Q&A with Bruno Sammartino
I conducted a phone interview with wrestling's "Living Legend," Bruno Sammartino, who talked about what he's been up to lately, his thoughts on the WWE Hall of Fame and his memories of wrestling in Baltimore. Sammartino, 72, also spoke with Sun reporter Childs Walker about drug testing and the state of WWE nearly a year after the Chris Benoit tragedy for an article in Friday's editions of The Sun.
I know that you still work out on a regular basis. What else keeps you busy these days?
There are people interested in doing a movie of my life, and so we have been busy with that. We went back to Europe to show where we hid from the Nazis during the war, so we went back and shot that. And we’ve done a lot of interviews. I also do some personal appearances. I don’t do a whole lot of them because I like to be home. My wife and I, thank God, we’re together. You never can make up all those years when you were on the road, but now that I’m here I will not keep myself busy because I want to be home. I have my sons here and my grandchildren here and I like to spend time with all of them, and I can’t get enough of that.
You know, in my day, it wasn’t like it is today where these athletes make millions of dollars. In my day, you made a good living, and I’m extremely grateful for everything that came my way after coming from Europe, but you didn’t make the big bucks back then. Don’t get me wrong — my wife and I, we’re fine — but if you have the opportunity to go pick up a payday someplace, I don’t turn my back to it. It’s not that I really enjoy the traveling because I despise traveling. The only thing I like about doing autograph shows is that the people who used to be fans are so wonderful. They’ll come over and give such wonderful compliments. Younger people say, “You were a role model for me growing up. My parents love you.” You hear these wonderful comments and it really touches you that people have these positive things to say about you. It makes me feel good that I never did anything negative.
I tell you how seriously I took my role in my life and what I was. I was the world wrestling champion, and I would be in restaurants, and being Italian, especially if I was in an Italian restaurant, a lot of time I’d go for dinner and people would say, “Let’s have a glass of wine.” I would loved to have had a glass of wine, but if it was during the afternoon and there were people there with kids, I would never, never touch it because I was afraid that if they recognized me and saw me drinking, I thought it just wasn’t a positive thing. I wanted people to have a positive image of this wrestling champion. I really tried to conduct myself properly.
During the war, I should have died. I lost a brother and a sister, and I came down with rheumatic fever. After the war, my mom brought me back to our home — what was left of it — and for three years I laid there. My mother swore that she had lost two children and she wasn’t about to lose another one. We had no doctors, no medication — nothing. That’s why when I came to America I was such a skeleton. My mother is the reason why I lived. She did more for me than any doctor could have done to keep me alive. So, that’s another thing that I was very, very strong about when I started to make a name for myself. I was never going to do anything that would have brought shame to my family. I owed too much, and I wanted them to be proud to say that they were Bruno Sammartino’s mother and father.
You have been an outspoken critic on some of the problems in the wrestling industry. Do you think wrestlers need a union, and will that ever happen?
No. I tried to get a union organized in the 60s. It will never happen. They guys that are making money don’t want to do anything to rock the boat with the promoters, and the little guys are afraid to do anything or say anything because they’re afraid of being fired on the spot. That’s the mentality, unfortunately.
I understand that you have no interest in being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. How would you feel if they inducted you without your consent, just because they feel you deserve to be in it?
When they started that Hall of Fame, Vince McMahon was going to show me, so he never considered me to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. What he didn’t expect was the outcry of the fans. They said, “How the heck could you call this a Hall of Fame when Bruno’s name was never even mentioned?” It backfired on him so bad that the following year or two years he didn’t even have a Hall of Fame. He figured let it die down. And then when he started again, again I wasn’t mentioned and again he got bombarded pretty darn big. So then because of all the pressure, he finally got his attorney to call my attorney to try to talk me into coming to their Hall of Fame.
The thing is this: I have been extremely critical of everything that this man has done to wrestling since he took over — extremely critical. I so resent all the vulgarity, the nudity, the profanity and all the ugliness, and I really was outspoken about the drugs going back to 15-20 years ago. And after that, I got away from it all, but still, if anybody ever questioned me, I remained that way. Now, what the heck kind of a guy would I be if, after expressing myself so loud and clear about how I feel about this organization, that then I would accept to be part of them into this Hall of Fame. I’d be the biggest hypocrite there was. And besides that, when fans tell me, “Yeah, but you belong,” I tell them, “OK, if I went in the Hall of Fame, where would you go to see it. You know, baseball has Cooperstown. If I’m in the Hall of Fame, wouldn’t there be a place for you to go and see it and see all these people that have been inducted?” They said, “Uh, I don’t know.” “Yeah, because it doesn’t exist.
McMahon started this — it’s all just a moneymaking thing. He puts out DVDs of the new Hall of Fame inductees, and then his TV goes to 126 countries and they’re selling these DVDs, and they don’t even give these guys anything. I understand when you get inducted into the Hall of Fame, they give you $5,000, and then they go ahead worldwide and sell the DVDs and I don’t think you get anything. So, it’s all a gimmick. It’s nonsense. But more than that, even if it was legit, I simply would never accept for the simple reason of what I’ve told you. Now, your question was, “Well what if they decide to do it whether you like it or not?” Well, I don’t know if there is anything I could do by law — probably not. But I would again be outspoken and make it very clear that this is being done and by no means do I approve of it or want any part of it. I’d want all the fans to know that.
You reportedly had a meeting with Vince McMahon in Pittsburgh a couple years ago to discuss some kind of business arrangement. Were you ever close to an agreement?
