Ever surprise who’s left their mark by holding the WWE World Heavyweight Championship for ages? It’s one factor to seize the gold, however holding onto it whereas hungry challengers circle is a distinct sport altogether. These legends didn’t simply win; they dominated, turning their reigns into epic sagas. From the Hulkamania days to the unforgettable dominance of Bruno Sammartino, these champs turned their title runs into iconic chapters of WWE historical past. Think about turning into unbeatable by even the fiercest rivals.
So buckle up as we have a look at 5 wrestlers who gained and held the WWE title for what appeared like ceaselessly. The longest-reigning champions confirmed that staying on prime is tougher than getting there.
1. Bruno Sammartino: 2,803 days
Bruno Sammartino’s identify is the last word gold if you consider top-notch WWE champs who’ve made a legit identify within the business. Ranging from his WWF World Heavyweight Championship (his first run), he held the title for an insane 2,803 days.
It began in Might 1963, when Sammartino scored a large upset by pinning “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers at Madison Sq. Backyard. The Italian-American skilled wrestler fended off challengers like Killer Kowalski, Invoice Watts, and Waldo Von Erich for over seven years straight. However Ivan Koloff lastly ended the epic run throughout a Jan. 1971 match.
To place it merely, Bruno Sammartino wasn’t only a champ for followers; he was a legit legend, going toe-to-toe with fierce rivals like Gorilla Monsoon and Stan Hansen.
2. Bob Backlund: 2,135 days as champion
The tenure of Bob Backlund as WWE Champion is a narrative spanning two eras. The preliminary chapter? In 1978, he dethroned “Celebrity” Billy Graham and retained the title for an unimaginable 2,135 days. Backlund, the virtuous Minnesotan grappler, used a mixture of technical talent and unwavering resolve to beat WWE. He stood as much as icons reminiscent of Stan Hansen and Sgt. Slaughter and he turned a real legend in his personal proper.
Then, in a plot twist worthy of a Hollywood script, Backlund was deposed in 1984 by The Iron Sheik, ending his rule. Hulkamania gained momentum, and an period ended in consequence. Nonetheless, Backlund was but to finish his journey. In 1994, a decade later, he returned with a vengeance. The well-groomed hero had vanished to get replaced by an eccentric madman donning a bowtie. He recaptured the title through the use of his trademark Crossface Rooster Wing to faucet out Bret “Hit Man” Hart.
Although his second reign lasted solely three many years, it demonstrated his extraordinary versatility. Backlund’s lasting influence within the WWE comes from his means to reinvent himself and stay a formidable pressure, not merely from profitable the title.
Bob Backlund’s reign as champion is proof of his extraordinary tenacity and adaptableness, from his spectacular fights within the WWWF to his surprising comeback within the Nineties. He genuinely embodied the concept of a champion for all ages.
3. Hulk Hogan: 1474 days
The WWE Championship and Hulk Hogan? Pure magic. When The Hulkster slammed down The Iron Sheik along with his legendary leg drop in Madison Sq. Backyard in 1984, he didn’t simply win a title—he kicked off the Hulkamania period. For a mind-blowing 1,474 days, Hogan didn’t simply rule the ring; he owned it.
Hogan’s rule was famend for its resilience within the face of quite a few opponents, together with Huge John Studd, “Mr. Fantastic” Paul Orndorff, and King Kong Bundy. He dominated the match all through the primary three WrestleManias, making every championship protection unforgettable. Nonetheless, there are occasions when even the best falter. Hogan’s implausible run led to February 1988 when he startled the wrestling world by shedding to Andre the Big in a contest.
Hogan wasn’t about to fade away. 2002, he made a big comeback, snagging the WWE title once more after his WCW run. This time, he took down Triple H at Backlash and reminded everybody why he’s nonetheless a legend. Regardless of the temporary length of this second project, it served as a fond reminder of Hogan’s enduring charisma and affect.
From his historic first reign to his spectacular comeback, Hulk Hogan’s 1,474-day championship run is taken into account a excessive level in WWE historical past. Hulkster not solely created historical past along with his achievements but in addition outlined the time period.
4. Roman Reigns: 1,316 days
Roman Reigns survived the WWE reign for an epic 1,316 days. The 39-year-old made an epic comeback in August 2020, snatching the Common Championship. He goes by the nickname Tribal Chief.
Reigns has confronted off towards the largest names within the biz—John Cena, Cody Rhodes, Brock Lesnar, and others. He crushed these legends, solidifying his spot as considered one of WWE’s all-time GOATs. After toppling Lesnar at Evening 2 of WrestleMania 38, Tribal Chief added the WWE Championship to his belt, proving he’s the true deal.
However even legends have their endgame. At Royal Rumble 2024, Reigns fought via a brutal Deadly 4-Method towards AJ Types, LA Knight, and Randy Orton. Throughout that match, Rhodes lastly took down Reigns’ epic 1,316-day reign.
5. Pedro Morales — 1,027 days as champion
Pedro Morales won’t at all times prime the WWE legend lists, however his 1,027-day reign as champion is nothing wanting iconic. From February 8, 1971, to December 1, 1973, Morales carried the WWE Title like a real hero, making waves with a title run that spanned practically three years. Whereas it would seem to be a quick interlude between Bruno Sammartino’s epic reigns, Morales’ achievement is a game-changer in WWE historical past.
Morales began his reign by toppling Ivan Koloff in a fierce 23-minute bout at Madison Sq. Backyard. In contrast to many champions who defended sporadically, Morales was a preventing champ, often placing his title on the road towards legends like Jimmy Valiant, Ernie Ladd, Freddie Blassie, and Mr. Fuji. His dedication and stamina stored him on prime, outlasting challengers who tried and failed to say his crown.
However Morales didn’t simply reign supreme—he made historical past. Apart from being the longest-reigning champion, he was the primary to win the WWE, Intercontinental, and World Tag Workforce Titles. Stasiak ended Morales’ tenure on December 1, 1973, ending a Puerto Rican powerhouse period.
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