WWE History Vol. 2: The magnificent career of Bruno Sammartino

Capturing the World Title and beginning the historic reign

A triumphant Bruno Sammartino stands over the fallen Buddy Rogers

During the 1950s, one man was considered to be the greatest wrestler of his age; Nature Boy Buddy Rogers.

Some modern fans may be confused by the Nature Boy name, but Ric Flair was not, in fact, the first man to use the gimmick - although Buddy Rogers later admitted that Flair was the better Nature Boy.

Rogers was a huge star, but as the fifties turned into the sixties his health began failing him. After suffering from heart problems, the decision was made to take the belt off of him.

The man chosen to beat Rogers was Sammartino. In order to protect Rogers's failing health, the match was limited to under a minute. Sammartino would defeat the legendary Nature Boy in just forty-eight seconds.

Thus began his historic reign, and the world of pro wrestling would never be the same.