BRUNO SAMMARTINO
“Our Memorabilia Tribute To Wrestling’s LIVING LEGEND”. All of the following items have been in our collection over the past 35 years. But, most now are with other collectors who continue to preserve the Bruno Sammartino legacy. Enjoy! Thanks for dropping by!
Bruno Leopoldo Francesco Sammartino was born in 1935 in Abruzzo, Italy. When Bruno was 15 his mother brought him and his siblings to Pittsburgh to rejoin their father after World War II. Sammartino made his professional debut in 1959 and had his first match in Madison Square Garden in 1960. On May 17, 1963, Sammartino won the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship in a match with Champion Buddy Rogers. Bruno defeated Rogers 48 seconds via a devastating backbreaker hold as Rogers quit in agony! In the next few years, Sammartino also won the WWWF United States Tag Team Championship with Spiros Arion in July 1967 and the WWWF International Tag Team Championship with The Battman (Tony Marino) in December 1969.
He was one of the longest reigning heavyweight champions in the history of professional wrestling. On January 18, 1971, 2,803 days after he had won the championship, he lost it to Ivan Koloff. When Koloff successfully pinned him, Sammartino feared that his ears were damaged, as Madison Square Garden, where the match was being held, had become completely silent.
He would win the WWWF International Tag Team Championship a second time after he and Dominic DeNucci defeated the Mongols in a 2-out-of-3 falls match in June 1971. Sammartino reclaimed the WWWF Heavyweight Championship, defeating Stan Stasiak on December 10, 1973.
He suffered a legitimate neck fracture while wrestling Stan Hansen at Madison Square Garden on April 26, 1976, and he could not wrestle for the next two months. He soon realised that he could not be the champion anymore because of his injuries. He told this to McMahon Sr. and on April 30, 1977, he lost the title to Billy Graham after reigning for over three years.
Sammartino continued to wrestle until 1981 and had a memorable feud with former protégé Larry Zbyszko in 1980. His last match as a full-time wrestler in North America took place in 1981 at Meadowlands Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Sammartino won by pinning his opponent George “The Animal” Steele. He subsequently went on a tour in Japan and retired from full-time professional wrestling.
If anyone has any vintage Bruno Sammartino wrestling memorabilia for sale or any other rare Bruno era stuff, please contact me at crushercasey@gmail.com
BUDDY ROGERS vs. BRUNO SAMMARTINO
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN FRIDAY MAY 17, 1963
This is the ORIGINAL half sheet paper MSG poster! The event needs no introduction!!
(click on my CAPITOL / WWWF page for more BRUNO stuff and BRUNO related stuff still available for sale!!)
This paper poster has been professionally restored and linen-backed for preservation. It measures 28 inches x 22 inches as mounted on linen.
BRUNO SAMMARTINO vs. GORILLA MONSOON
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN MONDAY MAY 11, 1964
SOLD! —— This is the legendary match, between these two behemoths, that lasted 70 minutes and went to the famed 11:PM curfew at MSG!
This paper poster has been professionally restored and linen-backed for preservation. It measures 28 inches x 22 inches as mounted on linen.
Argentina Rocca vs. the young upstart…Bruno Sammartino – Nov. 14, 1960
Rocca and Bruno go to a 34 minute 11: PM curfew draw! – this is the original MSG poster for this earth shattering event.
Bruno makes his first defense of the WWWW title since crushing Buddy Rogers in 48 seconds the previous month!
Bruno pins Hans “The Great” Mortier at 20:36 in a controversial finish leading to a 2 out of 3 fall match the following month at MSG!
Bruno Defeats Germany’s Karl Von Hess – 1960
Bruno runs over Von Hess in 6:24 in the co-main event while Rocca & Perez win their tag match with The Graham Brothers (2-0; DQ in 2nd)
Bruno goes to a DRAW with Killer Kowalski in his second outing at MSG
Bruno and Kowalski battle to a no-contest draw at 16:38 while Rocca & Perez defeat Jackie Fargo & Don Stevens (2-1)
Vintage BRUNO SAMMARTINO Pennant
WITHOUT A DOUBT – THE RAREST OF THE JOE DALY CAPITOL WRESTLING PENNANTS
Circa 1961/62
BRUNO SAMMARTINO Pennant
World Champion Pennant might be circa 1973 (has anyone seen another?)
