Why Did Bruno Sammartino Leave WWE?

Why Did Bruno Sammartino Leave WWE?

Bruno Sammartino, one of the most iconic and legendary professional wrestlers in history, had a long and storied career in the wrestling industry. He achieved tremendous success during his time with the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), formerly known as the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF).

However, there came a point when Sammartino decided to part ways with the company. In this article, we will delve into why Bruno Sammartino left WWE and the factors that contributed to his departure.

The Golden Era of Bruno Sammartino

Bruno Sammartino’s affiliation with WWE began in 1963 when he won the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship. This victory marked the beginning of what is now referred to as “The Golden Era” of professional wrestling. For over a decade, Sammartino reigned as the champion, captivating audiences with his incredible strength, technical prowess, and unparalleled charisma.

During his tenure, Sammartino became one of the most beloved figures in professional wrestling. His matches drew huge crowds and his televised appearances garnered high ratings. As a result, WWE experienced unprecedented success with him as its top star.

Decline in Relationship

Despite their initial success together, tensions began to arise between Bruno Sammartino and WWE management during the 1980s. One major point of contention was Vince McMahon’s transformation of professional wrestling into sports entertainment – a blend of athleticism and entertainment that embraced more theatrical storytelling elements.

Sammartino believed that this shift compromised the integrity of professional wrestling as a legitimate sport. He strongly opposed McMahon’s vision for WWE and publicly criticized its direction. Additionally, he expressed concerns about drug use within the industry and voiced his discontent over how wrestlers were being treated.

As a result of his outspoken nature, Sammartino’s relationship with WWE management deteriorated. Disagreements over creative decisions and contract disputes further strained their bond, leading to Sammartino’s eventual departure from the company in 1988.

The Hall of Fame Reconciliation

For nearly three decades, Bruno Sammartino remained estranged from WWE. However, in 2013, the company extended an olive branch by inducting him into the WWE Hall of Fame. This momentous occasion marked a reconciliation between Sammartino and WWE.

In subsequent interviews, Sammartino expressed his appreciation for the recognition and respect shown by WWE. He acknowledged that while he still had reservations about certain aspects of the industry, he felt that WWE had taken steps to address some of the issues that had initially caused their fallout.

Sammartino’s induction into the Hall of Fame not only mended fences between him and WWE but also demonstrated the significant impact he had on professional wrestling as a whole. It served as a reminder of his contributions and solidified his legacy in the industry.

Conclusion

Bruno Sammartino’s departure from WWE was largely fueled by disagreements over creative direction, concerns about drug use within the industry, and dissatisfaction with how wrestlers were being treated. While their relationship was strained for several decades, his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame marked a reconciliation between both parties. Bruno Sammartino will forever be remembered as one of professional wrestling’s greatest icons, leaving behind an enduring legacy that continues to inspire generations to come.