Bruno is the man who had devoted his expertise in wrestling in creating World Wide Wrestling Federation or WWWF which later changed to WWF and currently the world know this wrestling display under WWE. He had proved his strength by retaining his champion title for a long period of time in WWWF. He is definitely an idol for many wrestlers who want to dominate the wrestling ring for a longer period.
He is one of the topmost WWE Hall of Famer who had been the declared as the strongest man in early 60’s. The amount of respect Bruno has in his world of wrestling can be well understood if one took a look at the recordings of the event when Bruno had received the WWE Hall of Fame. The occasion of felicitation has been matching with the heroes of another field as Mike Tyson or Peter Rose.
A matchless personality and an institution in himself. One of the prominent personalities of pro-wrestling is also known for his unique analytical commentary for WWE in recent times from the formation of the format.
A living legend had definitely earned quite handsomely in his golden period. It is not so easy to estimate the power of this veteran wrestler, who has been one of the strongest warriors by the yardstick of money. Still, he has accumulated an estimated net worth of $4 million dollars.
Early life
Bruno was born as Bruno Leopoldo Francesco Sammartino on 6th October 1935 in Pizzoferrato, Abruzzo, Italy. With the mixed ethnicity of America and Italy, he was born to Alfonso Sammartino and Emilia Sammartino.
Among seven brothers and sisters, Bruno was the youngest child. He went to Schenley High School to get his startup education without getting any training in wrestling. Later after his high school education when he got into the University of Pittsburgh his wrestling began under the strict guidance of his coach Rex Perry.
To escape the German soldiers Bruno along with his family had to hide in some secluded areas of mountains. Bruno had moved from Italy his native land and landed on Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania when he was in his early teenage days. His father was already staying at that place during the period of World War II. As an Italian boy, he lacked eloquence over the English language and the frequent movement during the war has made him little sickly.
He got an unfriendly atmosphere in his school where he was bullied by his fellow student. This had created an urge of strength in Bruno and to attain such power he started weight training. During his schooling at Schenley High School, Bruno was improving upon his wrestling techniques with the wrestling team of University of Pittsburgh under the guidance of tough coach Rex Perry. Gradually he became a known talent with his immaculate stunts.
Career
The story about his stunts was spreading fast in the areas of Pittsburgh. Bob Prince who was eminent sports caster approached Bruno and started a television show on his stunts. While the shows were telecasted with great appreciation from the viewers, Rudy Miller who was a wrestling promoter saw the promise in the young wrestler. Rudy inspired Bruno to put his strength in the professional wrestling world. Rudy was highly convinced that the strength of Bruno will have an undeniable acceptance from the supporters of wrestling who were the immigrants of Italy.
In 1959 Bruno’s strength was promoted highly when he lifted cleanly 565 pounds. The incident caught the sharp eye of the founder of WWWF, Vincent J. McMohan, who had promoted the Federation. The unbelievable potency and vigor made him a sensation overnight in the pro-wrestling arena.
After his wrestling career, Bruno had also shown his ability as a commentator who presents wrestling with perfect analysis. Bruno himself had become an efficient promoter who had dedicated his life to the betterment of WWE.
Personal life
Long back in 1959, he exchanged vows and ring with Carol Sammartino. The couples are blessed with three children who are David and the fraternal twin in the form of Danny and Darry. Bruno and Carol is the grandparent of four kids.
Since 1965 Bruno is living with his Carol near Pittsburgh in Ross Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Arnold Schwarzenegger had handed him the WWE Hall of Fame and still had an intimate relationship with the wrestler who had a colossal strength. It is very common that the celebrities go with their controversies and rumors. In this respect, Bruno is an ideal example whose entire life had never been blemished with such marks.
Quick summary:
Full Name: Bruno Leopoldo Francesco Sammartino
Date of Birth: 6th October 1935
Birth Place: Pizzoferrato, Abruzzo, Italy
Age: 82 Years Old
Profession: Former Professional Wrestler
Height: 5 Feet 10 Inches
Weight: 120.2 Kg
Net worth: $4 Million