BRUNO SAMMARTINO EXHIBIT CARD
AN ORIGINAL 1964 EXHIBIT CARD BEAUTIFULLY AUTOGRAPHED IN BLUE BALLPOINT PEN BY BRUNO SAMMARTINO
BRUNO SAMMARTINO PROMO
Original Promo of Bruno Sammartino (circa 1962) – Prior to winning the WWWF Title. Heralds an upcoming appearance at a local WWWF show.
BRUNO SAMMARTINO PLAYING CARDS
Original Bruno Sammartino Playing Cards. The Brain Child of Willie Gilzenberg.
BRUNO SAMMARTINO RECORD
Original Bruno Sammartino 45 RPM Interview Record.
BRUNO SAMMARTINO BUTTON
ORIGINAL BRUNO PINBACK BUTTON – 1976 – Scarce – Measures 3 1/2 inches in diameter.
BRUNO SAMMARTINO IN THE RING
Cool Original 8 x 10 of Bruno in the Ring (Lou Albano & Jimmy Valient also).
BRUNO SAMMARTINO DRAWING
Original vintage artwork of The Living Legend. Magnificent portrayal of Bruno, acknowledging the fans, after a particularly tough match. On oversized heavy paper, in pencil and charcoal, all it needs is a nice frame.
Just got this piece signed by Bruno in Amsterdam, NY – PWHF HOF Weekend! Woohoo!
BRUNO SAMMARTINO PROGRAM
Original Program For The Match Of The Century.
BRUNO SAMMARTINO PHOTOGRAPH
Original 8 x 10 photograph of Bruno & friends between lifts at the Mid-City Gym NYC. Autographed by Bruno in Ballpoint.
BRUNO SAMMARTINO vs. LOU THESZ
This is the historic, original on-site poster from the legendary Maple Leaf Gardens bout with the great Lou Thesz, held on March 14, 1963.
Thesz faced Sammartino in an exciting match. Bruno was the fan favorite and Thesz, who wrestled as the heel, suffered the wrath of the crowd. Sammartino would pound Thesz mercilessly throughout the match. Thesz, the NWA champion would barely retain his title.
BRUNO SAMMARTINO vs. DR. BILL MILLER
Original on-site poster from the Exposition Hall in Portland, Maine – October 25, 1966. Rare solo match for the world championship against a big man who could really wrestle; Dr. Bill Miller. The Wrestling Vet!
SAMMARTINO vs. PROF. TORO TANAKA
Original on-site poster from the Expo Building in Portland, Maine – July 11, 1967. The salt-throwing, oriental heel Prof. Toro Tanaka challenges “The Italian Superman” for the WWWF Heavyweight Championship. Also, a rare early WWWF appearance for Ox Baker in his early face role as The Arkansas Ox against “Crazy Luke” Graham. Cardboard, in beautiful condition, all it needs is a nice frame for a great display piece.
BRUNO SAMMARTINO vs. “CRAZY LUKE” GRAHAM
Original on-site poster from Exposition Hall in Portland, Maine – January 24, 1967. Bruno vs “Crazy Luke” Graham. Plus “TNT” Tank Morgan vs. “Bruno’s Cousin” Antonio Pugliese and The Fabulous Moolah!
BRUNO SAMMARTINO vs. HANS MORTIER
Original on-site poster from The Arena, Market St. Phila. PA – December 16, 1967. Bruno loses to the European Champion, Hans “The Great” Mortier via DQ setting up a Texas Death Match 3 weeks later.
