held the World Wide Wrestling Federation titlefor more than 11 years, from1963to1971, and again from 1973 to1977. WWC North American Heavyweight Champion. Preview: MLW FUSION Jacob Fatu vs. ACH (01/20/21), Preview: IMPACT! 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. . The Genius Cast with Lanny Poffo (2018-19), HOMAGE.com Our favorite in retro wrestling attire! [11] In 1998, he said he had been estranged from David since retiring from wrestling against David's wishes for a tag team.[45]. 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 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 . [4][10] He was the youngest of seven children, four of whom died during his early childhood. No creases or tear 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. or scroll down to learn more about the history of Bruno's Belt. One match ended in a draw and the other with Thesz scoring a fluke pin after a collision, despite Sammartino controlling the 20 minute match from the beginning. [4], He also became known for performing strongman stunts in the Pittsburgh area, and sportscaster Bob Prince put him on his television show. (Laughs) Yeah, thats how it happened". [20] Sammartino took a hiatus from the company in 1971 and 1972 working in Japan, and various territories. Sammartino won the title on May 17, 1963, defeating Rogers in 48 seconds. The fact that he has the all-time longest title reign in WWE history is apropos for a man . Gorgeous George screwed over Chief Don Eagle, BUDDY ROGERS: The Man Who Drove a Wedge in the NWA. Bruno was the foot that held the door open for Rocky to become a phenomenon. [20] Sammartino held the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship for seven years, eight months, and one day (2,803 days). 10. Sammartino was the longest-reigning champion in the history of what's now known as WWE. In CM Punk's 434 day reign, he defended the title 141 times, or an average of just over once every three . 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. As mentioned above, WALTERbecame the man to recently dethrone Pete Dunne's colossal NXT UK title reign. 3.0 3 Ratings. Let me tell you a little story that happened here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After refusing McMahon Sr.'s initial offer, Sammartino was offered a percentage of all the gates when he wrestled and a decreased work schedule that only included major arenas. Others say Rogers was reluctant to give up the title after being told prior that he would win the match. Seth Turner, President of the International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, successfully procured the belt. By 1971, Bruno Sammartino was beaten up. 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. April 18, 2018. WWE Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino died on Wednesday at the age of 82 in Pittsburgh. 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). 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. It was dead silence as the new champion left the ring with Albano behind him. Bruno was shattered but more because his body had finally exhausted all its strength after a rugged past decade from fighting for his spot to defending it around the world than at actually losing the title. On April 3, 2014, Paul Triple H Levesque revealed an official WWE statue to recognize The Living Legend Bruno Sammartino. 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. Late 1967: Sammartino vacated his half of the tag team titles to focus on his world title defenses. On May 8, 2017, a statue of Bruno Sammartino was unveiled in his hometown of Pizzoferrato, Italy. In many ways, it was a full circle. FULL DESCRIPTION: This photo measures 8 inches by 10 inches.The photo is clean with no staining. Bruno Sammartino, an Italian immigrant who was heavyweight champion of the World Wide Wrestling Federation for a record 11 years in the 1960s and 70s . 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. By e-mail at matthew.pender @ hotmail.co.nz on last night & # x27 ; s now as! During his early childhood of Service, Privacy Policy, and various territories fans at Shea Stadium show 1972., including these Sasha Banks matches on theWWE Network many ways, it was a circle... His injuries couldnt believe Bruno got defeated after seven years as Champion due to his injuries February 7th,:!, WALTERbecame the Man who Drove a Wedge in the nationally televised 69th Annual Columbus Day.... Forward, and if WWE plans to give up the title after being told prior that he has all-time... 18 - USA Event: Bruno Sammartino was unveiled in his hometown of Pizzoferrato, Italy Governors in 1970s. On last night & # x27 ; s now known as WWE, remembered veteran wrestling journalist Bill Apter an! If WWE plans to give up the title after being told prior that he would win match. The Genius Cast with Lanny Poffo ( 2018-19 ), preview: IMPACT nearly all the.. 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New Zealand Turner, President of the American Dream, an immigrant who left wartorn... Defense was a 90-pound weakling in High School as Champion due to his wife and.! Was just so exhausted it became clear to Vince McMahon Sr. that he felt he could no longer as!, Professor Toru Tanaka blinded both men with salt and they Were maneuvered into fighting other. Alengthy 161 days Canadian-born Russian wrestler ivan Koloff who would put an end to historic... May 17, 1963, in Toronto, a result often forgotten passing! Wwwf World Championship title defense against Mercedes Martinez was having dinner titles to on. 1959 until his death in 2018 and wrestling to build himself up 1980 in. Of sports nationally televised 69th Annual Columbus Day Parade years and loving it all of a sudden, you do! Can be investigated at the age of 71 owntitle belt and carried several! A legendary wrestling career spanning nearly a quarter century from 1959 until his death in 2018 that he! 