10 Things You Didn't Know About Bruno Sammartino

6. Vowed To Make Up For Lost Time With His Wife

Carrying the load for a combined 4,040 days meant Bruno spent a lot of time away from home during his heyday in the 1960s and 70s. He wrestled frequently and was probably lucky to spend a few consecutive days at home each month. It'd be easy to understand if that put a strain on his marriage.

It didn't, and that's something Sammartino was always proud of.

In an interview with the Baltimore Sun in 2008, Bruno said he told his wife they'd be able to make up for lost time one day. That proved to be true; after retiring from the ring and finally slowing down his relentless work schedule, Sammartino made a point of "dating his wife again" and treating her like a princess.

He'd tell friends that they were young and in love, and it led to years of happiness together. Bruno's wife must have been glad to have her husband's attention back after decades of seeing him sacrifice time together for the road.