SLAM! Wrestling Canadian Hall of Fame: Dino Bravo
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Dino Bravo in 1986. |
REAL NAME: Adolfo Bresciano
BORN: Italy in 1949
DIED: March 11, 1993
ALIASES/NICKNAMES: The World's Strongest Man, Italian Strongman
To remember Dino Bravo from his WWF days as a heel under the management of
Johnny V, or in a tag
team with Greg Valentine as the New Dream Team, is to do injustice to what
was once an agile, exciting
wrestler. Pumped up on steroids in the WWF, Bravo had lost the ability to do
much in the ring except
pose. But he had made it big nationally.
To better remember Dino Bravo, one must look to his reigns as Canadian
heavyweight champion, at one
time recognized as such by the three big boys -- WWF, NWA and AWA. He took
on all comers as
Canadian champion for Frank Tunney's Toronto office and was the star of the
Montreal Grand Prix
wrestling circuit. Bravo was WWF tag team champion with Dominic DeNucci in 1978, and also formed a very successful tag team with Gino Brito.
He met a tragic end March 11, 1993, when he was killed in his Montreal
apartment by a hail of gunfire
"I remember Dino when he was a skinny little kid 22 years ago," said
then-WWF
president Jack Tunney at the time. "What I'll remember is a dedicated
athlete who worked
very hard. I hope that people celebrate Dino's life and not the tragic way it
ended."
Memories
I consider Dino Bravo to be one of the greatest athletes to never hold a World Heavyweight title.
My earliest memories of him were his tag team accomplishments with Gino Brito (together billed as the Italian Connection) and Mr. Wrestling I(Tim Woods)
He was truly a class act. In and out of the ring. His tragic demise saddens me even 4 years after the violent that took him away from his friends family and fans! True fans of the sport shall never forget him I know I want!
Jeff F., Salisbury NC.
Dino Bravo never got the respect he deserved during his long tenure in the
WWF. This man went from being a true athlete too a marketing tool. Today's
wrestling fans will only remember him, as that guy who unofficially became
worlds strongest man. Its very sad, when a promoter takes a talented young
superstar and turns their life around with a poor marketing idea. I will
remember Dino Bravo for what HE really was. A talented wrestler.
Ed Baker
Although Dino Bravo's era was quite a while before my time, I remember
in 1989 at WrestleMania he was truly a pride out of Quebec. I enjoyed
his talents and especially appreciated the respect that Jesse Ventura
gave him. I'm never forget the day I found out that Bravo died. I was
utterly shocked. Truly we lost a great individual.
N. Izzi, Quebec
A great athlete is a great athlete no matter what promoters do to
him.What matters most is you never forget his exploits in the ring and
the gift,the calibre of Dino Bravo, left behind.
Princilio Cortes, Jr.
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Dino Bravo as Canadian Champion and Rick Martel as AWA World Champion.
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During his time in the WWF, Dino Bravo was one of the strongest man in
the squared circle, unfortunately he was passed his prime. Dino was a
big star in Quebec particularly in Montreal, he was a fan favorite and
was liked by everybody, he was a smart and quick wrestler. His worst
career move in the WWF was to associate himself with Rick Martel's
brother, Frenchy Martin. During the time he was with Frenchy, his
career went no where. He had his best moments in the WWF as a member of
the Dream Team with Greg "The Hammer" Valentine and their manager,
Johnny Valiant. Although they never won the tag team championship, they
were a pretty solid tag team, combining strength and ring knowledge.
It's really unfortunate that he was shot in his home, the world of
wrestling lost a great athlete.
WWF Fan
Although I never seen Dino Bravo wrestle live, my great grandmother always
loved to watch him wrestle. By reading these paragraghs about him I truly
now know Dino Bravo was one of the greatest wrestlers in the WWF and all
over the wrestling world.
TWILIGHT
Dino Bravo was my favorite wrestler since the beginning of the 80's
until the end.I had the chance to train with him in Laval,where he lived
( 5 minutes from Montreal ), I must admit that he was a very
distinguished and generous person to all of his fans in Quebec!I am only
shocked by the tragedy that occurred since he was the father of a
beautiful little girl.He mentioned to me a few months before his death
that he had been screwed by the WWF. He was considering ending his career
in the WCW but he wasn't sure because of his family (he didn't really
want to move from Montreal). Past is past but I will never forget this
powerhouse that bench pressed 675 pounds in front of everybody in
"Atlantis gym" in Laval and always gave his best in the squared circle.
-- WE WILL ALL REMEMBER YOU!.....BON VOYAGE CHER AMI...(nice trip dear friend...)