I’m glad you brought that up because I want to clear the air with that. [The Wrestling Observer’s Dave] Meltzer said something about how resentful I am, yet I actually met and tried to negotiate a deal with McMahon. Not true. This is the time when I told you we went to Europe to shoot my town, the mountains where we were hiding during the war and all that kind of stuff. Jerry McDevitt, McMahon’s lawyer, was contacted by Marty Lazzaro, my lawyer, because we were doing our story and we needed to use the Civic Arena, which is where I wrestled all those years, and that’s where wrestling still is. It turns out that WWE was going to be there for one of their TV shows. We knew that there was going to be a ring put up for that. Marty contacted the arena and asked if we could use the ring to film for about 15-20 minutes. They gave us the permission to do that, but because it was McMahon’s show, they’d have to get it OK’d with them, too. So that’s when I told Marty that I didn’t want any part of this. He said, “Wait a minute.” He said he heard from McDevitt and it was fine. He said all [McDevitt] wanted was to have a meeting between him and McMahon and Marty and me when we come there to do the filming. I said, “Marty, I’m not interested in meeting with the guy.” Marty said, “What have you got to lose? Please, let’s meet with them. I want to see this guy in person and I want to hear just what they have to say.”
I cannot tell how you how much I didn’t want any part of this, but, for Marty, I said OK. But I said, “Marty, I’m telling you right up front. I’m not interested in anything with these people.” So we met with them. Vince acted like there were never any ill feelings between he and I. He acted very friendly — “Hey, you son of a gun, you look great.” So we went in a room, and somebody said that Vince has nothing but respect for the old-timers. And boy did that give me the opening. That’s when I had to open my mouth and I have no regrets about it. I said, “I’m sorry, but I think you have shown nothing but disrespect for the old-timers. You bring some of the old-timers here, whether it’s Lou Albano or [Killer] Kowalski or Domenic DeNucci or [Baron Mikel] Scicluna or whoever, and whether it’s a big show or a pay-per-view, and you toss these guys $1,000, $1,500 or maybe $2,000 if they’re really lucky. But yet you bring in Mike Tyson and you give him $3.5 million to be outside the ring refereeing a special event. You brought Pete Rose and other athletes from baseball and football and you give them six figures for an appearance. People that have done nothing for this business, and a lot of them look at it as a joke. But those who have given their whole life to this business and never made any real money, what do they get for all those years of banging their bodies up? And a lot of them are physically practically handicapped. They get a bone thrown at them. This is respect for the old-timers? Give me a break.”
I said to Vince: “You could never use me in any way and show the disrespect you have shown for wrestlers. If you and I could ever work out anything, you would have to show me the respect you showed Mike Tyson.” That was my way of slamming the door and having him be the guy to refuse, because I know them. When it comes to wrestlers, they’ll throw you a bone. But if it’s a baseball player, football player or movie star or Mike Tyson, they want to show that they’ll make big-money deals and they’ll give out hundreds of thousands or millions. So at that point, I got up and said, “Whatever you want to discuss, discuss it with Marty, because there is nothing else here for me to talk about.” To those who think that I went there to really have a serious meeting to work something out with him, they couldn’t be more mistaken. I did it to please Marty Lazzaro, but there’s no deal they would have made that I would have come out of there and said, “Hey, great, let’s go for it.”
You were a big favorite in Baltimore for many years. Do you have any special memories of wrestling in Baltimore?
I loved the Baltimore Civic Center. I have nothing but pleasant memories. It was a nice arena, and I was there from the time they opened it. The fans used to make me feel like I was really, really welcome. Not that Baltimore was unique in that. I used to get goose bumps at Madison Square Garden. Every time I went to the ring the place would explode and they would chant my name. Boston was like that. Philadelphia, too. I always loved going to Baltimore because I loved the arena and the whole atmosphere. But also, there was Little Italy and a restaurant called Sabatino’s, and I used to go there and eat after the matches. Sometimes [DeNucci] was with me; a couple times I went with Andre. I always looked forward to that because I would eat around 1 or 2 o’clock in the afternoon because I wanted to be fully digested by the time I went to the ring. But afterwards I would be as hungry as can be. In every city, I had my favorite place. In Baltimore, it was Sabatino’s. You ever hear of it?
Oh, sure, I’ve been there quite a few times.
Is it still there?
It is.
Oh my God. Anyway, Baltimore was great for me because, if it was a Saturday night, for example, it was a short trip to get to Pittsburgh the next day. And like I said, the fans were always extremely great with me, and I knew where to go to get a terrific meal afterwards.
One of your most famous matches took place in Baltimore on April 30, 1977, when you lost the WWWF title to Superstar Billy Graham. What are your thoughts of that night? I know at that point you were looking to slow down your schedule. Was it a relief to finally not be the champion anymore?
Well, it was more than that. Let me tell you what happened. When I was champion for the first eight years, they had me on such a ridiculous schedule. I was hurting from head to toe. I was wrestling every single night. Two Sundays out of the month, I would go to Toronto because I had spent two years there and I had promised [promoter] Frank Tunney — who gave me a break and was a good man — that when I went back to [the WWWF] that I would still come in when he wanted me for the Maple Leaf Gardens. So, two weeks out of the month I would wrestle seven days a week, and the other two weeks I would wrestle six days a week and get to go home on Sunday. I was also making tours to Japan and Australia. [Vince McMahon Sr.] would not run Madison Square Garden without me, so he would always arrange my trips so that I would wrestle in the Garden on Monday and leave Tuesday morning for Japan or Australia. And I’d have to be back for the next Garden show. When I got through with a tour, I wouldn’t even go home. I’d be flying in from Australia or Japan to New York to be there in time for the Garden.
