The Complete History of the WWE Championship - Part 1

Bruno Sammartino (December 10, 1973 - April 30, 1977)

Bruno Sammartino: Second WWE title reign lasted almost four years

"The Living Legend", Bruno Sammartino became the first two time WWE Champion when he defeated Stan Stasiak on December 10, 1973.

However, what is less well known is that Sammartino did not want to be champion for a second time.

Sammartino had grown tired of the 7 day per week grind as champion and was enjoying a much lighter schedule following the end of his title run in 1971.

It took plenty of persuasion from Vince McMahon Sr. in order for Sammartino to acquiesce and accept a second title run.

He finally did so in late 1973, when McMahon Sr. promised him a light champion's schedule, matching the 2-4 matches per week he was currently working and a guarantee that he would only work outside of his home state of Pittsburgh for big shows in lucrative markets such as New York and Philadelphia.

Also, McMahon Sr. insisted that Sammartino's reign would only last for around 12 months as per Sammartino's wishes. However, the new WWWF Champion would hold the strap for over three years.

During that time he contested hugely famous title defenses with his 1971 conqueror, Ivan Koloff, as well as Bruiser Brody, Stan Hansen and others before he finally called time on his reign in spring 1977, informing McMahon Sr. that he had to find a replacement. Sammartino's long relationship with the WWE Championship was finally over.

Stay tuned, right here at Sportskeeda for Part 2, coming soon!