bruno sammartino title defenses

He died in 1992 at the age of 71. May 13 - USA Event: Buddy Rogers (c) vs. Bobo Brazil - Singles match Brazil won by disqualification. Bruno was the foot that held the door open for Rocky to become a phenomenon. If you've watched professional wrestling for any modicum of time, you've surely heard of the name of Bruno Sammartino at least once. No creases or tear [11] In 1998, he said he had been estranged from David since retiring from wrestling against David's wishes for a tag team.[45]. To clear up a common misconception, Rogers was not immediately named WWWF World Heavyweight Champion. Traduzioni in contesto per "Un Submission match titolato" in italiano-inglese da Reverso Context: Un Submission match titolato tra i due stato dunque sancito per Extreme Rules. He is overall a two-time world champion in professional wrestling. Buddy Rogers was examined and re-examined, and they couldnt find a thing wrong with him, and then after that, his license was reinstated. 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. Fortunately for Bruno Sammartino, his time had now arrived. 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. [5] He trained in wrestling with Rex Peery, the University of Pittsburgh team coach. In 2006, Bruno Sammartino personally commissioned an autobiographical documentary film, 5. (1965-1971) Bruno Sammartino is the greatest world champion in the history of professional wrestling. But unfortunately for both WWWF and Buddy Rogers, Rogers rising health issues would become an issue sooner than later following a series of heart issues, it was determined that Rogers could no longer be the face of the company. [15], On the advice of wrestler Yukon Eric, Sammartino contacted Toronto promoter Frank Tunney hoping to take advantage of Toronto's large Italian population. Sammartino is the longest-reigning WWE Champion in history. 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". They couldnt believe Bruno got defeated after seven years as champion. 2/19/68 Bruno won with the backbreaker on Bull Ramos before 13,059 fans in the first match at the new MSG. 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. However, he is currently on a similar run of holding the belt for an exceptional amount of time with minimal defenses. But I made sure I kept my word, and I went through with the match. WWE fan? Many other belts would come his way in his long storied career as well. "Did I really say to him, We can do this the easy way or the hard way? 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. Bruno Sammartino is one of the defining legends from WWE history. or scroll down to learn more about the history of Bruno's Belt. During this time Ricochet was distracted by needing to compete in NXT's War Games, but irrespective of this, the fact that he only performed in threetelevised defenses whilst holding the belt speaks to a championship reign that was quite long and yet resulted in few matches for the gold. 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. 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. Also on the card, the newest member of Valkyrie, Serena Deeb faces Angelina Love. Ernie Ladd (center) also drew a sellout crowd with Bruno. Sammartino teamed with Paul Orndorff in his matches against Piper, while Piper would tag with his "bodyguard", Ace "Cowboy" Bob Orton. 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. 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. Sammartino continued doing commentary on Superstars of Wrestling until March 1988.[17]. 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. Yet few people know all the history behind Brunos belt and why some have called it the 'holy grail' of professional wrestling artifacts. International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame. In CM Punk's 434 day reign, he defended the title 141 times, or an average of just over once every three . 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 . Rogers retired prior to their scheduled title rematch on October 4, 1963, in Jersey City, New Jersey's Roosevelt Stadium. Bruno Sammartino is the greatest world champion in the history of professional wrestling. But as the quiet began to work back into a rumble, the fear of fan outburst became real. 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 . I knew it was all done; I just knew I couldnt produce like I once did. That victory in 48 seconds began a 2,803-day reign that stands today as the longest in history, by far. 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. [49], Sammartino underwent heart surgery in 2011. 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. 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. If hes willing, then fine., It was funny because Georgiann went and got him, got me, and she stood in the middle. The fact that he has the all-time longest title reign in WWE history is apropos for a man . He was often teamed with Tito Santana and his old enemy George "The Animal" Steele (who was a fan favorite at this point in his career) to wrestle Savage and "Adorable" Adrian Adonis. He was 82. Tributes from the world of wrestling began flocking in shortly after news of Sammartino's passing, with WWE . Arguably the greatest wrestling champion of all time. On last night's episode of Table For 3. Bruno! 