https://archive.triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/reaction-to-bruno-sammartinos-death-pours-in/
Reaction to Bruno Sammartino's death pours in
FILE - In this March 27, 2013, file photo, Bruno Sammartino talks about his storied career as a wrestler and weightlifter, at his home in his North Hills, Pa. Bruno Sammartino, professional wrestling's 'Living Legend' and one of its longest-reigning champions, has died. Sammartino was 82. Family friend and former wrestling announcer Christoper Crusie saids Sammartino died Wednesday morning, April 18, 2018, and had been hospitalized for two months.(Andrew Russell/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review via AP, File)
Reaction to Bruno Sammartino's death flooded social media Wednesday.
Posts came from far and wide, with Pittsburghers describing the former professional wrestling champion as a local legend and ambassador for the region and current pro wrestling personalities calling him a pioneer in the sport who inspired them through his hard work, professionalism and humble nature.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, who introduced Sammartino at his wrestling Hall of Fame induction in 2013, called Sammartino "a hero in every stage of his life."
Here's a glimpse at some of what people had to say about Ross's Sammartino on social media, where his name was a top-trending topic much of the day:
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
My hometown hero, Bruno Sammartino has passed. I grew up watching Bruno. He was an amazing performer, who made his Pittsburgh natives proud. He was a champion's champion. I got to know Bruno in his latter years, after he retired from the then WWWF. He carried himself with dignity, and was always courteous to his fans. A true role model and hero. We will miss you Bruno. #itstrue A post shared by Kurt Angle (@therealkurtangle) on Apr 18, 2018 at 8:49am PDT Pres DeFazio and Dr. Martoni, both former prof wrestlers, extended their sympathy to the Sammartino family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/79oQFLML5f— Allegheny Co Council (@AllCnty_Council) April 18, 2018
. @ACE_Fitzgerald issues statement on the death of Bruno Sammartino - read more: https://t.co/PBNWalmSqu . pic.twitter.com/zwwZUHF0mV— Allegheny County (@Allegheny_Co) 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
Devastated to hear the passing of a true icon, legend, great, honest and wonderful man...A true friend...and one of the toughest people I've ever met.My thoughts are with his entire family. #RIPBrunoSammartino #AmericanDream— Triple H (@TripleH) April 18, 2018
GM Kevin Colbert on the passing of Bruno Sammartino: pic.twitter.com/8gBQfGujFU— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) 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
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 SAMMARTINO FOREVER THE IRON SHEIK CLASS. MY TRAINING PARTNER FOR LIFE. THE GREATEST. pic.twitter.com/fy6rhSQnIg— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) April 18, 2018
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