Professional wrestling fans around the globe woke up to the sad news of WWE and pro-wrestling legend, Bruno Sammartino passing away at the age of 82.
Fans as well as the the wrestlers themselves have since been in a state of utter disbelief, shock and grief. Wrestling fans have even gathered to pay tribute to the greatest champion in the history of professional wrestling. Not just the ‘WWE Universe’ but the entire pro-wrestling world as well as the entire world of sports has been mourning the loss of “The Living Legend”.
Sammartino was arguably pro-wrestling’s first big superstar. While he has many accolades to his name, the most memorable achievement is probably that the Italian holds the record for the longest single title reign in the history of WWE at 2803 days. He also holds the record for holding the promotion’s top title for more than 11 years at 4040 days across two title reigns.
In his prime, Sammartino was the biggest name in wrestling and faced many highly feared wrestlers such as Killer Kowalski, Giant Baba, The Sheik, Freddie Blassie and George “The Animal” Steele, and many more.
Many eminent personalities have been paying their tribute to Sammartino via posts on social media. You can read some of the posts below:
WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino has passed away at age 82. https://t.co/B8nUabP0oh
— WWE (@WWE) April 18, 2018
Nothing today can happen without what he did back then. Rest in power and thank you Bruno Sammartino. pic.twitter.com/JEuHPUh3fJ
— Cody (@CodyRhodes) April 18, 2018
There's a saying about being careful to meet your heroes because you end up disappointed,. Millions grew up with Bruno Sammartino, and the ones who got to know him, they were not disappointed.
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) April 18, 2018
BRUNO SAMMARTINO FOREVER THE IRON SHEIK CLASS. MY TRAINING PARTNER FOR LIFE. THE GREATEST. pic.twitter.com/fy6rhSQnIg
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) April 18, 2018
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
Bruno Sammartino was a legend. He was the American Dream personified. From his childhood in Italy hiding from Nazis to selling out Madison Square Garden 188 times as the biggest star of professional wrestling, he was a hero in every stage of his life. pic.twitter.com/29KDwT3gcA
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) April 18, 2018
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
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