Hall of Framer Bruno Sammartino passed at 82 yrs old

[98valk]

this has been a bad month. even a few wks ago an in-law grandmother at 97 passed away.

https://www.tmz.com/2018/04/18/legendary-wrestler-bruno-sammartino-dead/

Sammartino -- who was the longest reigning champion in WWE history (4,040 days) -- passed away at his home in Pittsburgh.

Bruno got his start with the WWWF ... the promotion started by Vince McMahon Sr. -- which eventually led to the WWF and WWE.

Bruno wrestled as far back as the 50's and went head-to-head with the likes of Freddie Blassie, Buddy Rogers and George "The Animal" Steele. His matches were called by the legendary announcer Dick Lane ... who made "Whoa Nelly" a household phrase.

Later Sammartino served as a corner man for his son, David, during the first WrestleMania in Madison Square Garden in 1985.

The cause of death is unknown but Bruno struggled with health issues for a long time before he passed.

Bruno leaves his wife Carol, who he's been married to for nearly 60 years, and 3 kids.

[northernvalk]

RIP sir...you were a great entertainer.

On a side note, it REALLY bothers me when the WW? uses the term "champion" or winner/loser
This is a scripted play and the use of competitive sports terms is degrading to the real sports that use deserve them. 

[cookiedough]

RIP sir...you were a great entertainer.

On a side note, it REALLY bothers me when the WW? uses the term "champion" or winner/loser
This is a scripted play and the use of competitive sports terms is degrading to the real sports that use deserve them. 

I disagree.  It takes an athlete and skill and hard work/training to be in the WWE fake (scripted) or not....

[Jess Tolbirt]

its entertainment, just like the sheriff in blazing saddles, couldnt be a real sheriff in real life..

[bagelboy]

I always thought professional wrestling was real .......

[cookiedough]

its entertainment, just like the sheriff in blazing saddles, couldnt be a real sheriff in real life..

tell that to Olympic gold medalists Kurt Angle or even Brock Lesnar?   

They must be doing something right though since number one in viewing rankings on TV as well as making the sports ''entertainment' wrestlers RICH beyond belief.  Gotta remember though, that most go out age 40 or so with a few exceptions of Hulk Hogan, the Undertaker, Ric Flair, among others who go on way past their prime.    I personally think Hogan was the most overpaid B.S. wrestler they ever will have since his finishing move of the leg drop is a joke since NO ONE would believe just a leg drop would pin 1,2, 3 anyone.

[northernvalk]

You have to be a great athlete to perform in Circ du Soleil also, but they aren't calling themselves "Champion" or claiming to "win" anything....same could be said of hundreds of occupations around the world. WWE is Artistic gymnastics period.  To have pride about being "champion" of something that isn't a competition in any way is kind of ridiculous if you think about it. Can you imagine an actor in a sports movie walking around calling themselves the champ because of said movie...? 

[98valk]

During Bruno's time it was less scripted then it has been for the last 20 yrs. Bruno actually broke his neck during a match. He finished the match and then went to the hospital and found out about his neck.

[RDKLL]

George "The Animal" Steele was my gym teacher in high school. I went to Madison High in Madison Heights MI...he was an amazing guy...two legends that will be missed. Here they are together in a match
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sX7clUL_vZE