Bruno Sammartino - Definition and Overview

Bruno Laopardo Franceso Sammartino, born October 6, 1935 in Abruzzo, Italy, is a professional wrestler.

"The Italian Strongman" has long been considered the "living legend" of professional wrestling and perhaps one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Sammartino started wrestling in 1959 and won his first championship in 1963.

Bruno Sammartino held the WWE title twice, holding it first for an incredible seven years and his second title for four years. He was the reigning champion and perhaps the most popular wrestler in the Northeastern United States during the 1960s. He feuded with the top heels of his time, including Killer Kowalski, Gorilla Monsoon, and Billy Graham.

After retiring from wrestling full-time, he spent the greater part of his time managing his son David.