WWE’s Bruno Sammartino Dies At 82

WWE Italian champion Bruno Sammartino, has died at the age of 82.

Sammartino, who was the longest reigning champion in WWE history made his professional debut in Pittsburgh on December 17, 1959, knocking out Dmitri Grabowski in 19 seconds, and also defeating Buddy Rogers in 1963 to become the second-ever WWE Champion.

He held the WWE title for nearly eight years before losing the title to Ivan Koloff in 1971, but eventually won it back two years later becoming the first two-time WWE champion. He held the title for three-and-a-half more years.

Bruno retired from in-ring competition in 1981 and joined Vincent K. McMahon as a broadcaster in the mid-80s. In 2013, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

Sammartino passed away at his home in Pittsburgh, after battling health issues for a long time.

Wrestlers have already started paying tribute to the legend who leaves behind his wife Carol Sammartino, who he’s been married to him for nearly 60 years, and three kids.