This is a sad week for the pro-wrestling community because of the recent passing of the legendary Bruno Sammartino. Sammartino was a Superstar like none other and has been widely regarded as one of the all-time greats.
Popstar Bruno Mars is a huge name in the music industry and rightfully so. The singer’s real name is Peter Gene Hernandez and the first name from his music moniker is inspired by the legend himself, Bruno Sammartino.
Like many in the pro-wrestling world, Mars also took to Twitter to pay tribute to Sammartino following the latter’s demise:
Sending love and prayers to Bruno Sammartino’s family. He was such a gentleman when I met him & really meant a lot to my father & I. RIP👑
— Bruno Mars (@BrunoMars) April 19, 2018
Back in August of 2017, Mars had the privilege to have a meeting with the legendary Sammartino. After their meeting, Mars uploaded a photo of them posing with the old WWWF Championship belt:
This goes to show how influential Sammartino was in popular culture during his time. The former WWWF Champion has sold out the world famous Madison Square Garden multiple times and was the biggest star in the USA.
In 2013, Sammartino and WWE finally settled their disputes and the former was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Alongside Ernie Ladd, Buddy Rogers and many more, Sammartino helped in building the foundations of the global phenomenon that is the World Wrestling Entertainment.
Hollywood Icon Arnold Schwarzenegger has also been a huge fan of Sammartino’s work and was also the person who inducted him into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Sammartino’s legendary WWWF Championship reign of 2,803 days will probably never be surpassed and he shall forever be called the longest reigning champion in history. May the legend’s soul rest in peace.
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