Bruno Sammartino: Behind The Championship Belt (Full Documentary)

Bruno Sammartino holds a legendary wrestling career spanning nearly a quarter century from 1959 to 1982. For half of that time he reigned as World Champion, headlined Madison Square Garden 211 times, and toured Japan 20 times.
This 2006 documentary is Bruno's story as told by himself. Exclusive photos from Bruno's personal collection, historic wrestling footage, and the details of his childhood in war-torn Italy and immigration to America provide a unique look at the man who is the Living Legend.
RIP.

[@kprnr7140]

There's a lot of legends in wrestling but none as legendary as Bruno. He was a great wrestler, great champion and a class act of a guy. RIP Bruno!

[@simonehicks7635]

I never thought that Bruno would die . He was such a good , spiritual, man with strong values . And when he wrestled , he gave you a MATCH. He never let you down . The wrestlers today just don't compare or even come close to him . He will always be the graceful champ 🏆.

[@jackstraw4222]

wasnt around when he was at his peak but as a fan of pro wrestling history iv watched so many docs and this guy stands out among the other legends as a class act and probably 1 of the greatest ever...

[@ernestpassaro9663]

Not for nothing Bruno but you also used them

[@trapperdan]

The first 30 minutes alone are worth a billion thumbs up....God Bless all who suffered at the hands of the Nazis...

[@alvinweaver1450]

Agree. Good thing we don't judge current Germans as Nazis or say they are responsible for The Nazis behaviors yet many do in America still and if not for USA Europe would of been ran by Nazis and Asia by Japan

[@peterbartolomeo5542]

Bruno never used Steroids. My friend worked out in the 60 s was a third place Mr America in the 2 ND Ave gym in Manhattan and he was close to Bruno They did no steroids they did eat Brewers Yeast and then eat half a dozen steaks tons of protein

[@hectorlopez1069]

Some survived some didn't survived from the nazis.

[@FlyingExplorer2022]

I cried watching a documentary when Nazi's lost the war, such a bad day for the world and the forces of evil prevailed😭😭😭

[@johnsawh8459]

I am a big Bruno fan, he had a quiet dignity about him

[@Handsome_Gary_Kamensack]

I had the honor of knowing Bruno when he passed thru Detroit in the early 70's. Elequiont, soft spoken, always willing to chat or pose for fotos, a real gentleman. He gave us the VIP treatment when we visited his beloved Pittsburg Civic Arena, even though we were only 16 at the time. He even introduced us to his young son David. The only time I ever saw him legit upset is the night he and Dick the Bruiser lost the WWA Tag Tram Belts to the evil Valiant Brothers, one of which he trained.

[@johnsawh8459]

wow, what a hard life Bruno and his family had during World War 2, his mom was an amazing lady

[@brotheldan2009]

yeah it was a hard time back then. I heard similar stories from what my grandparents went through

[@dt2745]

Bruno was the best I had a chance to eat supper with him in the north end of Boston after his career was over and it's a day that I'll never ever forget

[@InstagramAWrestlingHistorian]

Amazing.

[@oldschool9447]

I had dinner with him a couple of times. Great guy, class act, very humble, soft spoken.

[@thejmc4074]

I am very happy for you and jealous all at once haha. For all of us that did not meet him while he was alive, enjoy and cherish that memory.

[@user-yt6er4yd3k]

@dt2745 I can to America in 1970 and I started whacking wrestling at that time wen too Boston Garden manny times whacking Bruno wrestle and I was so happy to see him wrestle but I never had the pleasure of meeting him and shake his hand and that would been a great achievement in my lifetime Bruno for ever is my hero thank you Bruno R i p

[@karlschneider9479]

I'm a Boston guy as well and used to go to the old Garden when Bruno wrestled he filled that building. Loved watching him wrestle he was the best ever. Where did you eat with Bruno in Boston?

[@peterbartolomeo5542]

He fought a japanese Sumo champion for over four hours it ended in a draw. Thats how great he was

[@jakejp74]

A man's man. Thank you for bringing this to life

[@SmithCommaBenjamin]

Bruno is beyond legendary. Not only his commitment to stay on top for that long, but to also do the right thing about speaking out about steroids and drugs in wrestling. I only wish he lived to see McMahon's demise.

[@jaydemo5792]

McMahons Demise ?

[@theloaner4378]

AMEN to that....

[@SilverWealth_Draper_Mint]

Our country needs men like this

[@theloaner4378]

We need them so bad...

