Bruno Sammartino Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 22, 2024
Bruno Sammartino Then
Bruno Sammartino, born on October 6, 1935, in Pizzoferrato, Abruzzo, Italy, emerged from humble beginnings to become one of the most revered figures in professional wrestling.
The youngest of seven children, Sammartino faced early adversity when four of his siblings died in infancy.
His family’s journey to America in the 1950s, after his father, Alfonso, had settled in Pittsburgh, marked a significant transition.
Arriving in Pittsburgh, Bruno encountered a new set of challenges, including the language barrier and bullying at Schenley High School, where he initially struggled due to his lack of English proficiency.
Determined to overcome these obstacles, Sammartino turned to wrestling and weightlifting, disciplines that not only helped him build physical strength but also offered him a means to defend himself.
His dedication to strength training was evident when he came close to securing a spot on the 1956 U.S.
Olympic team, narrowly missing out on Paul Anderson, who went on to win the gold medal.
Nevertheless, Sammartino’s prowess in weightlifting was unmistakable; in 1959, he set an impressive bench press world record of 565 pounds, achieved without the use of elbow or wrist wraps.
Sammartino’s transition to professional wrestling began when he showcased his strength through strongman stunts in Pittsburgh.
His appearance on sportscaster Bob Prince’s television show caught the attention of local wrestling promoter Rudy Miller, who recognized Sammartino’s potential.
This exposure led to Sammartino’s entry into the world of professional wrestling, where his extraordinary strength and charisma would eventually establish him as a legendary figure in the sport.
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Bruno Sammartino Wrestling Career
Bruno Sammartino’s ascent to wrestling greatness was nothing short of meteoric.
Making his professional debut in December 1959 in Pittsburgh, Sammartino quickly showcased his remarkable strength and skill by pinning Dmitri Grabowski in just 19 seconds.
This impressive start was followed by his first match at Madison Square Garden in January 1960, where he defeated Bull Curry in a mere five minutes, marking his entry into one of the most iconic venues in wrestling history.
Sammartino’s burgeoning reputation soon caught the eye of Vincent J. McMahon, the father of the contemporary wrestling promoter Vince McMahon.
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Under McMahon’s promotion, Sammartino became an overnight sensation in the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF).
His legendary status was cemented on May 17, 1963, when he won the WWWF Championship by defeating Buddy Rogers in an astonishingly brief 48 seconds.
This victory marked the beginning of a reign that would solidify Sammartino’s place in wrestling history.
Despite losing the title in 1971, Sammartino’s legacy continued to grow.
On December 10, 1973, he achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first two-time WWWF Champion.
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His second reign lasted an impressive three-and-a-half years, underscoring his enduring popularity and dominance in the wrestling world.
Throughout the 1960s and early 1980s, Sammartino was celebrated as the most popular American wrestler, earning him the moniker “The Living Legend.”
His contributions to wrestling were formally recognized on April 6, 2013, when he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by his longtime friend Arnold Schwarzenegger.
This honor reflected Sammartino’s profound impact on the sport and his enduring legacy as one of wrestling’s greatest icons.
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Bruno Sammartino Wrestling Competition
- World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) / World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)
- WWWF World Heavyweight Championship (2-time champion)
- National Wrestling Alliance (NWA)
- NWA World Heavyweight Championship (various territories)
- American Wrestling Association (AWA)
- AWA World Heavyweight Championship (various territories)
- Capital Wrestling Corporation (CWC)
- CWC World Heavyweight Championship (predecessor to WWWF)
- Georgia Championship Wrestling (GCW)
- GCW World Heavyweight Championship (various territories)
- All-Star Wrestling
- All-Star Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship (various territories)
Bruno Sammartino’s Wife and Children
Bruno Sammartino’s personal life was marked by a deep and lasting commitment to his family.
He married his wife, Carol, in 1959, and their marriage endured until his passing in 2018.
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The couple’s partnership was a cornerstone of Sammartino’s life, providing stability and support throughout his illustrious wrestling career.
Together, Bruno and Carol had three sons: David, and fraternal twins Danny and Daryl.
Their family expanded further with the arrival of four grandchildren, adding to the joy and fulfillment in Sammartino’s personal life.
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The Sammartino family resided in Ross Township, Allegheny County, near Pittsburgh from 1965 onward.
This suburban setting offered a peaceful and supportive environment, allowing Sammartino to enjoy a quieter life away from the spotlight of his wrestling fame.
His dedication to his family was evident in the close-knit relationships he maintained with his wife and children throughout his life, reflecting the values of love and loyalty that were central to his character.
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Bruno Sammartino Now
Bruno Sammartino passed away on April 18, 2018, at the age of 82.
His death resulted from multiple organ failure stemming from heart problems, following a two-month hospitalization.
Sammartino’s passing marked the end of an era for professional wrestling, where he was widely celebrated for his extraordinary contributions to the sport.
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The wrestling community and fans around the world honored Sammartino’s legacy with heartfelt tributes.
On the day of his death, WWE paid tribute to him with a ten-bell salute before a house show in Cape Town.
This poignant gesture was a mark of respect and recognition for his remarkable career and impact on professional wrestling.
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The tribute was further extended on April 23, 2018, during the episode of WWE Raw in St. Louis, where his influence and achievements were acknowledged.
Beyond the wrestling world, Sammartino was remembered with deep admiration by his hometown.
Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto praised Sammartino as “one of the greatest ambassadors the city of Pittsburgh ever had,” reflecting the profound connection between Sammartino and his community.
His contributions transcended the wrestling ring, leaving a lasting legacy in both sports and his city.
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Bruno Sammartino’s Net Worth
At the time of his death in 2018, Bruno Sammartino was an Italian-born American professional wrestler with a net worth of $4 million.
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FAQs
Bruno Sammartino was defeated by Ivan Koloff on January 18, 1971, ending his first WWWF World Heavyweight Championship reign.
Sammartino held the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship for 2,803 days during his first reign and 1,237 days during his second reign.
Bruno and his son David Sammartino had a strained relationship, particularly during David’s wrestling career. Their father-son dynamic was complicated by personal and professional differences.
As of now, Roman Reigns is on a long title reign, but surpassing Sammartino’s record of 2,803 days as WWWF Champion would be a significant achievement given the modern wrestling landscape.
Various wrestlers have had lengthy careers, but one notable example is Ric Flair, whose career spanned over 40 years.
Sammartino retired from professional wrestling in 1981, though he made occasional appearances in the wrestling world thereafter.
Sammartino had a strained relationship with WWE (formerly WWWF) for many years due to disagreements with the company’s direction and practices, but he eventually reconciled and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013.
Sammartino’s long title reigns were due to his exceptional drawing power, popularity, and the strong support of promoters, as well as his ability to engage and retain fans through his charismatic performances and credibility as a champion.