3 WWE 2nd generation stars who surpassed their parents (and 3 who didn't)

# 1 Didn't Surpass - David Sammartino

David Sammartino was often accompanied to the ring by his famous father

It's always going to be tough to outdo your father when he is the longest-reigning champion in the history of the promotion.

David Sammartino's father was none other than Bruno Sammartino, the face of the original WWWF, winning the title from the inaugural champion Buddy Rogers. Sammartino's first reign as the champion lasted over seven years. It is the longest reign with the belt and will probably remain that way forever.

Bruno held the belt for over 11 years during his two reigns with the belt. He was also a three-time tag team Champion with a variety of partners. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013 after years of rejecting the promotion's offers.

In 1984, Sammartino's son David joined the WWF, being managed and coached by his father and occasionally teaming up with him. David also appeared at the first-ever WrestleMania and wrestled in the fourth match of the card against Brutus Beefcake. The match ended in a double disqualification due to interference from both Bruno and Beefcake's manager Johnny Valiant. This brought Bruno out of retirement once again but failed to help his son get over with the crowd.

After two years with the WWF, David left the promotion and wrestled in Japan for AJPW from 1988-1990. He returned to the US and wrestled for the short-lived Universal Wrestling promotion mainly against Cactus Jack. He also appeared on a single episode of WCW Monday Night Nitro losing to WCW Cruiserweight Champion Dean Malenko in 3 minutes.

David is now happily semi-retired and working as a personal trailer in his hometown of Pittsburgh, PA, while still working the occasional "legends" show.

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