10 Things We Learned From VICE’s Dark Side Of The Ring: Dino Bravo
A shocking tale with twists and turns few could see coming.
Dino Bravo was a typical heel mid-carder for WWF fans growing up in the late-80s.
The 'Canadian Strongman' gimmick he played made him perfect for Vince McMahon's colourful new vision for the industry. McMahon wanted musclebound action figures come to life, and he got that from Dino. By the time his in-ring career started winding down in 1992 though, Bravo struggled to fund a lifestyle he'd grown fond of.
That lust for gold led him down a very dark path, one that'd cost him his life and leave his family in tatters. On 10 March 1993, less than one year after leaving the WWF, Dino was found dead at home. He'd been shot 11 times (seven shots to the head and four to the body), and the killers left the gun by his side. It was a shocking end caused by Bravo's involvement with some bad people.
The circumstances surrounding Dino's death and the fallout impact on his wife and young daughter were the subject of VICE's latest 'Dark Side Of The Ring' episode. His story is similarly harrowing to recent deep dives on Jimmy Snuka and Chris Benoit.
Here's everything learned from a tale of wrestling dreams turned to mob-related nightmares...