After eight years, I was hurting so bad. And anybody who really knows me will tell you that I will never even take an Aspirin much less anything stronger for the aches and pains. It just reached a point where I told McMahon that my body hurts from head to toe; I can’t train properly because I hurt. I have to get out for a while. I need a layoff from wrestling. Other people said I retired, but I never said I was retiring; I needed to heal. I said to McMahon, “I have to bow out.” I did this on my seventh year. He kept stalling me and stalling me until I got angry and I said, “Vince, if you don’t make arrangements for whoever you want as your next big guy, I am just going to take a plane to Pittsburgh and I’m going to take three, four, five, six months off.” So at that point they went and got a new guy — Ivan Koloff. After I lost the belt to Koloff and I came home, I really took care of myself and I rested real good. Now that I was no longer tied up with the WWWF, all the promoters from everywhere were contacting me and trying to get dates on me because now they didn’t have to go through McMahon. I refused until I really started feeling well. And then I really started loving wrestling again. I would go to St. Louis for [Sam] Muchnick for a match or two, and then I would be off five days. If I went to Indianapolis — Dick The Bruiser and I teamed up there — I would take three shots but then I would take off six, seven days. I would go to Japan for two weeks and then take off two weeks. So I loved it and I was getting a good buck. The promoters all wanted me and they were willing to give me a little bigger percentage of the gate. I was happy because I wasn’t battering my body, I was home a lot and I was making a good buck for that era. I was making as much money as I had been making as the champion.
So, McMahon contacts me and he says, “Bruno, please, we have to have you back, just for a year.” I said, “No, I can’t.” He met me at the airport with his son — Vince Jr. — and he says to me, “Look, Bruno, one year is all we ask until I can get somebody else really ready to take over.” The other part of the deal was that I wouldn’t have to wrestle on the secondary clubs; I would just do all the major clubs. Well, I thought that’s not too bad. That would mean maybe wrestling three times a week, sometimes four. I thought I could handle that for one year. Well, one year went to two, two went to three and on the fourth year I broke my neck. I was scared for a while because I couldn’t feel anything on my left side, but thank God there were some great neurosurgeons here and things started coming back. Anyway, I came back and I said, “I’m done. If I wrestle anymore, it’ll be a shot here and there, but not this title thing.” So I wrestled Billy Graham in Baltimore, and he took the title and became the champion for like nine months. I went on and wrestled here and there, and at the very end of my career, I wrestled Larry Zbyszko. We sold out everywhere. In fact, we had a 1 o’clock show at the Capital Centre in Washington, and then that night we wrestled in Baltimore and we sold both buildings out. In Shea Stadium, we packed the place. So that was a pretty nice way for me to retire. Japan heard I was retiring and they begged me to come and do a farewell tour. They treated me well through the years, so I couldn’t say no. On Oct. 4, 1981, I wrestled at The Meadowlands. Oct. 5, I took a plane for Tokyo, got there on the 6th, which was my 46th birthday, I did my tour, I came home and I was retired.
I know that you have spoken in the past about how WWE talked you into making sporadic appearances in the ring after you had officially retired and your son, David, was starting out. Your final match took place in Baltimore on Aug. 29, 1987, when you teamed with Hulk Hogan against King Bundy and One Man Gang. Did you know when you stepped in the ring that night that was going to be your last match?
I was very angry when I found out I was put in that position. In 1985, they wanted me to go back in the ring because Boston wasn’t doing well. Hulk Hogan, who everybody thinks is such a big attraction, was the champion. I turned it down. But then they went to my kid and said, “You know, we could make a tag match if you could talk your father into putting the tights on, and it would be a great boost for you in establishing yourself.” My son came to me, and I said, “David, if they want to push you, they can do it with you just like they do everybody else.” Anyway, I didn’t want it to be said that I didn’t want to help my kid, and I did, but I was resentful of it that McMahon put me in a situation like that. It happened more often as time went on, and I thought, “That’s it. It’s time for me to make my exit.” I didn’t even know about that match [in Baltimore]. When I found out about it, I didn’t say a word to anybody, but I was disgusted and angry. I came to Baltimore, and I thought to myself: “That’s it. They got me into this one, and I’ll do it, and then they can all go you know where.” That night, I hated being there — not Baltimore, but the whole situation. And that was my last match.
How did you feel about being teamed up with Hogan and doing the posing routine with him after the match?
I was light. I was down to about maybe 230 at that time. Look at who was in the ring: Hogan was all juiced up and he was 300-310 pounds; the other two guys — Bundy was like 450 pounds, and One Man Gang was like 400 pounds. Here I am at 230 pounds, a shadow of the 275 pounds I was when I first broke into the business in 1959, and they came to me and said that the orders were that I had to pose in the ring. I said, “What do you mean I have to pose?” And they said that’s what Vince emphasized. I guess they wanted me to look foolish next to a guy like Hogan. Here I was at 52 at the time, and I looked in the mirror when I got dressed and I did a pose and I thought to myself, “You know, maybe these people are aware and maybe they’re not. Maybe they know about steroid freaks and maybe they don’t. But they remember me from my heyday when I was a much bigger guy.” I’m looking at myself and I thought: “You know, I’m only about 230, but I’m well-defined. So, yeah, I’ll pose. Two guys are big fat guys, so they aren’t going to make me look bad, and this other guy here I think everybody knows is a steroid freak. Let them see what a person looks like who does natural training without any chemicals and is in his 50s.” Out of anger more than anything else, I went and did those poses.
