Jim Ross Praises WWE Legend Bruno Sammartino As One Of His Favourite Interviewers

AEW commentator and WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has named Bruno Sammartino as one of his favourite wrestlers-turned-interviewers, lauding the late legend’s ability both inside the ring and on the microphone.

Speaking on his Grilling JR podcast, Jim Ross reflected on his admiration for Sammartino, particularly recalling their interactions when the former WWWF Champion was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013. He emphasised the deep respect he had for Sammartino, not just as a wrestler but as a skilled speaker.

“I had great respect and admiration for Bruno. Him being from my late wife Jan’s hometown of Pittsburgh, in the same basic neighbourhood actually, he was a favourite of mine. And I’m glad it worked out for him because he was a super guy.”

Ross went on to highlight Sammartino’s ability to engage with audiences, noting his talent as both a performer and an interviewer.

“Bruno was a great interviewer, he was logical, and he spoke well, so I’ll always have a lot of time for Bruno, and it was a sad day that he passed. I thought the son of a gun would live forever because he was in great shape, he trained hard, and he did cardio, which a lot of wrestlers don’t do.”

In closing, Ross reiterated his admiration for Sammartino’s contributions to the wrestling business.

“He was always one of my favourites, I thought he did a great job and we loved Bruno, without question.”

Sammartino, a two-time WWE Champion, still holds the record for the most combined days as champion at 4,040. Even Hulk Hogan, who sits in second place, falls far behind with a total of 2,185 days across six reigns.

Who Did Jim Ross Say Is The Greatest ‘Giant’ Wrestler Of All Time?

Jim Ross spoke about the greatest wrestling giants and where “The Big Show” Paul Wight ranks among them. Ross said that while Wight is up there in terms of ranking, he doesn’t beat out wrestling’s greatest-ever giant, Andre the Giant. Ross believes that Wight was used too much on-screen and in matches and that didn’t give him the same aura that Andre had and that is why he doesn’t secure the number one spot.

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