[@aldonelson5757]

Mrs Sammartino was a true badass for what she had to for her kids. Bruno was a tough badass himself and this made him tougher

[@mailkhanifmohammad6106]

This was a real great legend hero who is the all time champion in wrestling. He was a real wrestler not the fake one on strides most of them gave died in middle age. May his soul rest in piece.

[@vintagesavoiur]

I have alot of respect for Bruno, old fashioned good valued man. Where are the wrestlers like him these days??

[@pinnacleproductions6275]

No one exists like Bruno, the WWII generation was by far the best. It’s too bad there aren’t many left from that generation, we could all learn so much from the men & women from that generation.

[@MrChristopherHaas]

where are PEOPLE like him, PERIOD. our country used to be ripe with good, caring people from ordinary working class folks to business owners who gave back to their local areas and paid a good wage. All wiped out by the qs raids of the 90s that people dont even bother to acknowledge as world wide computer companies imposed their will

[@theloaner4378]

What I wanna know is Wheres Spiros Arion ????

[@Stratsrule]

Need more people with his morals and beliefs

[@jackstraw4222]

hes one of the very few good guys in pro wrestling when most were industry types or corporate sell outs...

[@catcity7892]

Yes… He was the best . Ethical and Honorable man. Wish men liked him were still here. The country would never see the garbage we see today. Rest well champ in heaven.

[@tonicamaro8683]

We LOVED BRUNO UP HERE IN TORONTO....

[@JWS1985]

2 and a half hours. Holy cow. Good deal. This guy has such an inspirational story.

[@televiper11]

Bruno seems like a man who had a lot of integrity.

[@darinsavoury4444]

I can’t say enough good things about this guy. A true champion, this is the way a campion should carry himself. His son David looks the same has when I watched him on TV .

[@PhysiqueFuel]

Bruno has always been a class act.

[@user-yt6er4yd3k]

@physiguefuel I love wrestling I ben watching wrestling sense 1970 and all the money that I spent going to wrestling events I don’t regret that I regret that I never got the chance of meeting Bruno and shake his hand that I for every i Regret thank you Bruno

[@garypmarquis]

Always number one. My true hero since the 60's, he was an honest man.

[@robertlynch3534]

Bruno you may not be here but I remember you. Rest In Peace I miss your strength your love of family God Bless you Friend

[@theemcree4522]

Thanks for putting this up bro. This is the holy grail of wrestling documentary’s. I still don’t understand why he put this only on his website.

[@AmericanCombatAssoc]

OUTSTANDING Documentary

[@TheFrogballz]

His life story would be a great movie.

[@timandcolleen4912]

Bruno a real man's man's great man

[@tonygarea7925]

There is a FANTASTIC documentary made by the local Pittsburgh news station, called Mia Mama something, about Bruno and his Ma. Interviews with all his sibblings etc. But really hard to get anywhere.

[@jayarbetman1873]

Tony, thank you for your wonderful career.

[@InnocentFurryCat-we6yz]

Bruno is beyond the shadow of a doubt the greatest wrestler and living legend 😎

[@davidguraleczka7401]

Bruno was the greatest of all time!

[@antond2154]

Bruno is deffinetly 1 out of a million !! Just a good hearted kind down to earth human being, and he is , was , and will always be my hero and idol !! 👍

[@andrewdutler9249]

It’s absolutely shocking to learn how close Bruno came to being executed as a child during WWII. How he managed to make so much of his life and carry himself with such class and integrity is truly inspirational! I was too young to have ever seen him wrestle but I actually did see him live at a wrestling show when he was doing color commentary with Vince and Jesse Ventura. I’m also thankful LJN made a wrestling figure of him and I still have mine to this day. The more I learn about Bruno the more respect and admiration I gain. He really was (and still is IMO) the Living Legend!!!

[@theloaner4378]

Bruno is as good as it gets. So proud he chose Pittsburgh . Bruno s a real American.

[@douglasroseveare7295]

Bruno is a legend and a true champion. It is sad that his warnings went unheard. Now you have all these body builder teenagers and amateur athletes cheating, abusing their body to the point it's a wreck. Pro body builders, wrestlers, any pro athlete who uses PED's really should be ashamed of the fact that millions of kids do it to be like them.

