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Proclamation commending and honoring, Bruno Sammartino - “Wrestling's Living Legend” - and joining his devoted family, friends and admirers in praising and recognizing him as the greatest wrestler of all-time.
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WHEREAS, Bruno Sammartino is considered by many the greatest wrestler of all-time; and
WHEREAS, born in Abruzzi, Italy, Bruno immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 14. "The Italian Superman" began his career in 1959, and won his first heavyweight championship on May 17, 1963 by defeating, in record time, "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers in front of a captivated crowd at Madison Square Garden; and
WHEREAS, Bruno, already incredibly popular and respected after only four years in the sport, established a fan base unlike anyone else causing authorities to define the birthday of wrestling as Bruno's birthday, October 6, 1936; and
WHEREAS, Bruno held the World Wide Wrestling Foundation (WWWF) title for twelve years, performed unprecedented weight-lifting feats, and has wrestled in venues across the world. In 2000, a statue of him was placed in his home village of Pizzoferrato, Italy and the worldwide media frenzy has resulted in the production of a film entitled, "La Roccia" (The Rock), which is currently in the final phases of production; and
WHEREAS, Bruno has done 20 tours in Japan, where he is considered a god; he holds the attendance record in Australia for selling out sizable venues 21 nights in a row; and has sold out Madison Square Garden 187 times out of his 211 appearances there. He has wrestled in every place imaginable, from a bull-fighting ring in Caracas, Venezuela to New Guinea where he wrestled an oversized pygmy; and
WHEREAS, in addition to multiple film projects, trademarked commemorative wrestling belts, t-shirts, and replicas of a sculpture of Bruno are being produced for worldwide distribution, including certified authentic autographed editions; and
WHEREAS, Bruno Sammartino is a hometown hero who still residents in Pittsburgh with his wife despite his worldwide recognition; He is a local legend who still runs over six miles a day;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Allegheny County Council does hereby commend and honor a true legend, Bruno Sammartino - "Wrestling's Living Legend" -- and we join his devoted family, friends and admirers in praising and recognizing him, sharing great pride in this extraordinary individual.