Is there anything else you wanted to bring out in this interview before we wrap things up?
The McMahon camp say that I won’t go into the Hall of Fame and stuff like that because I’m a very bitter guy. You know, I cannot tell you how much I resent them saying that. I wish that most people on this globe were as happy as I have been in the past 15-20 years. No, I don’t have money to burn, but I’m comfortable and I’m happy because I’m with my family — my grandkids and my sons Danny and Darryl are close by. I work out every day — sure, I had some setbacks with some surgeries, but I always bounced back real good. I tell everybody that I’m dating my wife again. Every Saturday, we go out to dinner. I think, “My God, if this could only continue.” So, for people who haven’t seen me in so many years to say that I’m a bitter guy, they just haven’t a clue of what a happy, happy guy I really am at this stage of my life.
Comments
I've always refrained from making comments about the situation because I never knew why Sammartino was upset with McMahon.
If it's the financial reason he stated above, then I find it a bit hard to side with him.
As much respect as I have for the older wrestlers, I can understand McMahon's stance of not paying them as much as Tyson.
The wrestling fans that fill up the arena don't really know or respect the older wrestlers.
They only know to respect them when WWE tells them to respect them.
That's why you hear so many fans talking about how great Mae Young used to be. The same fans that have never once seen her when she was an active wrestler.
Posted by: Jack Windham | May 2, 2008 3:09 AM
Big Kev , you have topped yourself . I've read your blog since its onset and as far as interviews go , this is a feather in your cap . Surely many of the younger readers haven't a clue who he is or maybe only have heard the name but he is the Living Legend . I suspect the younger crowd watching old clips of him would wonder what the big deal was . Wrestling in his era was not like it is now ( obviously ) . But Bruno was probably as much liked for the man he was as to the wrestler he was .
As far as his feud with McMahon, good for him , don't back down Bruno .
Kevin , thank you very much -5 stars !
Posted by: jack in hebron | May 2, 2008 5:26 AM
I agree with Jack. If Bret Hart can get over the Montreal incident, it's hard to imagine why others cannot get over whatever grievances they have with Vince McMahon. I'm not in the "McMahon camp" myself but Bruno Sammartino does sound like a very bitter man not only in this interview but others that I have seen. His main grievance does seem to be the money issue and he complains about it rather often for someone who professes to be content and comfortable with his lot today. I also get the impression that Bruno Sammartino is a rather conservative fellow who simply didn't approved of the adult themes that the WWE pursued during the attitude era. Oh well, it's his loss. Not Vince nor the wrestling fans of today.
Posted by: Din | May 2, 2008 5:32 AM
I can't believe that Sammartino can't accept the differences between then and now. Being inducted to the HOF isn't promoting it now, it's remembering when he was in the HOF.
Also, the interviewer should have pointed out they couldn't have a HOF when they had a few members, and now they are looking into an actual building. Sammy will have to find a new excuse then.
I feel sorry for him. Bret Hart recognized the difference and went it, Sammy should not be so against being in the HOF. And if it is Vince trying to show up Sammy, then once Sammy dies, I'm sure Vince will honor him and put him in, so he'll still be there, but he won't get to enjoy it (if he even would).
Posted by: Chad | May 2, 2008 7:17 AM
I believe he has consistently said it is much more about what he perceives Vince has done to the business tahn about money. Bruno is a dignified man, carried himself in a certain manner, and held his career and profession in a certain regard, and some of the stuff, or much of the stuff, Vince has pushed goes against that view. As much as I love the good ol' days, I recognize the world moves on, and perhaps Bruno should accept that as well, but overall, I think he comes across here as he always has - a quality, upright person who respects his profession and reputation.
Posted by: Brian | May 2, 2008 7:36 AM
Fantastic interview Kevin.
He'll come around someday on the WWE. Everyone does.
Posted by: John | May 2, 2008 12:16 PM
I have alot of respect for Bruno but his reason for being angry at Vince in this article is a lie. Didn't it have to do alot with his son being fired over punching a fan that Bruno says was a plant to get his son fired.
Funny how every old wrestler rewrites history no matter how big of a name they where.
Posted by: jon | May 2, 2008 1:43 PM
Great piece Kevin, some friends and I were talking about the old WWWF days last night and we read your blog about 5 am.this morning. In my opinion this is your best work to date..Congratulations on getting this interview,don't know many who could have.
Posted by: Jason Taylor:WWE Fan Nation / Falls Count Anywhere | May 2, 2008 2:02 PM
I never saw Bruno wrestle as a champion or in his prime but my father would tell me stories including the story of dropping the strap in Baltimore. I have all the respect in the world for him and respect his position on the WWE even it I don't necessarily agree. I don't know if his autobiography is still available but it is a great read even if it doesn't mention wrestling as a work.
Posted by: Marc | May 2, 2008 5:23 PM
Bruno will NEVER cave in to the WWE. He has two things they don't: Class and Integrity. God Bless Bruno and his family.
Posted by: John | May 2, 2008 5:52 PM
RE: those that think Bruno will eventually come around - why ? Bruno is a man of his word and much respected as a person. Whats wrong with being an old school conservative . As far as athletes past and present , he is someone that should truely be looked up to . Whats wrong with being a man with integrity ? I've been watching wrestling for over 35 yrs. and I enjoy wrestlers from all eras . If you raised a son modeled after Brunos character , you would be a very lucky parent . Great job Kevin !
