WWE Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino dies at 82; WWE wrestlers pay tribute on social media
WWE Bruno Sammartino died at the age 82, he was battling with health issues for several months. He passed away peacefully with his wife wife and two kids by his side this afternoon.
According to the WWE, in 1963 Sammartino defeated Buddy Rogers to become the second-ever WWE Champion. He held the title for eight years, which is still a record. He was an Italian professional wrestler, he was one of the greatest icons in the wrestling field.
His 187 sellouts of Madison Square Garden as the marquee attraction is still a jaw-dropping statistic. Triple H, played a big role in Bruno's life as he helped return to the company in 2013 called Bruno a 'true icon' and is shattered by the news.
He said on Twitter: "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."
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Devastated to hear the passing of a true icon, legend, great, honest and wonderful man...
— Triple H (@TripleH) April 18, 2018
A true friend...and one of the toughest people I've ever met.
My thoughts are with his entire family. #RIPBrunoSammartino #AmericanDream
#RIPBrunoSammartino https://t.co/dmXHhuU9Ms
— Larry Zbyszko (@LivingLegendLZ) April 18, 2018
Bruno Sammartino is a wrestling Legend
— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) April 18, 2018
Honored to have had many conversations with him
When I was w/him I knew I was w/pure class & greatness
Celebrate his life watch 1of his matches today
I was humbled he even knew my name
I'm very sad pic.twitter.com/RfD1XIQYo9
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/gwRJzlhdWE
— Dustin Rhodes (@Goldust) April 18, 2018
I can't fathom he is gone. My tribute to him tonight. pic.twitter.com/ihEXVcEWOA
— Bill Apter (@apter1wrestling) April 18, 2018
Remembering the legend... #RIPBrunoSammartino pic.twitter.com/okpnfhUtOk
— WWE (@WWE) April 18, 2018
WWE wrote on their website: "WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino passed away at age 82.
"The story of Bruno Sammartino is the story of the American dream."
"Sammartino began his wrestling career in 1959, and soon became a popular attraction, making his debut at Madison Square Garden a year later.
"That iconic New York venue would become Sammartino’s spiritual home over the next 25 years, as he sold out the arena over 180 times.
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First published: 18 April 2018, 23:52 IST