Remembering Bruno Sammartino

Sadly, wrestler, Bruno Sammartino, who held the title belt for a record 9 years, died this week at the age of 82.

The day before, I had watched the HBO documentary, a good one on the famed wrestler, “Andre The Giant,” which discussed regional wrestling.

Bruno was my region’s wrestling champion and great memories stir thinking about him, running into the ring in street clothes and at times carrying a briefcase, as part of the scripted action.

He also was a power lifting champion and a truly good man.

Mr. Sammartino spoke out against the widespread use and abuse of steroids in the wrestling association and also represented a time as a champion, yes in an exhibition, but one that had a bit more wrestling and certainly a more “contained schtick or worse.”

I interviewed Bruno along with “Hillbilly Jim,” (remember him) at the 1987 luncheon benefitting “The March Of Dimes.”

Mr. Sammartino was such a gentleman, talking in a low key way of matches he had overseas, that were the stuff of legend–perhaps literally.

No matter, he was a champion in and out of the ring, my champion, many year’s simultaneously with Muhammad Ali in boxing.

A proud resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I have included KDKA TV’s tribute to him. Bruno was a really good man, athlete and performer. Good bells ring for him now.

Click below for the CBS-KDKA remembrance which cites Bruno’s mother Emilia’s incredible bravery in hiding and feeding her children during horrible times.

http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2018/04/18/wwe-bruno-sammartino-dies-82/