Who Is Bruno Sammartino? Age, Biography and Wiki
Bruno Sammartino, a name synonymous with professional wrestling, was born on October 6, 1935, in Pizzoferrato, Italy. He moved to the United States at the age of 15. Sammartino became a household name in the wrestling world, known for his incredible strength and charismatic presence in the ring. He held the WWWF Championship for an astonishing 11 years across two reigns, making him a significant figure in the history of professional wrestling. Sadly, Sammartino passed away on April 18, 2018, but his legacy continues to inspire fans and wrestlers alike.
| Occupation | Wrestlers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 6, 1935 |
| Age | 82 Years |
| Birth Place | Pizzoferrato, Abruzzo, Kingdom of Italy |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | Italy |
| Date of death | 18 April, 2018 |
| Died Place | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
Popularity
Bruno Sammartino's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although Bruno Sammartino is no longer with us, his physical stature remains legendary. He was known to stand at approximately 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) and weighed around 265 lbs (120 kg) during his wrestling career. With a muscular and powerful build, he was a formidable presence in the ring, captivating audiences with both his physicality and wrestling talent.
In 1959, Sammartino set a world record in the bench press with a lift of 565 lb, done without elbow or wrist wraps. When he brought the bar down, he did not bounce it off his chest, but set it there for two seconds before attempting the press. He trained in wrestling with Rex Peery, the University of Pittsburgh team coach.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Bruno Sammartino was married to his longtime wife, Carol, in 1959. They shared a beautiful family life and had three children together: two sons, David and Dorino, and a daughter, Gretl. Though Sammartino's love life was primarily focused on his family, he maintained a loyal and devoted relationship with Carol throughout their marriage, which lasted until his passing in 2018.
He was the youngest of seven children, four of whom died during his early childhood. When he was four, his father immigrated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During World War II, Pizzoferrato was invaded by troops of the Waffen SS, leading Emilia to hide Bruno and his siblings in a remote hideout at the top of a nearby mountain called Valla Rocca.
During this time, his mother would sneak into their German-occupied town for food and supplies. In 1950, she and the children joined her husband in Pittsburgh.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 2018, Bruno Sammartino's net worth was estimated to be around $4 million. His wealth was accumulated through a successful wrestling career, appearances in television and films, and various endorsements. Sammartino's status as one of the most popular wrestlers of his time contributed significantly to his earnings.
On January 22, 1980, his former student Larry Zbyszko turned on him at the World Wrestling Federation's Championship Wrestling show. Sammartino, shocked and hurt by Zbyszko's betrayal, vowed to make Zbyszko pay dearly. Their feud culminated on August 9, 1980, in front of 36,295 fans at Shea Stadium.
As the main event of 1980's Showdown at Shea, Sammartino defeated Zbyszko inside a steel cage. In his autobiography, Hulk Hogan claimed that his match with André the Giant was the real reason for the huge draw at Shea Stadium; however, the feud between Sammartino and Zbyszko sold out everywhere in the build-up to the show.
In contrast, Hogan and André headlined exactly one card in White Plains, New York before they wrestled at Shea, and they drew 1,200 in a building that held 3,500.
Career, Business and Investments
Bruno Sammartino's wrestling career spanned several decades. He debuted in 1959 and rose to prominence in the 1960s and 70s, becoming a cultural icon. In addition to his wrestling career, he was involved in various business ventures, including health and fitness initiatives and restaurants. Sammartino also hosted sports-related television shows and made guest appearances in films, showcasing his diverse talents beyond the wrestling ring.
Born in Italy to a family of seven, Sammartino grew up in poverty. As a child, Sammartino survived the German occupation of Italy during World War II. In 1950, he came to the United States with his family, where they would settle in Pittsburgh. Sammartino would later take up bodybuilding before beginning his career as a professional wrestler in 1959.
Social Network
While Bruno Sammartino was not as active on social media as modern-day celebrities, his legacy continues to thrive on various platforms. Fans celebrate his contributions through dedicated fan pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, where they share tributes, memories, and milestones from his illustrious career.
Feeling like he was being held back in the New York territory in favor of National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) star Buddy Rogers, Sammartino gave his notice to Capitol Wrestling Corporation (CWC) owner Vince McMahon Sr. and planned to go to San Francisco to work for Roy Shire.
While on his way to California, he missed two bookings in Baltimore and Chicago, and as a result was suspended in those territories. California honored the other state's suspension, leaving Sammartino out of work.
In his autobiography, Sammartino states that he believed McMahon set him up, by double-booking him and not informing him of his match in Baltimore, as a way of punishment. Sammartino was forced to return to Pittsburgh and found work as a laborer.
Education
Sammartino's formal education took a backseat to his wrestling career, but he was a dedicated learner in the world of athletics. He trained rigorously in various forms of wrestling and weightlifting, eventually earning the respect of his peers and champions. His dedication to fitness and discipline was evident throughout his life, contributing significantly to his success as a wrestler and influencer.
When the Sammartinos arrived in the U.S., Bruno spoke no English and was sickly from the privations of the war years. This made him an easy target for bullies at Schenley High School. He turned to weightlifting and wrestling to build himself up. His devotion to weightlifting nearly resulted in a berth on the 1956 U.S. Olympic team, which went instead to eventual gold medalist Paul Anderson.
