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BRUNO IN THE WWE HALL OF FAME: IS IT FINALLY TIME?

Earlier this week, I had the chance to interview Bruno Sammartino for the fourth time. As it has in the past, obviously the discussion of Sammartino mending fences with WWE and joining their Hall of Fame came up, especially since his recent decision to turn down an invitation from Triple H made the news this week.

Sammartino was a two-time WWWF champion, one of the biggest drawing stars of his era and headlined from Madison Square Garden to Australia to Toronto to Shea Stadium to Japan and back. He was one of the most recognizable and respected talents in the history of wrestling.

Bruno was also one of the most outspoken enemies of changes made to the business in the 1980s, between steroids, movements away from the athletics for characterizations, raunch and sexual innuendo. In the early 1990s, Bruno was at odds publicly with Vince McMahon on CNN'S Larry King Live and NBC's The Donohoue Show. It wasn't pretty, as WWE painted him to be a man out of touch and bitter about not making the money stars of that era made.

Sammartino never forgot and never forgave, although others like him have returned to the WWE flock over time. Even Superstar Graham, who famously claimed he witnessed Pat Patterson molesting an underage ring boy (Graham admitted he was lying years later) was inducted and later had WWE DVD and autobiographies released. Bruno, however, has never wavered. He's seen those who have been at odds against WWE only to return to the fray and to him, it's a sad situation, where one is selling out how they really feel for a little bit of money. He doesn't want to be the latest in that line because his upbringing and morals make him a unique person of character.

However, let's face it. Bruno Sammartino isn't getting any younger. He's had some scary health issues in recent years. One thing that will not change, however, is his resolve.

With all that said, is 2012 long enough to finally let things go between the two sides? WWE obviously wants Bruno. The fans will always want Bruno. They did. They do. They will when he's no longer with us. But Bruno? He's a happy, content man who wants nothing more than to spend time with his wife, go visit Italy once a year and be remembered for who he was. He doesn't want to return to the world of wrestling, not the one that exists today. He stands by how he feels about Vince McMahon and WWE. He doesn't need a ring to quantify his importance or career.

So, the question of the day is - what do you think of Bruno's decision? Is he right for standing by what he feels? Is it time for him to take his place among the greatest of the greats and be honored at Wrestlemania weekend?

Bruno Sammartino was always a man of the people, so what do you, the people, have to say? Let PWInsider.com know!

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