10 Oldest First-Time WWE World Champions
4. Buddy Rogers - 42 Years, 2 Months, 5 Days
Some WWE World Champions have been given the belt in the hopes that it would increase their star power, while others have been so popular that putting the title on them would - hopefully - carry the company into a period of greater success. However, only one champion could be the first, the man who would help establish a brand-new title as a true prize.
That man was Buddy Rogers, one of the most hated and colorful heels of the 1950s. One of the first bleached-blond, arrogant wrestling characters, Rogers was already had more than 20 years of experience in pro wrestling when he beat Pat O'Connor to claim the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at Comiskey Park.
Rogers's loyalties came into question during his title reign, as many felt he was showing favoritism toward northeastern promoters. In 1963, NWA's bosses decided it was time for Rogers to drop the title, and as he - unlike many of the champions of the day - wasn't a legitimate "shooter," he was in no position to disagree.
Still, after Rogers lost the belt, he continued to be a huge draw. That's why those same northeastern promoters - Toots Mondt and Vince McMahon, Sr. - decided to recognize him as the first-ever WWE World Champion when they withdrew from the NWA later in 1963.