Bruno Sammartino Tagteam Poster
RARE! Original on-site poster from Brookfield Ohio. Features Bruno teaming with his buddy, the very likable Domenic DeNucci against arch-foes George Steele and Baron Mikel Scicluna. Also The Mongols vs. Victor Rivera & Johnny DeFazio. Cardbard, 14 x 22 inches.
SAMMARTINO TAG TEAM MATCH
Original on-site poster from Moose Hall in Trenton, New Jersey – June 12, 1967. Beautiful condition, cardboard, measures 26″ long x 17″ high. Great vintage Bruno!
BRUNO SAMMARTINO vs. GORILLA MONSOON
Original on-site poster from The Arena, Market St. Phila. PA – July 22, 1967.
SAMMARTINO vs. PROFESSOR TANAKA
Original on-site poster from The Arena, Market St. Phila. PA – May 13, 1967.
Sammartino & Kowalski vs. Monsoon & Rivera
Original on-site poster from The Arena, Market St. Phila. PA – February 22, 1969. Bruno teams with Victor Rivera to take on the super heel duo of Killer Kowalski and Gorilla Monsoon. Also midgets and girls! Large size 22 inches x 29 inches.
Sammartino & Carpentier vs. Monsoon & Tanaka
Original on-site poster from The Arena, Market St. Phila. PA – September 16, 1967. Bruno & Carpentier lose via DQ when Arion comes to the rescue. Historic piece as Monsoon pins Bruno cleanly at 11:12 for the 2nd fall
SAMMARTINO & GRAHAM vs. MONSOON & THE OX
Original on-site poster from Moose Hall in Trenton, New Jersey – April 24, 1967.
Sammartino Tagteam Event
Original on-site poster from Moose Hall in Trenton, New Jersey – June 3, 1968. Bruno Sammartino teams with Victor Rivera to take on the formidable team of Bull Ramos and Baron Mikel Scicluna.
Sammartino vs. Ortega
Original on-site poster from Moose Hall in Trenton, New Jersey – November 13, 196? Graciously autographed by Bruno in bold, blue sharpie.
Bruno Sammartino vs. Killer Kowalski
Original on-site poster from the N. Y. Coliseum, New York City – January 7, 1964.
Bruno Sammartino vs. Dr. Bill Miller
Original on-site poster from the Baltimore Civic Center featuring Bruno squaring off against Dr. “Big” Bill Miller. Outstanding undercard! Beautiful condition, with brilliant color.
Bruno Sammartino at MSG
Original on-site extremely rare poster from Madison Square Garden, NYC – October 1, 1960.
Sammartino vs. Monsoon
Original on-site poster from The Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, PA -January 31, 1964. After winning one fall each; Bruno & Monsoon both juice and the match is halted!
Bruno Sammartino vs. Dr. Bill Miller
Original on-site poster from The Civic Arena, Pittsburgh – June 4, 1965.
BUDDY ROGERS vs. BRUNO SAMMARTINO
This is the original on-site poster from the Island Garden in West Hempstead. A young Bruno takes on the champ, the great Buddy Rogers. Held on January 12, 1962. Great head-to-toe pic of Rogers with the coveted title belt!
SAMMARTINO TAGTEAM POSTER
Another early one from Island Garden, featuring Bruno Sammartino teaming with the late Billy Darnell against the formidable team of Brute Bernard and Skull Murphy. Great pic of Skull Murphy!
SAMMARTINO & MARINO vs. MR. AMERICA & STEVENS
Original on-site poster from the Municipal Auditorium, Kingston, NY – October 22, 1960.
Dr. Jerry Graham vs. Bruno Sammartino
Original on-site poster from the Newark Labor Lyceum, New Jersey – March 26, 1960. Fantastic piece of wrestling history featuring the one and only “The Good Doctor”, Dr. Jerry Graham vs. young upstart Bruno Sammartino.
Bruno Sammartino vs. The Crusher
Original on-site poster from The Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, PA- October 18, 1963. Bruno gets a dramatic submission win over The Crusher via his infamous backbreaker in 20:12. Extremely Rare bout vs. “Da Crusha”.
