10 Things You Didn't Know About The WWE Title

8. Age Is Just A Number

Wrestling is considered a young man's game in many respects, but history has shown that isn't always the case, with the WWE title being an exception. Every decade since the WWE title's inception in the 1960's, a wrestler over 40 has held the prestigious championship, proving that Superstars can be valuable well beyond their prime. The WWE's first champion was the first to achieve the feat, winning the WWE title at 42 years old. Legendary champion Bruno Sammartino also managed to do so in the 1970's, before giving way to historic a championship reigns from Bob Backlund. While Backlund wasn't over 40 during his reign in the 1980's, Andre the Giant was, extending the streak. The situation became much more common throughout the 1990's as Sgt. Slaughter, Vince McMahon, Ric Flair, Bob Backlund and Bret Hart all winning the title after reaching 40. The last two decades have seen a youth movement of sorts, but Batista was still able to claim the WWE championship in both, despite reaching his 40th birthday. The only other man to achieve it since the turn of the century? "The Immortal" Hulk Hogan, who lived up to his nickname with a 2002 title win. It's often said you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but the WWE disagrees with that sentiment.