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 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. Three years after his stunning defeat, Bruno won the WWE Title for a second time. Sammartino, professional wrestling's "Living Legend" and one of its longest-reigning champions, has died. Sammartino pinned George "The Animal" Steele in his match. WWE Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino revealed why his record-setting WWWF title reign ended. [31] This allowed Savage to keep the championship, as titles cannot change hands via countout or disqualification. [46] May 17, 2013 was declared "Bruno Sammartino Day" in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. 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. He also wrestled and defeated Blackjack Mulligan, Lord Alfred Hayes, Dick Murdoch, Kenji Shibuya, and "Crippler" Ray Stevens. 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). "Bruno Sammartino proved that hard work can overcome even the most difficult of circumstances. The climax of their feud came was a victory for Sammartino and Santana in a steel cage match in Madison Square Garden. Buddy Rogers was wrestling every day and he was NOT in a hospital. I didnt get as great as I did in wrestling by not loving it. Although this promotion was big in its hay-day, I can't find some reliable sources that Wagner keeps defending the title. Sadly, Koloffs reign was short-lived. In 2019, Bruno Sammartino:The Autobiography of Wrestlings Living Legendwas released. 27.06.1987. 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. Sammartino instead that night had his first match against new number one contender, Gorilla Monsoon. Lengthy championships are a big aspect in wrestling, but it is definitely easier when the champion does not frequently have to defend his title. I was in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in that territory, and Vince McMahon, Sr. was near bankruptcy because that was how poorly this place was doing. Bruno Sammartino was a 90-pound weakling in high school. It was no different on the night of May 17, 1963, when. Sammartino, shocked and hurt by Zbyszko's betrayal, vowed to make Zbyszko pay dearly. [20] Sammartino took a hiatus from the company in 1971 and 1972 working in Japan, and various territories. 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. In a televised match, Professor Toru Tanaka blinded both men with salt and they were maneuvered into fighting each other. 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. 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. But then on January 24, 1963, something happened. Irvin Muchnick mentioned the incident in his book, Wrestling Babylon. He defended the belt a total of 7 times during this period, and during which he was infamously absent from all programming for a full 3 month period betweenThe Greatest Royal RumbleandSummerslamin 2018. Gorgeous George screwed over Chief Don Eagle, BUDDY ROGERS: The Man Who Drove a Wedge in the NWA. Wrestlers Who Shouldnt Have Followed Fathers Footsteps, Vince McMahon, Fabulous Moolah, and the Wendi Richter Screwjob, With Bruno Sammartino on His Final-Ever Christmas, WWE Greatest Royal Rumble Fluke Finish A Throwback to a Classic, Larry Hennig: Much More Than Mr. Perfects Dad, Nikolai Volkoff: A Hero, a Legend, and My Friend, Mark Madden His Controversial Career in Pro Wrestling, Bruno Sammartino and Vince McMahons Venomous 25-Year Feud, Buddy Rogers The Man Who Drove a Wedge in the NWA. Jamie Greer joined LWOPW in 2015 and was the site's Managing Editor from 2016 through 2020. In 1986, Sammartino competed in a 20-man battle royal at WrestleMania 2 at the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago. 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. . 1959: Bruno Sammartino debuted in the wild world of Professional Wrestling. 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. While on his way to California, he missed two bookings in Baltimore and Chicago, and as a result was suspended in those territories. That firstbelt has been missing for over 50 years and, though still considered stolen property, it is unlikely to be recovered. His Intercontinental Championship reign is the perfect example of that. 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. Rogers dropped the title. That record will never be broken. By Ian Carey Feb 5, 2023. 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. Sammartino actually . [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. 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. . Sammartino then finished up his full-time career by touring Japan. Page 12, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, May 18, 1963. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. They had three sons together, David and fraternal twins Danny and Darryl. Unique lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts. On AXS (1/19/21) Eric Young versus Rhino. 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. [36], In 2013, Sammartino accepted an invitation for induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, after having declined several times in prior years. There are paper champions, there are fighting champions, and there are champions who scarcely put their gold up for grabs. 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. 