WWE Hall Of Famer Bruno Sammartino Passes Away Age 82
Rest in peace, Bruno...
WWE Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino has passed away at the age of 82. The Living Legend died following a hospitalization in Pittsburgh, PA this morning with his wife and their two children by his side.
After making it through World War II, Bruno joined his immigrant father in Pittsburgh in 1950 and went on to enjoy one of the best careers in the history of the professional wrestling business. Sammartino made his debut in the ring in 1959 and would wrestle for the next 29 years, with his last match seeing him team up with Hulk Hogan to defeat King Kong Bundy and One Man Gang.
He is still, to this day, the longest reigning WWE Champion (known as the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship back then), holding the belt for 2803 days at one time. He would go on to hold the title again, stretching his tenure to over 11 years. Clearly, these are reigns and records that will never be eclipsed.
Bruno is also a Superstar famed for selling out Madison Square Garden, the spiritual home of WWE, a massive 187 times over the course of his storybook career.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame in 2013 after having declined the chance to go in several times before. Bruno was inducted by Arnold Schwarzenegger, showing just how big a star and influencer he was. He would also induct fellow Living Legend Larry Zbyszko into 2015 hall.
Everyone at Cultaholic offers our deepest condolences to both Bruno's family and his legions of fans at this time.
After making it through World War II, Bruno joined his immigrant father in Pittsburgh in 1950 and went on to enjoy one of the best careers in the history of the professional wrestling business. Sammartino made his debut in the ring in 1959 and would wrestle for the next 29 years, with his last match seeing him team up with Hulk Hogan to defeat King Kong Bundy and One Man Gang.
He is still, to this day, the longest reigning WWE Champion (known as the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship back then), holding the belt for 2803 days at one time. He would go on to hold the title again, stretching his tenure to over 11 years. Clearly, these are reigns and records that will never be eclipsed.
Bruno is also a Superstar famed for selling out Madison Square Garden, the spiritual home of WWE, a massive 187 times over the course of his storybook career.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame in 2013 after having declined the chance to go in several times before. Bruno was inducted by Arnold Schwarzenegger, showing just how big a star and influencer he was. He would also induct fellow Living Legend Larry Zbyszko into 2015 hall.
Everyone at Cultaholic offers our deepest condolences to both Bruno's family and his legions of fans at this time.
Written by Ross Tweddell
Written and video journalist for Cultaholic Wrestling | twitter: @rossonrasslin | instagram: @rossonrasslin
