Bruno Sammartino's early days as champ

When Bruno Sammartino won the WWF title from Buddy Rogers, he
quickly went after Rogers' associates, Handsome Johnny Barend and
Magnificent Maurice.

Then came Hans "The Great" Mortier, with manager Wild Red Berry, and with
rippling stomach muscles. Mortier had a powerful full nelson, called "The Guillotene", which made opponents lose consciousness.

Sammartino defeated Mortier in Madison Square Garden -- his first opponent after
Rogers.

Rogers wasn't quite done. With partner, Handsome Johnny Barend, he teamed in the
Garden to take 2 out of 3 falls from Bruno Sammartino and Bobo Brazil. Rogers pinned
Sammartino in the 3rd and deciding fall, to take the match.

Rogers was set for a return match with Sammartino, on Friday, October 4th, 1963,
at Roosevelt Stadium, an outdoor venue,in Jersey City, NJ. The tickets were printed with Rogers vs. Sammartino noted. However, Rogers retired before the match took place, and a new replacement emerged -- Gorilla Monsoon.