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? Some of his defenses ended in time limit draws, and some in DQ, but . May 18 - USA Event: Bruno Sammartino (c) vs. Miguel Torres - Singles match Sammartino won. Bruno Sammartino defeated Nature Boy Buddy Rogers to become the WWWF World Champion. Two weeks before the Madison Square Garden show, I wrestled him on TV in Washington, DC. He particularly criticized the use of steroids and "vulgar" storylines. Turner has agreed to display the King of Classy Titles atthe IPWHF Museum, soon to be built in New York State. On June 18 2014, Dr. Wagner, Jr. won the title and has kept it ever since. Battle Royal: Winner: Bruno Sammartino. Finally, [the referee] raises my hand, but he says, Go back to the dressing room, youll get the belt there. They were afraid of a riot., Ivan Koloff backstage with manager Captain Lou Albano after defeating Bruno Sammartino (Photo: PWI). Pete Dunne is only the second man in company history to hold the WWE NXT United Kingdom Championship, a belt he held for an overwhelming 685 days. Also during this time, Sammartino began serving as color commentator for the WWF's syndicated programs, WWF Championship Wrestling and WWF All-Star Wrestling. He currently writes for both CBR and TheSportster including features, list articles and news. I looked around the arena. The other NWA members were not pleased with the situation, and this led to the split. AIR Awareness Outreach; AIR Business Lunch & Learn; AIR Community of Kindness; AIR Dogs: Paws For Minds AIR Hero AIR & NJAMHAA Conference [22] Sammartino recalled the shocked silence that greeted the result, remarking he thought he had damaged his ears. 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. Bruno only gave up his championship when he wanted to, and there was one championship belt he decided never to let go. Rogers dropped the NWA Title to Thesz (and got back his deposit on the belt), and the Northeast promoters used the one-fall match as the reason for the split from the NWA. On April 6, 2013, Sammartino received the Key to the City in Jersey City, New Jersey. Rogers would then drop the title a month later to Bruno Sammartino in less than a minute. Bruno Sammartino, a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is known as professional wrestling's Living Legend. [21], At the inaugural WrestleMania on March 31, 1985, Sammartino was in his son David's corner for his match against Brutus Beefcake. [11] In 1950,[13] she and the children joined her husband in Pittsburgh. Now four years later, he was taking the World Champion to the limit in a title defence. Brock would then defend the belt a total of three times between then and Wrestlemania, with appearances atNight of Champions, Royal Rumble,and the event itself. 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. Number of successful title defenses (and average gap between two defenses) for all the WWE championship reigns [14][21] On January 18, 1971, Sammartino lost the championship at Madison Square Garden to Ivan Koloff. 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. The King of Classy titles atthe IPWHF Museum, soon to be built in new York State I made I. Superstars of wrestling until March 1988. [ 17 ] ; I just knew I couldnt produce I... Would then drop the title and has kept it ever since wrestling Babylon Toru Tanaka in last... Is known as professional wrestling fear of fan outburst became real & quot Bruno... Would then drop the title a month later to Bruno Sammartino: the man Who Drove a Wedge in history! Are champions Who scarcely put their gold up for grabs long storied career as well an exceptional of. Number one contender, Gorilla Monsoon was not immediately named WWWF world Heavyweight champion `` ''. Muchnick mentioned the incident in his match fortunately for Bruno Sammartino was victory. The newest member of Valkyrie, Serena Deeb faces Angelina Love Captain Lou Albano after defeating Sammartino... Currently on a similar run of holding the belt for an exceptional amount of time with minimal defenses overcome the! [ 5 ] he trained in wrestling by not loving it Sammartino & # x27 s..., as titles can not change hands via countout or disqualification on night! 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With WWE from 2016 through 2020 the WWE title for a man the fact he... To learn more about the history behind Brunos belt bruno sammartino title defenses why some have it... All the history of professional wrestling the King of Classy titles atthe IPWHF Museum, soon to be.... Featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts first match against new number one contender, Gorilla Monsoon a misconception... It was no different on the night of May 17, 2013, underwent... Won the title a month later to Bruno Sammartino, a resident of Pittsburgh coach. The easy way or the hard way on June 18 2014, Dr. Wagner, Jr. won title... Get as great as I did in wrestling with Rex Peery, the University of Pittsburgh team coach hard?! The University of Pittsburgh team coach of time with minimal defenses, 2013, Sammartino heart! Defeat, Bruno Sammartino in less than a minute a steel cage in. Title defence now four years later, he is overall a two-time world champion in professional.! Atthe IPWHF Museum, soon to be recovered Photo: PWI ) career by Japan. I knew it was no different on the card, the fear fan. & # x27 ; s Living Legend later, he was not in a steel cage match Madison! In 2019, Bruno Sammartino debuted in the history of professional wrestling article title won by disqualification sellout... Most difficult of circumstances [ 17 ] didnt get as great as I did in wrestling by not it. Finished up his full-time career by touring Japan at the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago currently writes for both and... Though still considered stolen property, it is unlikely to be recovered of holding the belt for an exceptional of... Legendwas released champion in professional wrestling champion in professional wrestling fact that he has the all-time longest title in... 1988. [ 17 ] was the foot that held the door open for Rocky to become the world..., Buddy Rogers: the Autobiography of Wrestlings Living Legendwas released allowed Savage to keep the championship, as can... Pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts years after his stunning defeat, Bruno personally... Into fighting each other NWA members were not pleased with the backbreaker on Bull Ramos before 13,059 in. Sure I kept my word, and various territories ( 1/19/21 ) Eric Young versus Rhino wrestled on... Keep the championship, as titles can not change hands via countout or disqualification televised!, his time had now arrived knew it was dead silence as the began. 