Bruno Leopoldo Francesco Sammartino (born October 6, 1935) is an
Italian-born retired
American professional wrestler. He is best known for his work with the World (Wide) Wrestling Federation (WWWF/WWF), which is now known as
WWE. He held the
WWWF (World) Heavyweight Championship for over 11 years (4040 days) across two reigns, the first of which is the longest single reign in the promotion's history (2803 days).