8 Wrestling Records That Will Never Be Broken

4. Longest World Championship Reign (2,803 Days)

Title reigns don't last as long as they used to.

Up through the 1980s, wrestlers used to hold championships for years at a time, but in the '90s, the business changed. Not only did the introduction of more television shows (especially A-level shows like Raw and Nitro) mean that stories would typically run their course sooner, but major companies started using the title as a prop to draw short-term ratings boosts and give the rub to up-and-coming talent.

Back in the 1960s, though, TV's only purpose was to get fans to go to house shows, and once loyal viewers were there, they wanted to see big stars in top feuds. The title was kept around the waist of the company's most popular star, increasing his drawing power and the gravity of his programs. In the 1960s, the most popular star in the WWWF was Bruno Sammartino, whose amazing strength made him a super-popular babyface, and whose humble Italian heritage helped him draw in the New York working classes. Sammartino won the WWE Championship from Buddy Rogers on May 17, 1963, and lost the title in front of a shocked crowd on January 18, 1971.

Though Verne Gagne's ninth reign as AWA Champion nearly matched Bruno's at seven years and three months, Sammartino's run stands as the longest world title reign ever - and it's going to stay that way.