WWE News: 'The Living Legend' Bruno Sammartino dies at 82

Sportskeeda Wrestling is saddened to report the passing of WWE Hall of Famer and professional wrestling legend, Bruno Sammartino at the age of 82. The news was announced by WWE on their official social media platforms, as tributes poured in from around the world.

WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino has passed away at age 82. https://t.co/B8nUabP0oh

— WWE (@WWE) April 18, 2018

According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider, Sammartino died after being hospitalized in Pittsburgh, PA. We shall provide more updates as and when they are made public.

Born in Italy, Sammartino lived a life like few others have experienced, hiding from German soldiers towards the end of World War II, coming to America to live his dream and achieving success at the highest level in professional wrestling.

Sammartino became the second ever WWE Champion and held the title for a sum total of eight years in a single reign, a record that has never been broken since then. In his two reigns, he held the Championship for almost eleven years. Little wonder then that he was dubbed 'The Living Legend'.

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

Sammartino even had a stint as a colour commentator in the company. While he was very critical of superstars such as Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair and outspoken about the direction that WWE was taking, he returned to the company to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013 when the company embarked on a more family entertainment route.

He would return again in 2015 to induct Larry Zbysko in the WWE Hall of Fame. We are deeply saddened by this massive loss and ask you to leave your tributes and your fond memories of the superstar in the comments.

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