12 Most Shocking WWE Title Changes
2. Ivan Koloff Silences The Garden
Of all the iconic figures to hold the WWE Championship throughout its prestigious history, Bruno Sammartino must be considered one of the most legendary. The Italian-born star was the original WWF babyface, a figure destined to carry the industry to new heights during his first mammoth championship reign (lasting 2,803 days).
He eventually dropped the belt in January 1971, losing to Ivan Koloff in a finish which reportedly shocked the Madison Square Garden crowd into eerie silence.
Comparisons were drawn between this result and that of WrestleMania 30, when Brock Lesnar snapped The Undertaker's undefeated WrestleMania streak to the surprise (and horror) of most in attendance.
Koloff was a traditional champion, as most heels of that era were, and held the belt for just 21 days before losing it to Pedro Morales.