Posted by: jack in hebron | May 2, 2008 6:03 PM
Thanks for the Q and A with Bruno. Where are you Buddy Rogers,BoBo Brazil,Argentine Apollo,Eduardo Carpentier, Handsome Johnny Barond,Pedro Morales,Arnold Sloakland,Hans Mortier,Gordo Chiwawa,The Fabulous Kangaroos,Buddy Austin,The Great Scot,Skull Murphy,Brute Bernard,Dory Dixon,etc.
Posted by: foot long | May 2, 2008 6:17 PM
When Bruno did commentary alongside Vince in '84,'85, he happened to be there when Miss Elizabeth made her initial walk to the ring after she debated Luscious Johnny V., Bobby " The Brain" Heenan, and 'Macho Man' Randy Savage on TNT on USA. For seveal weeks, her services were the talk of the WWF. 'Macho Man' won this debate and out she came on a Saturday AM program probably filmed in Penna. Bruno's initial comment upon seeing Elizabeth as she strode down the aisle for the first time was a classic. In his own style, he said Vince "SHE'S Beautiful" and yes she was. Bruno went with the flow and eventually had a feud with Savage and a match at the Balto. Arena December '86. He did well working with Vince as a commentator.
Posted by: david elzey | May 2, 2008 6:44 PM
I remember Bruno in his hayday, and he was the best there was. Being Italian, I was proud to be a Wrestling fan in the 60's and 70's. Bruno was what people say of him, "A ROLE MODEL. Unfortunately, people will look at the WWE today, and forget the WWF of yesterday. That was wrestling entertainment. Not this stuff that is on TV today. I admire the Rock for walking away. I admire Bruno for being who he is, and what he was to wrestling, and that was a CHAMPION. Thanks Bruno.
Posted by: Bob Shipp | May 2, 2008 10:00 PM
I grew up in Pittsburgh watching Bruno wrestle from the time I was about six. My brother and I would marvel at his athletic prowess as we watched him every Saturday afternoon on TV. It was not long after that that we discovered Bruno actually lived in the neighborhood right near us! Sure enough, we started seeing him at his son Darryl's little league games....He always too time to talk to us. Bruno is, was, and always will be, a class act. It's too bad today's wrestlers can't learn a few lessons in "Role Model 101" from guys like this.
Posted by: Jim Aronson | May 2, 2008 10:57 PM
Integrity. Bruno has it. Vince doesn't.
Posted by: PCH | May 2, 2008 11:19 PM
It makes me laugh how so many modern "fans" of pro wrestling (or the "WWE", since that is really all that is left in the U.S. & Canada), side with Vince McMahon, because his brand of wresling is all they really know.
Today, guys have to constantly take crazy bumps, because they have desensitized fans. I'm not saying I'd like it to go back to one guy having another in a head-lock for seven minutes, one guy struggles to get out the whole time and then he gets put back in the head-lock for another five minutes,...that stunk.
But, I'd like all the story telling to go back to the promos guys would make and in the ring.
All the immature sexual storylines, the vulgarity, the extremely predictable and stupid outcomes, THAT is what I'd like to see go away,...but it won't because (WWE) fans are conditioned to believe whatever Vince & CO. tell them to believe and like. And because of this, Vince is making too much money.
To say that fans don't care about old-timers because they don't know who they are is rediculous. Vince could make them care if he wanted to. As was posted before by another, so many fans praise Mae Young because the WWE put her on TV, mentioned what a "legend" she was and fans were like "Shes great!"
Why wouldn't they do this for men in the past who were, at least, former Tag Team Champs in the then WWF?
Probably because they wouldn't agree to fake having sex with someone of the opposite gender less then half their age,...and being men, they couldn't partake in a rediculous story line of her becoming pregnant with that person and then giving birth to a hand.
Old-timers wouldn't have to make the crazy money that Mike tyson made (which was all stolen by Don King, whic was what actually led to their break-up ironically), but do SOMETHING more then what is is financially for them now.
*SIGH*
I guess I'll just have to stick to watching pro wrestling from Japan to not have to also watch insulting and moronic storylines,... and the matches are a thousand times better.
Posted by: Dom in Phoenix | May 3, 2008 12:29 AM
I can understand where Bruno's Coming from. I can't stand the way Vince treats the Legends. And all these other Non-Wrestling celebrities getting the attention at WWE PPV's. I feel sorry for Bruno, One of the greatest will never be in the Hall of Fame and that's an OUTRAGE!.
Posted by: Leon | May 3, 2008 1:03 AM
Of course Bruno's story changes --and those of you who are taking Bruno's side because you think he's got more integrity than Vince and the WWE, read this-- because he's a wrestler and many wrestlers, especially the old-timers, CAN NOT STOP WORKING PEOPLE. For quite a of them, there is absolutely, positively no difference between Kayfabe and real life.
Iron Shiek calls Brian Blair all sorts of names, then one day, Blair's going to be at a roast for Shiek. Work. Randy Savage calls Hogan a punk because he won't accept a challenge to a worked match. Geez. Damian Demento talks smack online about WWE, then apparently says he'd go back. Who'd he think he was working?
I've heard that a bunch of the younger guys who didn't work during the Kayfabe era have a much more level head and are able to separate themselves from their gimmick or character. But alot of the older guys simply can not stop working. When somebody fashions his entire life around working people and then lives that sort of life for years, it's hard to let go. Bruno is probably no different.
Posted by: Chris | May 3, 2008 1:23 AM
It's good to see that Vince can't buy everyone. As a fan I can live wiith Bruno not being in the WWE Hall of Fame. Bruno has a point, if he went in, he'd look like like the biggest Hypocrite. Good for him as long as he's happy.
