Bruno Sammartino

Bruno Laopardo Franceso Sammartino (born October 6, 1936 in Abruzzo, Italy), is a former professional wrestler. As a child he and his family hid in caves from German soldiers during the latter stages of World War II; around 1951 he came to the United States, settling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Career

"The Italian Strongman" has often been called the "Living Legend" of professional wrestling and is considered one of the greatest performers professional wrestling has ever known. Sammartino's actual wrestling ability was somewhat limited compared to "real" pro wrestlers like Lou Thesz, but his brawling style, power moves, and personal charisma, plus the fact that he came acoss as a genuinely nice guy, won him many fans, especially on the east coast.

Related Topics:
Professional wrestling - Lou Thesz - East coast

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Sammartino started wrestling in 1959, and won his first world championship on May 17, 1963, defeating "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers in just 48 seconds. He held the WWWF Title twice, keeping it first for an incredible seven years, eight months, and one day. Bruno's first reign still stands as the longest continuous world title reign in wrestling history. His second title reign lasted over three years. He was the reigning champion and perhaps the most popular wrestler in the Northeastern United States during the 1960s and 1970s. He headlined cards that filled Madison Square Garden on a monthly basis, and over 200 times overall, the most of any individual. He battled the top heels of his time, including Killer Kowalski, Gorilla Monsoon, George "The Animal" Steele and Superstar Billy Graham. In between his two title runs, on September 30, 1972, Sammartino battled then-titleholder Pedro Morales to an over one-hour draw in a scientific title match at Shea Stadium in New York.

Related Topics:
1959 - 1963 - "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers - WWWF Title - United States - 1960s - 1970s - Madison Square Garden - Heel - Killer Kowalski - Gorilla Monsoon - George "The Animal" Steele - Superstar Billy Graham - September 30 - 1972 - Pedro Morales - Shea Stadium - New York

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On April 26, 1976, Sammartino suffered a neck fracture in a match against Stan Hansen at Madison Square Garden, when Hansen improperly executed a body slam. After two months of recovery, Sammartino returned, and faced Hansen in a rematch on June 25, 1976 at Shea Stadium. Sammartino scored a decisive count-out win, after Hansen ran from the ring.

Related Topics:
April 26 - 1976 - Stan Hansen - Improperly executed - Body slam - June 25

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One of the most emotionally-charged feuds of Bruno's career started on January 22, 1980, when his former student Larry Zbyszko violently turned against him during a scientific exhibition, broadcast on the World Wrestling Federation's Championship Wrestling show. Bruno, shocked and hurt by Zbyszko's betrayal, vowed to make Zbyszko (whom Bruno described as a "Judas") pay dearly. Their series culminated on August 9, 1980, in front of 36,295 fans at Shea Stadium. As part of the Federation's Showdown At Shea card, Bruno defeated Zbyszko inside a steel cage.

Related Topics:
January 22 - 1980 - Larry Zbyszko - World Wrestling Federation - August 9 - Showdown At Shea

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After retiring from wrestling full-time in 1981, he spent the greater part of his time managing his son David, and wrestled only occasionally. In recent years he has publicly criticized the direction professional wrestling has taken, making reference to lurid storylines, over-the-top theatrics, steroid abuse, and the like. In particular he has been on bad terms with Vince McMahon, saying that McMahon has despoiled the organization that McMahon's father started. As such Sammartino has refused entry into the WWE Hall of Fame; however he is a founding inductee into the unrelated Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Related Topics:
1981 - David - Vince McMahon - McMahon's father - WWE Hall of Fame - Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame

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