10 Wrestlers Who Never Wanted To Be WWE Champion
9. Bruno Sammartino (1973)
Workhorse champ Bruno Sammartino held the then-WWWF Title for a staggering 2,803 days between 1963-1971. By the time the sweet 70s rolled around, Bruno was absolutely knackered and ready to drop the thing. He just had no more to give.
That's why Ivan Koloff was booked as a quick bridge between Sammartino and fellow babyface Pedro Morales. By his own admission in numerous interviews over the years, Bruno wasn't keen on a repeat when Vince McMahon Sr came calling again in 1973. He only agreed to do it for more money and a lighter schedule.
Being champ a second time didn't really interest him.
Sammartino would go on to hold the title for another 1,237 days between 1973-1977 before losing it to 'Superstar' Billy Graham. The iconic champion was still done in and struggling through various injuries by '73, so it was only the promise of greater riches and a limited schedule that brought him back at all.