Bruno Sammartino was a hero to New York fans thanks to his competitive spirit and his Italian heritage. For eight years, he vanquished any and all opponents that dared challenge his reign as heavyweight champion, making history as the longest-reigning champion in company history. It is a record that stands to this day. On January 18, 1971, the wrestling world would be shaken to its core when the "Living Legend's" reign came to an end at the hands of the mighty...Ivan Koloff? No disrespect intended to the great Koloff, who was as tough as he was legitimately nice outside of the ring but the Russian Bear was hardly the level of competitor most saw eventually unseating the beloved Bruno. He was a good hand, a great heel but not championship material. The crowd sat in stunned silence as he celebrated his title win, then watched with tears in their eyes as Sammartino made the long walk to the locker room, his head hung following following his first championship defeat in nearly a decade. Koloff would drop the title shortly thereafter to Pedro Morales, proving that he was nothing more than a transitional champion.