25. Bruno Sammartino
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I had to include a figurehead from the older generations of professional wrestling. Paying respect to Sammartino just seems like the right thing to do. His unparalleled reign as the WWF (World Wrestling Federation, now WWE) Heavyweight Champion for over 11 years remains unmatched, solidifying his status as a true wrestling legend. Beyond his incredible in-ring achievements, Sammartino’s impact extends to his role as a cultural icon, particularly among Italian-American communities who saw him as a symbol of strength, determination, and pride. His matches at Madison Square Garden drew record-breaking crowds and helped elevate wrestling to new heights of popularity (he sold out MSG a whopping 188 times). Sammartino’s legacy as a trailblazer continues to be felt today.
