Dave Meltzer says Bruno Sammartino was responsible for the growth and popularity of the sport during tough periods in the 60 and 70s, especially in the state of New York.
The Wrestling legend passed earlier this week after a two month battle , aged 82.
The Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer joined Richie McCormack on OTB to talk about the former wrestler’s legacy and life.
The Observer's lead wrestling writer says the Italian was largely responsible for the popularity and rise of wrestling during Vince McMahon Senior’s reign of the promotion in 1970’s.
“Without a doubt he is responsible for the popularity of that championship; he built that championship in the 70s, and basically made it something that was contrived but he made it mean something. And it remained something for a long, long time after he left.”
Meltzer questioned that if Sammartino wasn’t around in the 1960s/70s that Vince McMahon and his promotion may not have survived. Meltzer says he was one of the biggest and most popular draws the promotion entertained during that era.
“If you take him out of the picture, does Vince McMahon survive the 60s as a promoter? – You just don’t know. It’s possible that he doesn’t!”
Sammartino is survived by his children and grandchildren.
You can listen to the full tribute to Bruno Sammartino below:
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