BRUNO SAMMARTINO PROMO
Original 4 page Promo of Bruno (circa 1964). Cool pics of Bruno beating Rogers.
BRUNO SAMMARTINO
Original Bruno Mags (circa 1968 and 1976).
Buddy ROGERS vs. Bruno SAMMARTINO
NWA WORLD TITLE
This is the original on-site poster from the Maple Leaf Gardens World Title bout with the great Buddy “nature boy” Rogers, held on July 12, 1962. Bruno arrived in Toronto early in his career. After his debut at Maple Leaf Gardens in March 1962, he became a big fan favorite and quickly earned a shot at Buddy Rogers for the NWA World Title on July 12, 1962.
“Rogers Recovers-Just In Time”
Over 10,000 fans roared, cheered, and jeered, and had themselves a ball as promoter Frank Tunney ended his mid-summer pro wrestling season last night at Maple Leaf Gardens with an outstanding card. World champion (NWA) Buddy Rogers recovers from the blind staggers in time to beat the ten count after he and the challenging Bruno Sammartino knocked each other out when they crashed head on. To the delight of the Italian fans, Bruno gave The Champ a rough time with his reverse headlock and body-slams. Bruno matched Rogers’ recoveries with several nifty movements of his own. The Champ’s ability to take it and come back, plus his experience, made the difference. -credit to Gary Will and Maple Leaf Wrestling!
EXTREMELY RARE BRUNO PROGRAM
BRUNO SAMMARTINO vs FRED BLASSIE
AUGUST 24, 1964 FORBES FIELD PITTSBURGH
IT WAS AUTOGRAPHED THE EVENING OF THE MATCH BY BRUNO SAMMARTINO and THE SPECIAL REFEREE Former WORLD’S HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING CHAMPION JERSEY JOE WALCOTT, BEAUTIFULLY AUTOGRAPHED BY BOTH IN VINTAGE DARK BLUE BALLPOINT INK!
BRUNO SAMMARTINO AUTOGRAPH
Original color 8 X 10 – autographed by The Living Legend, Bruno Sammartino.
This outstanding original photo, circa 1977 has been professionally matted to 11 x 14 and is ready to frame. A distinctive signed Bruno piece. Original images are always cool to have signed as they stand alone in the collection.
Bruno Sammartino vs. Luke Graham
Original on-site poster from The Civic Arena, Pittsburgh – September 8, 1967. Great head-to-toe image of Bruno wearing the old WWWF Heavyweight Championship belt. Bruno vs. the late great “Crazy” Luke Graham and Chief White Owl vs. the evil Jap Prof. Tora Tanaka. Plus…George Steele vs. Spyros Arion and Gorilla Monsoon at his best as a heel vs. the late Tony Marino in a rare appearance as The Battman. Cardboard, 14 x 22 inches, ex condition with horizontal center fold crease, displays beautifully.
ROCCA vs. ZUMA & SAMMARTINO vs. KOWALSKI
Below is the original poster featuring Bruno Sammartino’s first appearance at Madison Square Garden, January 2, 1960. Bruno wrestled Bull Curry who subbed for Killer Kowalski. The main go that evening was Antonino Rocca vs. The Mighty Zuma. Great pic of Zuma wearing the historic Jack Pfefer championship belt.
Vintage MSG wrestling posters are extremely rare and this one could very well be one-of-a-kind as I’ve never seen another. Cardboard, 22″ x 28″ , ex cond, w/ water staining, light center vertical crease.
ROCCA vs. ZUMA & SAMMARTINO vs. MURPHY
Here is Bruno’s 2nd appearance at MSG!
This time he tangled with Irishman Skull Murphy. Rocca had a return match with The Mighty Zuma.
I’ve never seen another one.
The Russian Bear Ivan Koloff defeats Wrestling’s Living Legend Bruno Sammartino for the WWWF Heavyweight Championship – Original program signed by Koloff.
