On WWE’s official website, they have posted a story with former and current WWE wrestlers reacting to the Bruno Sammartino Hall of Fame induction. Below are the highlights:
The Brooklyn Brawler–“I think it’s great that Bruno Sammartino is being inducted into the 2013 Hall of Fame. As a child and even as a teenager, I always idolized him. It’s a privilege to have been in the ring with Bruno Sammartino, and he’s more than deserving of being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. I think the reaction and the sentiment from all the WWE Universe is gonna be tremendous.”
Tommy Dreamer–“It’s great that Bruno is being inducted into the Hall of Fame; it’s long overdue. To see him change his attitude about WWE is awesome. I credit Triple H with reintroducing Bruno to today’s WWE. I’m really glad he’s back as part of the WWE family.”
Joey Styles— “As an Italian-American whose family is also from the Abruzzi region of Italy, Bruno Sammartino was and is an inspiration. The haunting story of his childhood in German-occupied Italy during World War II is even more amazing than his wrestling career. Back in high school, my paesans and I had a very bare bones gym above my friend’s garage that was adorned with posters of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Franco Columbu, Lou Ferrigno, Lee Haney and, the only non-bodybuilder who inspired us to load more weight on the bar, Bruno!”
Dory Funk Jr.–“I was always a fan of his, what he did for professional wrestling, what he did for New York City, what he did for WWE at the time and for Vincent J. McMahon. And when I heard he was being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, I said to my wife, ‘That’s it. The WWE Hall of Fame is really going to be big this year.’ I think Bruno really had to be part of it. Maybe not before [it came to MSG], but it’s really nice to have him now, I think it’s terrific.”
Howard Finkel–“Bruno was at the top of his game for many years and I’m thrilled that he will now be receiving the fruits of his labor with his induction. Welcome to the club, champ.”
Trish Stratus–“Bruno being inducted is long overdue. It’s like how the Hockey Hall of Fame would be incomplete without Wayne Gretzky; Bruno being inducted makes the WWE Hall of Fame complete. I’m absolutely honored that I’m going to be inducted in the same class as one of our industry’s greats.”
The Rock–“Congratulations Bruno Sammartino: 2013 #WWEHallOfFame. You’re the greatest @WWE Champion of all time. Thank you for paving the way. #Hero.”
JBL–“I don’t know what has happened in the past between him and sports-entertainment, but Bruno Sammartino belongs in the Hall of Fame. He sold out the Garden 187 nights. Most people go their entire career without 187 appearances in the Garden. Phenomenal record, what Bruno Sammartino did.”
Michael Cole–“[Bruno Sammartino] did so much for the Italian-American community in the Northeast — New York, Pittsburgh, Boston, all over the Northeastern part of the United States. He became a hero for so many people.”
Shawn Michaels–“As a Hall of Famer, I feel that, respectfully, the Hall of Fame takes on a legitimacy [with Bruno] that, could be argued, was not there before. The entrance of Bruno Sammartino is an example of the exclusivity, prestige and honor that should be the hallmark of any Hall of Fame.”
