Bruno Sammartino
Awards & Honours
5
Awards Won
9
Honours
5
Rankings
3
Covers
3
Records
Bruno Sammartino's career is defined by records that still stand decades later. His 2,803-day reign as WWWF World Heavyweight Champion is the longest in WWE history and the longest recognized world title reign in professional wrestling. He headlined 187 sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden, a record that may never be broken. In 2013, WWE ranked him the greatest superstar of all time in their 50 Greatest Superstars list. Pro Wrestling Illustrated ranked him number one in their 2003 list of the 500 greatest wrestlers. He was the top box office draw of the 1960s and 1970s, consistently drawing the highest television ratings in the industry. His legitimate strength, including a 565-pound bench press, added to his legendary status.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
WWE Hall of Fame
Inductee for individual career.
Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
Inductee.
Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame
Inductee.
International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
Posthumous inductee.
Key to the City of Pittsburgh
Awarded by Mayor Luke Ravenstahl.
Key to the City of Pizzoferrato
Honored by his birthplace.
Bruno Sammartino Way
Street named in his honor.
Bronze Statue in Pittsburgh
Unveiled posthumously.
Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame
Inductee.
Rankings & Lists
Greatest Superstars of All Time
Top 50 Superstars of All Time
500 Greatest Wrestlers of All Time
Greatest Wrestler of All Time
50 Greatest Wrestlers of All Time
Magazine Covers
Sports Illustrated
1966-03-28
The Strongest Man in the World
Pro Wrestling Illustrated
1965-01-01
Bruno Sammartino Cover
WWE Magazine
2013-01-01
Hall of Fame 2013
Records & Feats
Longest WWE world title reign
Held the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship for 2,803 days (7 years, 8 months, 1 day), the longest single reign in WWE history.
Most sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden
Headlined 187 sold-out events at Madison Square Garden, a record that still stands.
Fastest world title win
Defeated Buddy Rogers for the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship in 48 seconds, one of the shortest championship matches in history.