Posted by: Victor from Lowell MA. | May 3, 2008 11:45 AM
Bruno Sammartino is as genuine in person as you may read about in the media. I had the pleasure of meeting with Bruno and his wife a few weeks ago. He mentioned why he did not want to be any part of the WWE's HOF, because of the direction Vince McMahon took the WWE, with the sex and violence, which he did not agree with. He does not want to be a hypocrite by accepting entrance into the HOF after criticizing it. A true role model, he stuck by his guns, and I respect him for it. He is, indeed, in terrific shape today. Bless you, Bruno! You're still the greatest!
Posted by: Ray Lim | May 3, 2008 3:38 PM
Bruno's comments don't even make sense. When the HOF started there was no distribution or selling of the videos. There was no selling of tickets to event. So to claim that the HOF was created for pure profit reasons is baseless.
And he should have been happy that they did everything possible to help his son out. His son was even close to being talented enough for th profession, but I am sure Vince gave him a chance because he did respect Bruno.
As sad as it is to see these entertainers get pain big bucks, in the end it expands the viewers and puts some butts in the seat, and frankly, having a match where Bruno would be feature years after he retires wouldn't justify big money. Vince runs a business, and a successful one, and Bruno doesn't seem to understand that.
Many wrestlers make more today than they ever did back then, and they get taken better care of in many regards. VIice gave the industry that boost that let the wrestlers make better livings, to get more exposure. He simply is bitter that the world changed and he couldn't change with it.
Posted by: Scott | May 3, 2008 4:16 PM
Bruno=CLASS. Vince and the WWE=NO CLASS. Wrestling is a joke today, and the "superstars"in the WWE today wouldnt last 2 minutes with Bruno.Why? Because he could wrestle-not 10 minutes of a ring entrance, 5 minutes of crowd pumping,and 5 minutes of punching, kicking, and some lame-a**finishing move like these goofs today.Heck, even Abdullah the Butcher has more ring skills than most "wrestlers"today.Bruno was, is, and always will be a true legend, and hopefully he never gives in to the man who destroyed the WWWF(!)Vince"give me all your money"McMahon.
Posted by: Nelson Porter | May 3, 2008 6:26 PM
When I grew up, in northwestern Pennsylvania, Bruno was the ultimate hero. I lived in the country, out of cable's reach, and had to rely on Saturday nights when we'd go down and visit my relatives, who lived close to Pittsburgh than I did. On those nights, Bruno reigned supreme! Part of his popularity was due to his abilities; part of his popularity was due to Bill Cardille, wrestling announcer.
There is no one in today's wrestling arena who can hold a candle to Bruno. He was, and still is, the ultimate champion, and a role model for youths of any era!
Posted by: Steven Woloszn | May 3, 2008 11:56 PM
Bruno is straight to the point about the juice and everything else if my comment does not post then we know this is another 1 sided site. But I am always open 2 debate these issues because i use to watch these wrestlers in the civic center . i was there for the JIM CROCKETT CUP when Magnum Ta came down with a walker I am a true fan. So lets talk
Posted by: Jimmy | May 4, 2008 1:17 AM
What it all boils down to is that Vince Jr. is ashamed of heading up a "wrasslin' organization," which is why he has tried to distance himself from it for 20+ years with high-priced celebrity appearances, gimmick matches and gratuitous T&A, all in the name of "sports entertainment."
As a kid I loved watching Bruno wrestle in Pittsburgh, and much like Len Rossi in Nashville, Sammartino was always a babyface that a kid could look up to. I don't think that he's bitter, but rather right on the money. Vince and his father have made tens of millions of dollars from the talents of their wrestlers, and when they bring an old timer back for an appearance, they could pay him (or her) more than a few thousand token dollars. Vince also has the ability to make an appearance by a legendary wrestler as big an attraction as a celebrity by promoting the wrester to younger fans.
Bottom line...what goads Vince more than anything is that Bruno is happy and content and free to criticize the master without repercussion...something that most current or past WWE/WWF/WWWF wrestlers can't afford to do!
Posted by: Rev. Keith A. Gordon | May 4, 2008 7:58 AM
I agree with Bruno, I think that the older wrestlers are forgotten. I live for the old wrestlers. I dont want to see mike tyson in or around the ring. If your going to have a hall of fame let it be an actual structure where you can go see it. That would be done out of respect for the wrestlers of yesterday.
Posted by: David Biondi | May 4, 2008 7:24 PM
I grew up with Bruno on Saturday afternoon wrestlings shows and saw most every one of his live title defenses in Madison Square Garden back around '76.
HE is a true class act and a good role model...a throwback to an era where integrity and other virtues could still rule. WWE wrestling today is a radically different beast. Itmay be more entertaining and successful overall, but one has to admire Bruno for standing up for what he believes in, whether right or wrong. Modern day fans who did not grow up in that era will probably not understand how different things are today, for better or for worse.
Having said that, I'd like to see Bruno reconcile with WWE without having to back down on his principles. He would add so much that is missing in wrestling today + enhance his legacy that much more in the process
Posted by: AMC | May 6, 2008 2:31 PM
While I stand behind Bruno 100 percent and hope he doesnt change his stance , maybe just maybe if he did change his mind it might some how serve as a wake-up call to the wrestling industry as to how a real champion should conduct himself and not just look as him caving in to Vince .
Posted by: jack in hebron | May 6, 2008 8:03 PM
The world needs more Brunos.
One thing that has always bothered me about the WWE are the young children, and there are many of them in the audience and on tv, that are
exposed to the sleeze
and vulgarity.
