Conversation so far:
When did Lou Albano start managing?
In January 1971, Albano was the manager when Ivan Koloff ended Sammartino's seven-year reign as champion.
who did he manage?
Ivan Koloff.
what was special about him?
Koloff's title reign was a transitional one, lasting just three weeks.
what did he transition to?
Koloff had a typical heel run against Sammartino in 1969.
Are there any other interesting aspects about this article?
The shock of Koloff's victory was such that the crowd fell totally silent.

Question: why was it a shock?
Self-contained rewrite: Why was Koloff's victory against Sammartino in 1969 a schock?