[@Coodeville]

From what I came up with, Bruno got 40K for Shea Stadium in '76

[@peterbartolomeo5542]

Bruno was 6' tall 285 lbs old steel muscles. Tendons in his body like steel cables. My old workout partner knew him trained in NYC 2 nd ave gym in Manhattan and he told me Bruno would come in and work out for two hours lifting heavy heavy weights. Only took Brewers Yeast no drugs that was pre steroid days his natural strength was superhuman. 550 lb bench presses for 8 reps 125 lb dumbbell flys 150 lb dumbbells for seated shoulder presses. Natural Unbelievable

[@InstagramAWrestlingHistorian]

Wow...

[@tommyrregina1227]

BRUNO WAS SLIGHTLY UNDER 6FT TALL

[@mikecarey1885]

great story with truth and modesty, not superfiscial. Greatest of all time as a wrestler

[@toma.4808]

Bruno was always a genuine, kind, humbled man. He never complained, he was greatful for all the opportunities he was given and he worked hard everyday of his life. A true people's champion. As a Sicilian from ny growing up there were 2 pictures hanging in our dining room: one was Jesus, the other was bruno lol Bruno is the greatest may he rest in peace

[@patrickperalta59]

he was smart to turn Hollywood down to tell his story....hollywood have changed his story to suit them believeing that is how people want to see Bruno's story....no True wrestling fans want to hear it from Bruno's point of view and how he saw things during his career. Bruno is the Best Wrestling ever had.

[@BruceLee-sw4ms]

Great life story. Rip legend.

[@jayduplessis7698]

Truly amazing story.

[@hectormunoz7966]

Descansa en paz Bruno 🙏🏼

[@partickdurrant6803]

What a dam good bloke

[@tonyclark2177]

Amazing story at every level of his life. Thanks for sharing.

[@lionellofagioli1198]

Un grande uomo , un grande wrestler , un grande Italiano… da Leggenda vivente a MITO

[@Boomhower89]

A real man. Not hard to see the why the world is in the shape it’s in comparing a man from then and a current person in his position (hulk hogan). Hard times make strong men, strong men make good times, good times make weak men, weak men make hard times. Buckle up shit is about to get tough

[@abrahamkline8812]

I like how Bruno's wife called the house a "haus". That's her Yinzer accent coming "aht" (out).

[@theloaner4378]

I work with Pittsburghers and they all say it lak that.

[@abrahamkline8812]

@@theloaner4378 I live about 40 minutes from Pittsburgh. I don't have the full accent, but there are some words that have that Pittsburgh influence.

[@raulviteri6079]

excellent documentary. I hope they make his life into movie.

[@user-wr6db6nw8t]

Note, he never says Vince's name!

[@retro_jubilee8187]

Vincent K. killed Pro-Wrestling.

[@nelsonporter8387]

The GOAT. Hands down

[@aldonelson5757]

God was taking care of our legend

[@tonicamaro8683]

A true CHAMP.

[@jafll141]

Proud Italian! 🤌🏼🤌🏼💪💪👍👍👍

[@ronnyrono782]

I was deployed to Germany 1969 to 1971. Beautiful country (like upstate NY). Friendly, industrious people. What the hell happened?

[@theloaner4378]

Very Simple : A wonderful thing called Diversity, Or inherent conflict. Different values just dont go.

[@catcity7892]

Great story they should make a movie. Wonder who could play him?😊

[@philkat4life]

Legend! Miss u Bruno 👍🙏❤️ 🇮🇹

[@shane-irish]

Very good

[@ITGShaddyMaCC]

Seems like he didn’t argue with the way that the industry was trending so he walked away

[@Nicholas-dreamlove]

What a heart-warming tale of bravery. determination and fearlessness staring in the eyes of evil and carnage VIVA Bruno Sammartino RIP the greatest champion the WWWF have ever seen...

[@stephengennarelli1808]

Could you also post another Bruno documentary "The Boys are Back"...That's never made it's way to You Tube.

[@coachoconnor1]

nicely done loved it !

[@tafariali-alkebulan3325]

Bruno is UNO.

[@jaydemo5792]

The very definition of a MAN'S MAN ! So incredibly like my Dad......

[@MrChristopherHaas]

The first question i would have asked Mr. Sammartino if i had had the chance is in regards to Pat Patterson and his homosexual friends and if what we heard is true. WHY doesnt he discuss THAT. He HAD TO have known.Other than THAT this was one beautiful manin spite of the fact that every day of his life for decades involved deceptions. . It is now VERY hard to find men such as Bruno, good, selfless men of integrity.

