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Roman Reigns has held the WWE Universal Championship for an incredibly long period and that much is evident.
Of course, the Tribal Chief has now become the undisputed WWE Universal Champion after adding the WWE Championship to his list of championships. The fact that he won the Universal Championship on August 30, 2020, which means his rule has lasted longer than 730 days, or two full years, is largely overshadowed by that success.
Any championship held for that long is a noteworthy feat that demonstrates how highly the organisation considers Reigns as champion. It elevates him to a higher level as well, although it is still well short of any WWE championship record.
Let’s take a look at the longest WWE title reigns in its history.
Bruno Sammartino, 2,803 days
Records can be broken since sports entertainment is a scripted event and is only limited by the whims of those in command. However, Sammartino’s record is probably safe because it’s unlikely that WWE will ever award a title to someone with a top reign anything close to as long as his. Sammartino first took home the world championship in a house show in May 1963, and he didn’t relinquish it until January 1971. It’s something that fans of wrestling most likely won’t ever see again.
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Bob Backlund, 2,135 days
Some fans might want Bob Backlund’s reign as WWWF Champion to be noted with an asterisk if it occurred today. Backlund wrestled Greg Valentine in 1981, which legally resulted in the title being forfeited. However, Backlund won the rematch soon after, and WWE now recognises his reign as the second-longest in company history and uninterrupted.
Hulk Hogan, 1,474 days
There is no questioning Hulk Hogan’s legacy as one of the really iconic individuals in the history of professional wrestling, regardless of one’s opinion of him today. Hogan’s first reign as WWF Champion was legendary; it lasted just over four years and was only brought to a stop by Ted DiBiase’s antics in buying off referee Earl Hebner to assist Andre the Giant win.
Bruno Sammartino, 1,237 days
The fact that Bruno Sammartino held the WWWF Championship for 1,237 days from December 1973 to April 1977, just his second-longest championship reign, is evidence of what an incredible draw and champion he was in his day. In terms of WWE history, it is also fourth.
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