WWE has lost one of the faces on its Mt. Rushmore this morning as Bruno Sammartino, one of the most important professional wrestlers in history and a building block of the industry, died on Wednesday at age 82. WWE confirmed the news. The only details on his passing at this time are that he’d been battling health issues for the past several months, and that he died peacefully.
There’s no way to overstate Bruno’s role in the history and formation of WWE as a sport, brand, and attraction. Wrestling’s “living legend” was Hulk Hogan before Hulk Hogan, the most popular wrestler of the 1960s and 1970s, holding the then-WWWF Heavyweight Championship only twice, but holding onto it for over 11 years. Bruno’s first reign remains the longest single reign for a champion in WWE history at an astonishing 2,803 days, for a grand total of 4,040. He’s also notable for selling out Madison Square Garden a massive 188 times, including one final time when Arnold Schwarzenegger inducted him into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013.
WWE uses “legend” to describe all of their notable, older Superstars, but Bruno Sammartino is the legend.
If you aren’t familiar with his work, below are a few clips to remember him by, followed by a number of pro wrestling’s biggest stars sharing their memories, thoughts, and condolences. Even though he’s passed away, Bruno will always be the sport’s Living Legend.
Devastated to hear the passing of a true icon, legend, great, honest and wonderful man…
A true friend…and one of the toughest people I've ever met.
My thoughts are with his entire family. #RIPBrunoSammartino #AmericanDream— Triple H (@TripleH) April 18, 2018
Rest In Peace Bruno Samartino. It was an honor meeting you and talking how many times we could have sold out MSG together back in the day. #RIPBrunoSammartino pic.twitter.com/Df7TgfBDnR
— Miro (@ToBeMiro) April 18, 2018
I will always have an enormous amount of respect & admiration for Bruno Sammartino. I can’t thank him enough for always being kind to me & taking time to have a genuine conversation. Condolences to his family & loved ones.
— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE) April 18, 2018
Bruno is indirectly responsible for where I am today. Growing up in Pittsburgh, he was my father’s hero, and sparked my dad’s passion for the business that he passed on to me.
I was lucky enough to spend some time with Bruno, and the man exemplified class. #RIPBruno
— Corey Graves (@WWEGraves) April 18, 2018
Bruno is undoubtedly one of the greatest ever. My father's favorite wrestler. He's impacted many generations of superstars and will continue to do so. My thoughts are with his friends and family.
— LarsWWE (@LarsSWWE) April 18, 2018
Bruno was a true champion. He was known for his love of his family, this business, and our country.
A huge loss. My prayers are with his family. #RIPBrunoSammartino https://t.co/qC84FJx99w
— AJ Styles (@AJStylesOrg) April 18, 2018
Devastating news for the wrestling world. An Icon amongst Icon’s, Bruno Sammartino has passed away. RIP Bruno. My thoughts and prayers are with his family today.
— Ted DiBiase (@MDMTedDiBiase) April 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/MojoRawleyWWE/status/986618725171376129
#RIPBrunoSammartino What a life he lived! God speed Mr Sammartino https://t.co/ZGrgoUkEch
— Brian G. James (@BrianRDJames) April 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/Goldust/status/986619003140493312
Growing up, my grandfather Stu Hart would ALWAYS talk about Bruno Sammartino and what an incredible wrestler he was. I’m so grateful I had the chance to meet Bruno and tell him how much he meant to my grandfather and the entire Hart family. We will all miss you, Bruno. 🙏♥️ pic.twitter.com/Dclu5hMGa6
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) April 18, 2018
#RIPBrunoSammartino pic.twitter.com/eec1xaGvQm
— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) April 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/ScottDawsonWWE/status/986616156013449216
One of the finest men I knew, in life and in business. Bruno Sammartino proved that hard work can overcome even the most difficult of circumstances. He will be missed. #RIPLivingLegend pic.twitter.com/PNDuQ31Phd
— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) April 18, 2018
