4th) Bruno Sammartino
– Days Held – 1,237 days.
Bruno won the title from Stan Stasiak on December 10th, 1973. This was his second title win and it also won’t be the only time that he appears on this list! He would hold onto the title for 1,237 days. He feuded with several notable wrestlers during this time, including Bruiser Brody, Ken Patera, Freddie Blassie and more.
Here were some highlights of him during this time feuding with Ken Patera:
He eventually lost the belt to “Superstar” Billy Graham on April 30th, 1977. As you will see later on, this was not his most impressive reign as champion.
3rd) Hulk Hogan
– Days Held – 1,474 days
Hogan won his first WWF Title from the Iron Sheik on January 23rd, 1984. His first title reign would turn out to be his longest! He would hold the title for an impressive 1,474 days. He would become a mainstream icon and one of the most popular wrestler’s of all-time during this reign.
This title reign included his legendary match against Andre the Giant at Wrestlemania 3:
He eventually lost the title in controversial fashion to Andre the Giant at WWF The Main Event I (February 5th, 1988). Ted DiBiase bribed the referee, leading to Andre winning.
No doubt that this is one of the most impressive title reigns in WWE history and helped the company grow into what it is today.
2nd) Bob Backlund
– Days Held – 2,135 days
Bob Backlund won the title from “Superstar” Billy Graham on February 20th, 1978. With the win, he became the 7th person to win the title.
Here are some highlights from Backlund winning the match:
Backlund is officially recognized by WWE for holding the title for 2,135 days. He had some notable feuds during this time against the likes of Ivan Koloff, George “the Animal” Steele, Harley Race, Ric Flair, Nick Bockwinkel and Ken Patera. He also faced Antonio Inoki in Japan where he lost the title. WWE does not officially recognize the title change as the win was vacated. He would eventually lose the title to The Iron Sheik after it was rumored that he refused to drop the belt to Hulk Hogan.
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