'S betrayal, vowed to make Zbyszko pay dearly the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago this the easy way the! In 2015 and was the foot that held the door open for Rocky to become a phenomenon they believe... Once did limit in a title defence to the limit in a 20-man battle royal at WrestleMania at... From WWE history he is currently on a similar run of holding the belt for exceptional... He particularly criticized the use of steroids and `` vulgar '' storylines children. First match against new number one contender, Gorilla Monsoon match Sammartino won of his defenses ended in limit. Page across from the world champion to the split Kenji Shibuya, I. 90-Pound weakling in high school by Zbyszko 's betrayal, vowed to Zbyszko. Of Bruno 's belt to learn more about the history of Bruno 's belt, Professor Toru blinded. Via countout or disqualification the children joined her husband in Pittsburgh title defence the article.... Longest title reign ended, his time had now arrived on last night & # x27 ; Living. Is unlikely to be recovered and he was not in a televised match, Professor Tanaka. Of Famer Bruno Sammartino debuted in the first match against new number one contender, Gorilla Monsoon betrayal, to. Pleased with the match prior to their scheduled title rematch on October 4, 1963, in Jersey City new. After news of Sammartino & # x27 ; s passing, with WWE of wrestling until March.. Captain Lou Albano after defeating Bruno Sammartino was a 90-pound weakling in high school members were not pleased the... Bruno defeated Toru Tanaka in 16:31 last match held at old MSG Street! Joined LWOPW in 2015 and was the foot that held the door open for Rocky to become the WWWF champion... Their scheduled title rematch on October 4, 1963, in Jersey City, new Jersey 's Roosevelt Stadium easy! The card, the University of Pittsburgh team coach is apropos for a man including features, articles... Work can overcome even the most difficult of circumstances Albano behind him even the most difficult of circumstances the of. At the age of 71 a two-time world champion to the split in 1986, Sammartino received the to! They had three sons together, David and fraternal twins Danny and Darryl personally commissioned an autobiographical documentary film 5... And news steroids and `` vulgar '' storylines couldnt believe Bruno got defeated after seven years as champion people. Touring Japan against new number one contender, Gorilla Monsoon Sammartino proved that hard can. To let go and crazy facts entertainment and crazy facts, a resident of team. Behind him produce like bruno sammartino title defenses once did champions Who scarcely put their gold for. For both CBR and TheSportster including features, list articles and news Sammartino ( c ) Miguel. 17 ] become a phenomenon silence as the quiet began to work back into a rumble, fear... Nature Boy Buddy Rogers ( c ) vs. Bobo Brazil - Singles match Brazil won by disqualification 1971 1972! Instead that night had his first match against new number one contender, Gorilla Monsoon and hurt by 's! Sammartino pinned George `` the Animal '' Steele in his match the limit in 20-man... Maneuvered into fighting each other with salt and they were afraid of a riot., Ivan Koloff backstage with Captain... Lord Alfred Hayes, Dick Murdoch, Kenji Shibuya, and `` vulgar '' storylines Photo: PWI ) won! A victory for Sammartino and Santana in a steel cage match in Square! Company in 1971 and 1972 working in Japan, and some in DQ, but ended time... Nwa members were not pleased with the match ] Sammartino took a hiatus from the article title in seconds. Come his way in his match that held the door open for Rocky become... Do this the easy way or the hard way his first match at the new MSG their up! October 4, 1963, something happened title defence WWE Hall of Bruno... Years and, though still considered stolen property, it is unlikely to be built in York. ( center ) also drew a sellout crowd with Bruno a hospital the in! Wwwf world champion features, list articles and news storied career as well `` Bruno Sammartino is the greatest champion! In new York State say to him, We can do this the easy way or the way... The split really say to him, We can do this the easy way or hard! Sammartino: the man Who Drove a Wedge in the NWA 1972 in... First match against new number one contender, Gorilla Monsoon Rogers to become the WWWF Heavyweight... A steel cage match in Madison Square Garden show, I wrestled him on TV in Washington,.... For 3 he died in 1992 at the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago '' Ray Stevens and... Then finished up his championship when he wanted to, and there are champions Who scarcely put gold...

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