"The Living Legend" Bruno Sammartino, one of the greatest icons the world of professional wrestling has ever seen, died at age 82. Sammartino was the epitome of what a babyface in the industry should be as he more or less carried the then-WWWF on his back throughout most of his tenure working for Vince McMahon Sr. in the northeast region of the country. His 187 sellouts of Madison Square Garden as the marquee attraction is still a jaw-dropping statistic, as is his record WWWF title reign from May 1963 to January 1971.
By all accounts, Sammartino was also a beloved human being outside of the ring as well. As news of his death began to spread on Wednesday, the professional wrestling world began to mourn the loss of one of the greatest champions the business has ever had the pleasure of calling its own.
Remembering the legend... #RIPBrunoSammartino pic.twitter.com/okpnfhUtOk
— WWE (@WWE) 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
Today is a sad day for wrestling and sports fans. Simply put, Bruno Sammartino was one of the biggest stars in the long and storied history of Madison Square Garden, a legend in every way. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family today and always. pic.twitter.com/pKG1SZypWd
— MSG (@TheGarden) April 18, 2018
#RIPBrunoSammartino https://t.co/dmXHhuU9Ms
— Larry Zbyszko (@LivingLegendLZ) April 18, 2018
Devastated to hear the passing of a true icon, legend, great, honest and wonderful man...
— Triple H (@TripleH) April 18, 2018
A true friend...and one of the toughest people I've ever met.
My thoughts are with his entire family. #RIPBrunoSammartino #AmericanDream
RIP Bruno Sammartino https://t.co/NQ9Ed4bt96
— Renee Young (@ReneeYoungWWE) April 18, 2018
Bruno Sammartino is a wrestling Legend
— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) April 18, 2018
Honored to have had many conversations with him
When I was w/him I knew I was w/pure class & greatness
Celebrate his life watch 1of his matches today
I was humbled he even knew my name
I'm very sad pic.twitter.com/RfD1XIQYo9
Champion for a decade. @WWE Hall of Famer forever. #RIPBrunopic.twitter.com/ep2sDcUmqM
— WWE (@WWE) April 18, 2018
Forever a champion. Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/f3ywW4opje
— Bret Hart (@BretHart) April 18, 2018
Growing up, my grandfather Stu Hart would ALWAYS talk about Bruno Sammartino and what an incredible wrestler he was. I’m so grateful I had the chance to meet Bruno and tell him how much he meant to my grandfather and the entire Hart family. We will all miss you, Bruno. 🙏♥️ pic.twitter.com/Dclu5hMGa6
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) April 18, 2018
Bruno was a true champion. He was known for his love of his family, this business, and our country.
— AJStyles.Org (@AJStylesOrg) April 18, 2018
A huge loss. My prayers are with his family. #RIPBrunoSammartino https://t.co/qC84FJx99w
#RIPBrunoSammartino pic.twitter.com/gwRJzlhdWE
— Dustin Rhodes (@Goldust) April 18, 2018
Bruno is indirectly responsible for where I am today. Growing up in Pittsburgh, he was my father’s hero, and sparked my dad’s passion for the business that he passed on to me.
— Corey Graves (@WWEGraves) April 18, 2018
I was lucky enough to spend some time with Bruno, and the man exemplified class. #RIPBruno
Rest In Peace Bruno Samartino. It was an honor meeting you and talking how many times we could have sold out MSG together back in the day. #RIPBrunoSammartino pic.twitter.com/Df7TgfBDnR
— Rusev (@RusevBUL) April 18, 2018
R.I.P :-( https://t.co/aXmee8w81t
— $asha Banks (@SashaBanksWWE) 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 Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) 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
And away from the spotlights and attention, he had the biggest heart you can imagine. I’ll miss you, Bruno.
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) April 18, 2018
Rest In Peace to the legend, Bruno Sammartino. It was an honor to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but an even bigger honor to be in the same class as you. #RIPBruno pic.twitter.com/VNh2BcxS6W
— Booker T. Huffman (@BookerT5x) April 18, 2018
Celebrate life.
— Bubba Ray Dudley (@bullyray5150) April 18, 2018
Grazie di tutto il mio paisan. 🇮🇹
Thank you for everything my fellow Italian 🇺🇸
It was my honor. Respect. #BrunoSammartino 💪 pic.twitter.com/yFpxWtKTZl
RIP Bruno. You set the standard of what we should all aspire to be.
— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) April 18, 2018
Our hearts and prayers are with the family of Legend, Bruno Sammartino. He will be dearly missed. xo WGs pic.twitter.com/QzM1aYFHGW
— Dana Warrior (@DanaWarriorWWE) April 18, 2018
RIP Bruno Sammartino. His legacy will live on forever!!
— Howard Finkel (@howardfinkel) April 18, 2018
These as well as other reactions you'll see throughout the internet illustrate just how much of an impact Sammartino had on many within the professional wrestling industry.