Posted by: Joe DiMaggio | May 16, 2008 7:18 AM
Great interview. Thanks.
The injustice of it all is that there is no avenue for Bruno to receive accolade from all his fans.
How many middle aged folks, all over the country, would love to be able to show him some kind of appreciation for the role model/hero that he was?
How do we do that? Simple. We can't.
Bruno had a web site, but it is now unaccessable. Is that because WWE forced it to shut down?
Posted by: Mike | May 24, 2008 5:03 PM
Thank God for Sammartino
Posted by: Tom | August 10, 2008 6:36 AM
Bruno's always been The Man. A true classy gentlemen. A real life hero for fans of all ages to admire.
Posted by: Jerry | September 28, 2008 4:30 PM
Bruno is the soul of professional wrestling
Posted by: Paul | November 1, 2008 2:48 PM
Bruno Sammartino is the Babe Ruth of professional wrestling! End of discussion. he is the living legend of the sport. He also has more class in one finger than Vince has in his entire steroid built body.
Posted by: Tony | November 6, 2008 9:36 AM
Great interview with the true living legend of pro wrestling, Bruno Sammartino. I have met Bruno on several occasions and he is a great friendly guy.
There is a Pro Wrestling Hall of fame in Amsterdam, NY (www/pwhof.org) that has done a great job honoring the old timers and many of Bruno's contemporaries (Killer kowalski, George Steel, Lou Albano, Dominic Denucci, Baron Scicluna etc.) They have tried unsuccessfully to reach out to Bruno but Kevin if you ever have a follow up interview with him please ask him this question.
Posted by: Bill | November 10, 2008 9:29 AM
The shame of this is, as much as we all love Bruno, he not telling us the whole truth. The fact that Bruno's son David got involved with drugs and steroids and was fired several times has a lot to do with it. You see Vince would rehire David, only if Bruno would return and wrestle to get the gate up. Hogan and Backlund were not bringing in the cash like Bruno and they couldn't let him go just yet. Bruno hates the fact that McMahon made a fool of him, and used him.
Finally when Bruno retired they had a fan spit in Davids face, which caused David to retaliate. The result was David and Bruno were both out of McMahon's hair. They fired David and black balled him in the US wrestling circuit.
Bruno had plenty of money set aside, well deserved money from many years working harder than any of these bums today. For this reason Bruno cannot be forced to kiss McMahons ass (literally). He doesn't need the money. Bruno I know its hard but you owe it to your fans to be recognized. The wrestling world wants to see you. No not in one of his skits with someone coming out of the locker room and jumping a legend and beating him down to the mat. You are much more class than that. Just to see you recogized at ringside or in the booth once and then would be enough. I am afraid its not going to happen unless McMahon Jr. makes an apology. I don't know if that can ever happen either. One with too much pride, and the other with too much money.
John DiPappo, Philadelphia
Home of the Spectrum
Posted by: John DiPappo | November 17, 2008 3:27 PM
Bruno was and is an honest man, his opinion is his and he stands by it. I wonder what he thinks about the Report by Dave Meltzer that 41 Wrestlers in WWE tested Positive for Marijuana use and will be fined. Last I knew Smoking pot and possession of Pot were both crimes of differing degrees. That is sure an interesting contrast to the old WWWF, but I guess todays stars are treated as Celebrities and not athletes and are above the law. Imagine all the toys the kids play with of the poor Pot smoking Rasslers of today. They use injuries as an excuse but they don't work 7 days or even 6 days a week anymore like the old territories. They are pampered and spoiled now and they hurt themselves more today than the boys of the past. Today everyone knows it's not real and they are all Hurt!! Yesterday they wondered,,and the boys were healthier and alive!! The 80's boys are almost all dead. The 70's boys are alive and kicking!!
Posted by: Jeff | January 22, 2009 3:08 PM
I agree with Bruno, wrestling today is a comedy/sex show and there is no wwe hall of fame just a show. I feel that wrestlers are disrespected by wwe old and new and You "new" fans are not watching pro wrestling you are watching a sitcom which will die off in a few years and this is coming from a 40 + years as a wrestling fan.
Posted by: Stephen | January 31, 2009 10:57 AM
For years I, too, wanted to see Bruno inducted into the HOF. I felt he deserved to be there and receive the respect and adulation he was due. After reading his comments I realize that he understands that he already has that respect and adulation and doesn't need the fancy ceremony and Vince's accompanying garbage. Bruno simply is the best there was, the best there is and the best there ever will be. It's wonderful to see someone stick to their morals and not do a job for Vince's money.
Posted by: Chuck Kalus | March 16, 2009 7:25 PM
bruno sammartino was, and is the greatest wrestler of all time. he held the championship for 11 years. today's champions come a dime-a- dozen. bruno also held the world's powerlifting record until it was broken in the 72 olympics. wrestling begins and ends with the name BRUNO SAMMARTINO, THE TRUE LIVING LEGEND.
Posted by: lee hickey | May 9, 2009 6:54 PM
When I first started going to wrestling matches as a teen, my favorite was Superstar Graham, but it was Bruno who always had me in awe. Backlund was the champ and wrestled the Civic and Cap monthly.
But it was Bruno that would have the really big main events every 6 months or so. He had post champion matches against other studs like Graham, Koloff and Steele. We never did get that match between Bruno and Hulk Hogan though (during Hogan's 1st stint).
