Arnold Schwarzenegger, who we noted back in February the company had brief discussions with at that time about appearing.
WWE sent out the following today confirming Schwarzenegger’s appearance at the 2013 WWE Hall of Fame:
Arnold Schwarzenegger to induct Bruno Sammartino into the WWE Hall of Fame
When “The Living Legend” Bruno Sammartino finally enters the WWE Hall of Fame on Saturday, April 6, in Madison Square Garden, he’ll have another living legend inducting him.
As announced on his Twitter account this afternoon, Arnold Schwarzenegger — bodybuilding icon, international movie star and two-time Governor of California — will personally welcome Sammartino into WWE’s hallowed hall.
Honored to be inducting my friend The Living Legend @sammartinobruno into the @wwe Hall of Fame April 6 @thegarden. instagram.com/p/XSYvQ8Dces/
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) March 25, 2013
Longtime friends, Bruno and Arnold dominated weight rooms together in the late ’60s and early ’70s. As European immigrants with herculean strength and boundless drive, the men bonded over their similar backgrounds and tireless work ethic. As time passed, both Schwarzenegger and Sammartino reached the apex of their respective fields, each setting unbreakable records as their mutual respect deepened.
Earlier this month, the iconic strongmen were both inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame — a great honor for two men who crossed an ocean to chase the American dream.
“I was a big admirer of his extraordinary strength,” Arnold said of Bruno on that night. “He always was a great inspiration to so many others.”
In 1970, when “The Terminator” star won his first Mr. Olympia bodybuilding contest in New York City, Sammartino was one of the event’s head judges. Now, some 43 years later, the two men will take part in another pivotal night in Manhattan, when Arnold Schwarzenegger inducts Bruno Sammartino into the WWE Hall of Fame.