10 Forgotten Final Wrestling Matches Of WWE Hall Of Famers
Going out, but not the way you might recall...
3. Bruno Sammartino
"The Living Legend" called it a career the week of his 46th birthday in 1981. With two epic-length WWE title reigns and an endless scroll of MSG sellouts to his name, Sammartino defeated George "The Animal" Steele in East Rutherford, NJ, before working three matches for All Japan days later. Sammartino needn't give us anything more, and could've settled peaceably into his colour commentary role, without ever having to take another bump. Come 1985, however, Bruno was back.
With his young son David now in the WWE fold, Bruno partnered with him in tag matches against Heenan Family members, as well as Brutus Beefcake and Johnny Valiant. He didn't stop there, warring in memorable matches with Roddy Piper and Randy Savage the following year, still a believable fighter, even approaching his fifties. By 1987, Sammartino, now 51, was working with the likes of Hercules, The Hart Foundation, and reigning Intercontinental champion The Honky Tonk Man on the house show circuit. His final match came on August 29, 1987, and took place away from TV cameras, as he teamed with World champion Hulk Hogan to defeat King Kong Bundy and The One Man Gang in Baltimore.
Written by Justin Henry
In addition to writing lists and commentaries for Cultaholic, Justin is also a features writer and interviewer for Fighting Spirit Magazine, and is co-author of the WWE-related book Titan Screwed: Lost Smiles, Stunners, and Screwjobs.