Don't forget that in 1979 we were short on heels in the WWWF (How else do you explain Sweede Hansen being a main eventer?), so Bruno gave Nikolai Volkoff a rub. Volkoff was down to being used as a babyface prelim locally against Steve King, Baron Scicluna and others. He was actually cheered since at house shows he was introduced as hailing from Baltimore. So Bruno let Nikolai Volkoff pound on him on TV and they gave Backlund a break while Bruno and Nikolai filled arenas. Everyone wanted to see Volkoff get his due. The Capital Center, which held almost 20,000 and was usually 1/2 to 3/4 full for wrestling was sold out for that card, which was an afternoon show while the Pope was in town!
That is how powerful Bruno was. I loved the interview. It was deep. As much as I think highly of Bruno, he does sound a little more angry that I would think he should be. But, as many others pointed out, he is a man of principle. He was right for his era.
Posted by: Frank | May 10, 2009 12:09 AM
McMahon is a low life, but the fans are worse. They will do what he says like they brainwashed. I quit watching years ago after this guy ruined the sport. However, it is not all ofhis fault. The fans still watch this garbage & give their hard earned cash. Bruno has the same outlook. He made money & that is not the issue. Bruno honorable, classy and stands up for what he believes in when no one else will. Highly respected in our house as an Italian, Champion, Honorable man with principles that he defends strongly and the ability to resist the establishment. He is truly the man of the hour.
Posted by: Al Donelson | June 6, 2009 8:49 PM
i have been watching wrestling for 40 years no one is like the great bruno.i also promoted a show in which his son was on back in the mid 80s.
Posted by: ralph diorio | June 18, 2009 6:17 PM
I was fortunate enough to see Bruno throughout his career. Here is a guy who stood for principle. As a kid growing up in that era the arguments would be – is wrestling real or fake. The debates would go on but the diehard wrestling fan who conceded that many of the matches had pre determined outcomes would often argue that the title match was real. While we all know better today we had great wrestlers and showmen like Bruno, Kowalski and others who took their craft seriously enough to make many fans wonder. I sometimes catch the WWE as I’m switching stations and say to myself, how can people watch this garbage? You know that mean Satan like personality McMahon exhibits? It’s not far off from what he really is according to all accounts I have read. He may be a successful businessman but he sold out the business to become one. If I’m not mistaken he was an admitted steroid user himself and an enabler for others. A convincing argument could be made that Vince is to blame for many of the deaths that resulted in wrestling due to steroid abuse. It just amazes me how some defend him. Bruno was a credit to the business. The words integrity and class have been used a lot in describing him. He has that and more. Even competitors like Lou Thesz admired how Sammartino would stand up for principle and not cave in to the McMahons of the world. While no so called wrestling HOF can be legitimate without Sammartino, I fully understand why Bruno will have no part of it. What I find disturbing is some comments calling Bruno bitter. They fail to distinguish Bruno’s views of the business and his personal life. He has every reason to be disgusted with what McMahon did to the business he dedicated his life to. Bruno will always be the champ in my book.
Posted by: Steve D | June 27, 2009 9:52 AM
I grew up in Pittsburgh during the 60's and 70's. Bruno was, is, and always will be THE wrestling superstar. These puppets that parade around the ring today are nothing more than actors.
I met Bruno at the old Pittsburgh airport when I was a kid. I called out when I saw him and even though he probably had a plane to catch, he turned around and walked back to say hello to me. He asked me my name, and told me to always listen to my parents and do my best in school. It sounds a little corny now but to a 9 year old kid...his words were gospel!
I doubt any of the overgrown puppets that wrestle today would give a 9 year old kid a second look unless they were paid for it!
Posted by: Brett | August 16, 2009 8:54 PM
I will never forget Bruno, I think he was my biggest hero when I was growing up. Vince has ruined wrestling. That is why is WWE and not the WWF, by the way, It was WWWF when Bruno was Champ. Most of you probbably don't know what the letters stand for. WWE; World Wrestling Entertainment, WWF; World Wrestlng Federation, and WWWF; World Wide Wrestling Federation. It was changed to WWE because of what Vince made it. My biggest thrill was in Hanover Pa., when I was about 12 yrs old,Bruno was on his way to the ring amd had security on all four sides of him. I got between the ones on his side and the one behind him, they caught me and told me to go sit down, Bruno saw me and told them to let me go, he's my boy, he put his arm around my shoulder and I got to alk with Bruno to the ring. When he got up on the apron of the ring, he shook my hand and told me to go sit down, that he had work to do. I am 55 now and will never forget that night. I really wish I could see him again and have 1 on 1 chat with the man. Long live Bruno!!!!
Posted by: Steve | September 22, 2009 8:42 PM
Many years ago, I worked with The Grand Wizard and Bob Harmon. I helped promote wrestling around New England.I Have known Bruno for many years, and one time he delayed his trip home after a match at the Boston Garden to come and visit a boy in a coma at a local hospital. He was always a class act, and I have tried to get in touch with him for many years, in fact I was hoping Bruno might come across this web sight and get in touch with me.
God Bless,
Jeff Christopher
Posted by: Jeff Christopher | November 22, 2009 2:45 PM
Bruno is 100 per cent correct. THE Garbage and crap in wrestling today is ridiculous. today they change champions more tha a person changes underwear. it's the wwe's loss. without Bruno in their hall of fame is like the baseball hall of fame witout Babe Ruth. the Mcmahon's are so stupid that they put Pete Rose in the wwe hall of fame. what a bunch of dummies. that's like having Joe Montana in the rock n roll hall of fame. two words describe the Mcmahon's... DUMB, AND DUMBER
Posted by: lee hickey | December 19, 2009 12:45 PM