| I’ve not been too shy about writing about Bruno Sammartino over the years, and having been fortunate enough to have kept in contact with the Living Legend for much of the year, I have tended to avoid overdoing it. Several things over the past month have popped up, which makes ignoring such news really stupid for someone who would call himself a professional wrestling journalist, so allow me to present a few items of interest for Bruno fans, and likely, fans of the professional wrestling industry (in one way or another!) #### I was alerted to the reprinting of Bruno Sammartino’s 1990 autobiography a few weeks back, and my apologies for not getting this news out more quickly. The guys at www.rasslinriotonline.com – the same people who did a great job with Dusty Wolfe’s “Journal of a Journeyman” have worked out a deal with Sal Corrente and Bruno Sammartino himself, to reproduce the original autobiography. They’ve included some new photos, and completed some much needed editing of the book. The price is $24.95, and it’s available at www.rasslinriotonline.com Now, some interesting bits and some background on the 1990 book: · For one, the book was available only in the Pittsburgh area, with a print run of 10,000 copies. From what I understand, some promises were made for a national run, but that never occurred. Bruno has told me that he never got a dime for that book. · Part of the deal with www.rasslinriotonline.com, which I’ve heard from both sides, is that all proceeds will go to Bruno. Since the guys at rasslinriotonline have many projects in line for next year, they are looking to get their name out as a significant publisher of professional wrestling books. · I’ve heard from Bruno, and anecdotally over the years, that the original book sells for $80 and $100 a shot on ebay. The book is relatively rare, and again, not having been marketed or available outside of Pittsburgh, if you want one, you have had to pay a steep price to get one. (Do you think any Pittsburgh fan would readily give up this book?) · One of the prime motivations for getting the book reprinted is to allow more of Bruno’s fans to read the book, at a far more reasonable price. I’ve reviewed the 1990 book, and want to point out a few things: 1) that book was published in 1990! That’s ten years before Mick Foley broke the mold of public perception, and at the fading years of the rule of kayfabe. Now, I know the ongoing perception of Bruno’s book was that it was terrible because of kayfabe. On some terms, I’d agree, but overall, and if you read it carefully, Bruno isn’t exactly protecting the business. Sure, he avoids the obvious question and answer, but his opinions and stories on steroids, drug use and certain promoters that we all know aren’t exactly kind. A careful reader can also readily discern that Bruno is much more about keeping the tradition of professional wrestling alive, rather than revealing every trick about the sport.. I can certainly respect that, and I would hope that most fans could do so as well. If you’re looking for the awesome story of Bruno Sammartino’s life, from his own telling, with a pre “Wrestling is a work!” attitude, this is the book to have. #### But keep in mind that the 1990 book was written for another era, and certainly stops short of telling the entirety of Bruno Sammartino’s life. What he has done in the past twenty years has solidified his standing in the industry, and has cemented his embodiment of an often antiquated concept of integrity. Wrestlers of all levels, talents and standings have sold out for a few bucks. Many continue to grovel for scraps from the McMahon empire. Several notables have had their images plastered across mainstream TV, due to acts, attitudes and infamy. Others who should, could and may have made a difference in the wrongdoings of the professional wrestling industry have hardly spoken a word. “Outspoken” isn’t just a quaint thing to say about Bruno Sammartino. Few guys in the history of the sport have been so vociferous in pointing out the flaws, in crying out in the wilderness, in making themselves vulnerable to the catcalls, derisions and guffaws of a mainstream that has never taken professional wrestling seriously. Most people who come into contact with Bruno do take him seriously. The amazing aspect of Bruno Sammartino is that he, almost alone among the giants of the sport, is able to be taken seriously, even when the industry itself often deserves little more than a sneer. What Bruno has done, has said, has experienced and has added to his already superlative legacy has made the 1990 book only part of the overall story. Title reigns, headlining major arenas, world travels and a reputation supported by many other great names in the business are hard facts. For many years, people have taken Bruno’s input into his career as an afterthought. It is easy to attribute his success to promoters (one in particular) or to timing or to ethnicity or to a man with world class strength, athleticism or charisma. There’s a depth to Bruno’s character, career and drive that is easy to overlook. Bruno is, from watching him in action, hearing him talk, and now, having spoken with him ‘off the record’ as well as for research purposes, a very humble man, and a down-to-earth person who will rarely sing his own praises, or admit to his own devices in making his career what it was. But discernment is an aspect of a good writer, and I’ve begun to see that there’s far more to Bruno’s career, in terms of his own guiding hand, than many have ever let on to, than what he’s given, and he deserves his just due on that. That’s why I’m doggedly pursuing the chance to help Bruno retell his story, in his own words, for a mainstream audience. Because as much as the professional wrestling industry needs heroes, we live in a world where the example of Bruno Sammartino can be a lesson for all. #### Coincedentally, I was alerted by the ever aware Christopher Cruise about an article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about the need to memorialize Bruno Sammartino in the arena being built to replace the old Civic Arena in Pittsburgh. Yes, it’s Civic Arena, not Civic Center. And I never really took to calling it the Mellon Arena, either. Then again, the new building is being set to be called the Consol Energy Center or some such. Branding of arenas is something we all have to deal with. The story is by Dean Fleischman, and I’ve already contacted him, inquiring as to how I (and likely, the readers of this column) can help persuade the naming of a street, a plaque placement or a statue to be dedicated to Bruno’s name and legacy. I’ll let you read what Mr. Fleischman has wrote, here’s the link: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08366/938687-109.stm Ok, enough of me cheerleading. Happy New Year to all, and I’ll be back soon with reviews, insight and other fun stuff. Joe Babinsack can be reached at
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