Eight years is a long time in any form of business, let alone sports-entertainment. A lot can change in that period of time. Superstars come and go, championships are unified with other championships. The entire business model of a company can be turned on its ear thanks to a revolutionary concept such as a streaming network. The constant evolution of the industry plays out before the fans' very eyes without them even knowing. For 2803 days between May 17, 1963 and January 18, 1971, however, fans could be assured of one thing: Bruno Sammartino would be WWE champion. The Living Legend was the biggest draw in the business and the most beloved figure professional wrestling had ever produced. He was a cultural icon whose strong connection to the New York fan base and whose proud Italian heritage struck a chord with the audience. He was the people's champion long before The Rock was even a thought and 30 years before Diamond Dallas Page would refer to himself as the same. He was the "every man" who fought for the blue collar fans in the crowd and did so with honor and integrity. Sammartino sold out Madison Square Garden on a monthly basis and inspired a generation of fans. In New York, he became as big a star as any celebrity. He was a major attraction and one that managed to stay fresh and as popular as ever for the entire duration of his title reign. Wins over Killer Kowalski, Tarzan Tyler, Bill Watts and Gorilla Monsoon enhanced his legacy and ensured that he would be looked back upon as one of the greatest wrestlers of all-time. There was no one that could touch Bruno, either in drawing ability, star power or popularity. Which is why the loss to Ivan Koloff in 1971 took the industry by surprised. Much in the way that the fans inside the Superdome in New Orleans reacted to the Undertaker's shocking loss to Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 30, fans inside Madison Square Garden wore looks of shock and awe on their faces as Koloff was announced as the new champion. There were tears in the eyes of men, women and children alike as they watched Bruno walk to the locker room without his title for the first time in over seven years. It was the end of both an era and the greatest championship reign by any Superstar in wrestling history.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