[@gypsygypsy7185]

Champions fight to be free

[@markange]

As a kid in he 60's, I always rooted for Bruno. Knew with a kid's mind that he was real. After watching this, I know I was right. A great man with a great family. Thanks for posting this Bio.

[@MrKurtBarlow]

1:13:40 Audio cuts out. Loved it till then. Thanks for the upload

[@cgrooney9945]

Thought it was just my phone, damn. This was great I would love to hear the rest

[@matthunter2397]

Pure class. They don't make them like Bruno anymore. R.i.p Bruno

[@flrpitflrp1965]

I don’t really care for Bruno, but I sure enjoyed this

[@InstagramAWrestlingHistorian]

He was a good man and a great champion!

[@ralphsarcello3085]

great program, awesome documentary

[@jamesbyersmusic]

I love Bruno, I truly do! However, whenever he "wins" all of his victories are 100% real, but whenever he "loses" it is always the fault of the promoter or somebody cheating! Amazing documentary though!!

[@thespanishflyangelmiguelto1797]

This is awesome but what happened to the audio ??

[@InstagramAWrestlingHistorian]

Budget cuts.

[@tc3578]

Is there a problem with the sound quality about half way through, just after Bruno speaks about the challenges he experienced because of his trip to Australia?

[@InstagramAWrestlingHistorian]

Way it was made unfortunately.

[@realazduffman]

My mother worked with her at Travelers. Said when he picked her up he filled up half the bench seat.

[@dumisatonyjohnson8145]

Longest running world wrestling federation champion in its history 2,808 calendar days during his title reign

[@carmelograu-puig342]

Bruno Sammartino, a former 2x WWWF World heavyweight champion who carry the belt with class, busting his tail, day by day, night by night he would sold out MSG arenas, toured all over the world and you are still forever missed by many and may you continue to Sleep in Heavenly Peace!!!

[@chrishanzek8930]

He cheated death 4 times. He was meant to stay here and bless us with his talents.

[@RickySpanish-hc2hw]

Brunos mom seemed like she was a hell of a woman 🙏

[@Handsome_Gary_Kamensack]

Can someone re- record this and fix the audio in he second half. You cant understand anything.

[@InstagramAWrestlingHistorian]

It is what it is.

[@TonyTerranova-ji4et]

I.sm surprise that Bruno didn't mention about Andre The Giant ??

[@MrChristopherHaas]

its so funny that Mr. Sammartino kept thenfayfabe when discussing anything involving the actual in ring action. All old wrestlers from 70s back did/do.

[@karlschneider9479]

I remember him smashing Lou Albano with a typewriter in the face in Boston one time a true classic.

[@jlover911]

whoa….. bruno ripped wrestling a new A-hole….. no wonder vince jagoff jr. hated him for exposing his clown show

[@fjccommish]

Why does there have to be bad background music the whole time?

[@krisbrag87]

There was never. You just have problems with yourself. Fix that and everything will be good 🙂👌

[@MBM1117727]

What happened to the sound in the second half??

[@InstagramAWrestlingHistorian]

Already answered.

[@e.g.8454]

Rip Bruno.🙏

[@bb-gc2tx]

this man is the complete opposite of ric flair he has integrity principles class and most importantly the respect of his peers . actually the only person ive heard say a bad thing about bruno was ric flair that tells you all you need to know about classless ric flair

[@GOTTAMIKE]

I wonder if he wasn’t allowed to say McMahon or didn’t want to. Never specified some actual matches like Volkoff or Zybysko. He also left out Gorilla. That’s okay. Incredible life story. Saw him wrestle DL Johnathan for about 45 minutes.

[@AAW1986WWE]

Is this available on DVD and/or Blu ray?

[@BmanNL1]

Maybe on KZbin!

[@ronnyrono782]

Immigrants were cut of a different cloth back then.

[@angelnives4594]

Great fan of BS,since was 5

[@jrperfection6380]

The audio from 1:13:00 on is horrible, damn.

[@ernestpassaro9663]

Greatest wwwf champion of all time !

[@hectorlopez1069]

It must have felt so horrible to escape the nazis while he was a child in Italy.

[@MrChristopherHaas]

i could have sworn that Mussolini sided with the nazis. why were the nazis fighting italians?

[@jaysonb.6669]

There was partisan resistance groups throughout Italy and later Mussolini was captured and executed by rebels in Sicily

[@MrChristopherHaas]

@@jaysonb.6669 aaaaah. of course. thanks

[@crimedramadvdhotspot7720]

🤟🤒 🇮🇪