Bruno Sammartino American wrestler of Italian descent. Date of Birth: 06.10.1935 Country: USA

1. Biography of Bruno Sammartino
2. Early Life and Career
3. Professional Wrestling Career
4. WWWF Champion
5. Later Life and Legacy

Biography of Bruno Sammartino

Bruno Leopoldo Francesco Sammartino was an American professional wrestler of Italian descent. He is best known for his time with WWE, where he held the WWWF Championship for a record 11 years (4040 days) in the heavyweight division.

Early Life and Career

Sammartino was born in Pizzoferrato, Abruzzo, Italy and was the youngest of seven children. During World War II, Sammartino and his family hid from the Germans in the mountains known as Valla Rocca. However, this life in the mountains had a negative impact on Bruno's health as he contracted rheumatic fever. He was eventually cured by his mother using hot blankets and leeches.

In 1950, Sammartino moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to live with his father. Adjusting to life in America was not easy as he did not speak English and his health was still poor. As a result, he became an easy target for school bullies, but Bruno was determined to improve his physical condition. He found a place in the University of Pittsburgh's wrestling team, despite the lack of regular wrestling courses in his school.

Sammartino performed semi-circus acts in the Pittsburgh area, including a match against a carnival orangutan in 1956. It was during these performances that he caught the attention of talent scout Rudy Miller. In 1956, Sammartino almost made it to the United States Olympic team but lost his spot to Paul Anderson. He gained recognition for setting a world record in bench pressing by lifting 256 kilograms without elbow or wrist straps. He also competed in bodybuilding and won the title of "Mr. Allegheny" in the late 1950s.

Professional Wrestling Career

Sammartino made his professional wrestling debut on December 17, 1959, winning his first match in just 19 seconds. He quickly gained popularity among local wrestlers and made his debut in Madison Square Garden on January 2, 1960. For a period of time, Sammartino worked with Vincent McMahon Sr.'s Capitol Wrestling Corporation but left due to dissatisfaction with pay and the management's irresponsibility.

Sammartino had the ability to choose his projects and opponents. He became known for his impressive feats, such as lifting and throwing a 300-kilogram Haystacks Calhoun. However, after a project he joined closed down, he had to consider returning to McMahon's promotion. McMahon sought revenge on Sammartino for leaving him and made it difficult for him to find work. Sammartino eventually found a better working relationship with Frank Tunney and frequently returned to Tunney's projects even after becoming a star.

WWWF Champion

Sammartino became the WWWF Champion for the first time on May 17, 1963, defeating Buddy Rogers in just 48 seconds. Rogers attributed his weak performance to a heart attack he suffered a week before the match, but this was never officially confirmed. In 1966, Sammartino bought the "Spectator Sports" promotion, which became a temporary home for many national-level wrestlers. Sammartino ran the promotion independently, creating his own storylines and champion lineages. He was also known for advocating for fair pay for his fellow wrestlers.

Sammartino held the WWWF Championship for a record-breaking 7 years, 8 months, and 1 day. He lost the title to Ivan Koloff on January 18, 1971, which shocked the crowd into silence. Sammartino regained the title on December 10, 1973, and held it until 1977 when he voluntarily relinquished it due to health issues. He broke his neck during a match with Stan Hansen on April 26, 1976, but still managed to defeat Hansen. Sammartino continued to wrestle in WWF until 1988 before retiring.

Later Life and Legacy

After retiring, Sammartino criticized the excessive theatrics, drug use, steroids, and fakeness in professional wrestling. He particularly targeted Vince McMahon for allegedly ruining his father's creation. Sammartino participated in several documentaries about professional wrestling and shared his insights and experiences as one of the greatest wrestlers of his time.

In 2013, Sammartino was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the industry.