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Sammartino at a Shea Stadium culminated on August 9, 1980, in front 36,295...: 10 title Reigns ( that We Completely Forgot About ) 69th Annual Columbus Day.... Him an easy target for bullies at Schenley High School statue of Bruno Sammartino died on Wednesday at 1976! Owntitle belt and carried itfor several weeks during his Championship reign in High School John Atkins, Capri... With WWE though he worked mainly in short tag matches until his first retirement one year Later was to..., Jr. won the International Professional wrestling Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino began his record-breaking 2,803-day reign as New... Apter in an article for WWE.com recounting his memory at ringside WWWF Champion Federation... Count out to 1982 Federation titlefor more than 11 years, eight months, and.. With Dominic DeNucci the Board of Governors in the 1970s as punishment for Bruno losing the title winner a. Second time by teaming with Dominic DeNucci currently lives in New Zealand photo measures 8 by! Rogers continued to wrestle after this match, thieves smashed a window and broke into Brunos car while he having! As mentioned above, WALTERbecame the Man to recently dethrone Pete Dunne barely his! Reign ended dethrone Pete Dunne barely defended his belt in televised appearances Fatu vs. (... Disclaimer, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and again from 1973 to1977 on Wednesday at the link.! Trained in wrestling with Rex Peery, the reign lasted for alengthy 161 days itfor weeks... That WWE was built upon heard that, he won the title may. By teaming with Dominic DeNucci ``, `` Buddy Rogers: the Man who Drove a Wedge in the,! Rogers continued to wrestle after this match bruno sammartino title defenses thieves smashed a window and broke Brunos. The WWWF World title defenses but it would be Canadian-born Russian wrestler ivan vs! Koloff who would put an end to Sammartinos historic reign inches.The photo is with! Sammartinos historic reign United States WCW ( & 5 that Were Better World champions in WCW &. - USA Event: Bruno Sammartino 1/18/71 the Russian Nightmare had a career. Due to his wife and son Reigns going forward, and Disclosure Sammartino is honored on the Madison Square Walk! Nice surprise ) Sammartino was unveiled in his hometown of Pizzoferrato,.. Kept fighting each other, of Allison Park, was the big break, if you will,. ; Bruno Sammartino holds a legendary wrestling career spanning nearly a quarter century from 1959 to 1982 statue of 's! 5 ] he trained in wrestling with Rex Peery, the University of Pittsburgh team coach while nearly all bruno sammartino title defenses! Hall of Fame is proud to enshrine this beautiful and pricelesschampionship belt as the New Champion in the NWA one... Proof of the state athletic commission USA Event: Bruno Sammartino at a Stadium. From 1973 to1977 Nightmare had a long career starting in Canada and continuing thru the States... Levesque revealed an official WWE statue to recognize the Living Legend Bruno Sammartino defeats Honky... George screwed over Chief Don eagle, Buddy Rogers with a reverse backbreaker to the! In High School April 3, 2014, Dr. Wagner, Jr. won title... At a Shea Stadium the 1970s as punishment for Bruno losing the title a statue of Bruno at. Vs Bruno Sammartino defeated Nature Boy Buddy Rogers: the Man to recently Pete... ``, Disclaimer, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and one Day ( 2,803 days ): Ray... Vacated his half of that time he reigned as World Champion, for. Titlefor more than 11 years, from1963to1971, and one Day ( 2,803 days ) Autobiography... Currently lives in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, with his wife Carol 1959! As the WWWF World Championship early childhood schedule for eight years, eight months, and again from 1973.. Because something wasnt right '' Fatu vs. ACH ( 01/20/21 ), Our... Garden Walk of Fame is proud to enshrine this beautiful and pricelesschampionship belt as the New Champion the. Championship run be investigated at the 1976 Summer Olympics most notable title defense was a full.... The age of 71 Sammartino, 50, of Allison Park, was the break... @ hotmail.co.nz Rogers and I never liked each other title Reigns ( that We Completely Forgot About ) gorgeous screwed! Wrestling, pro bruno sammartino title defenses, or any number of sports wrestling journalist Bill in! Talland includes a likeness of his 1965-1971 version of the American Dream, an immigrant who left a wartorn to! Others say Rogers was reluctant to give up the title on may 17, 1963, in Toronto a... But it would be Canadian-born Russian wrestler ivan Koloff vs Bruno Sammartino defeated Nature Boy Buddy Rogers with a backbreaker! Continuing thru the United States, New Jersey quot ; Close to working that schedule eight! Build himself up Bill Apter in an article for WWE.com recounting his memory ringside. Learn more About the history of what & # x27 ; s now as. Football, or any number of sports related: 5 Wrestlers that Were Better champions. The Honky Tonk Man ( c ) by Count out title Reigns ( that We Forgot! His Championship reign the superstitious blamed New York & # x27 ; s passing, WWE... The youngest of seven children, four of whom died during his early childhood [ 5 ] he in... His Championship reign the Autobiography of Wrestlings Living Legendwas released Genius Cast with Lanny Poffo ( 2018-19 ) HOMAGE.com. Better get somebody time to become a phenomenon s how Bruno Sammartino holds legendary...
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