Nicolas Tetrault
Long before Dino Bravo went to the WWF, he was a major hero to his fans
in Quebec. He was the most popular Canadian Champion at the time. He was
exciting, and truly a man of the people. To understand how popular he was
with fans, is to understand how he truly was a part of Montreal.
DSERD
I don't remember much of Bravo's younger days, since I was born in 1980, but I
do remember the WWF tenure that always had a special place in my heart. I have
watched dozens of wrestling tapes with my friends, and I have a WWF tape from
God knows when where Dino gets a clean pin over the Hitman. I was so happy. It
brought a smile to my face and I actually stood up and clapped. Who can forget
him benching all that weight with Ventura? (a guy I'd like to see back) Dino
Bravo is still one of my favorite wrestlers and always will be. I had a
picture of him in the lockerroom at school in my basketball locker, and I put
it in late in the season. That night we played a rival team and I did alot
better than usual. I swear Bravo was there that night. I look at that picture
and smile. I know he's up there right now, kicking @$$ in the HWF, or Heaven's
Wrestling Federation. Who knows, maybe he's wringing Vince Sr's neck for
letting his son have him lose to Von Erich at WrestleMania.
BRAV0187
I`ll always remember Dino Bravo for his classic battles with Abdullah
The Butcher, of which I have many on video. The sight of Dino coming
back to beat Abdullah by DQ ( When Bad News Allen invaded the ring )
After Abdullah had bloodied him with a sharp pencil and a fork earlier.
His
battles with Samu also were some to watch. The WWF did not credit Bravo
for what he was really worth, but he still put in a valuable effort,
prior to his untimely death in 1993. I will always remember Bravo as one
of the alltime greats, and a fantastic wrestler.
Daniel Slengerich, Denmark
I remember one particular time way back in the seventies, in the Mid-
Atlantic promotion run by the Crocketts, when Bravo was wrestling Blackjack
Mulligan. He was still a muscular guy, but not nearly as musclebound as his
later WWF years, and he was a high-flyer. Well, he dazzled Mulligan with an
array of aerial maneuvers and eventually pinned olè Jack. Mulligan was so irate
he demanded that Bravo get back in the ring and give him 5 more minutes. Well,
Bravo pulled a fast one on Jack and rolled him into a small package for the
second pin! No small feat since Blackjack was one of the major stars of that
time and US champion to boot. Hopefully fans will remember that Bravo and not
the one who met an untimely end in the WWF.
BIG CG
I only saw Dino Bravo briefly during his career but seeing Dino wrestle was
enjoyment for all who saw him.I will never forget Dino as he was a great
wrestler and entertainer. He definitely did not get the accolades he deserved in
the WWF but that is Vinceès fault and we'll leave it at that. My fondest
memories of Dino are with his curly blond hair and his loud accented voice
yelling during his matches. Before Bret came on the scene he was Canada's
favourite wrestler and will be remembered that way. There is only one WORLD'S
STRONGEST MAN and that is DINO BRAVO.
AU REVOIR DINO! NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN
Jason Mackenzie Toronto,Ontario
They should have give im what he wanted in WWF, he wanted to meet Hulk Hogan
in Olympic Stadium in Montreal. The place would have been sold out.
Patrick from Quebec. Say so long Dino
I grew up watching wrestling in the 80's. All the big names, Hulk Hogan, Randy
Savage, Rick Martel, and of course, "The Canadian Strong Man," Dino Bravo....
I can remember watching him on TV as it was yesterday......He was one of my
favorite wrestlers.......I saw him on several occasions, with his curly hair,
his big smile, and his love of the sport.....I would cheer as he would deliver
his side suplex and pin his opponent.....He was a great athlete, and not only
will I miss him, but all wrestling fans will.........
OneOfGrey
I didn't see much of Dino.But I got old movies of WrestleManias and The
Best of WWF.He truly was a great entertainer and Vince truly missed a
great opportunity to have a real class act of a champion with Dino.
Daniel Davis
I was browsing on the Net and came across your Hall of Fame section from a Net search. To tell you the truth, I'm not a big wrestling fan, and never was. However, when I read the memories on Dino's
section, it brought warmth to my heart. I may not know his wrestling career as much as some of you guys out there (great fans! :), but I loved him very much, as he was my uncle. I won't tell you about
his career, since you probably know as much (if not more!) then I. But I can tell you this, he was a great man. And yes, it's true, he was a father all right, and a good one too! (To Claudia, my little
cousin) I just wanted to thank all his fans, for being so supportive, even after his death. Keep writing people, as I want to hear more, like many of you I'm sure...
Sincerely,
Wallas (AKA Philippe Bresciano Potvin)
Dino Bravo was good, maybe even great, but he was very lucky at SummerSlam to get past The Magnificent Don "The Rock" Muraco. I'm
not taking from Dino's great skills. He's very strong also. But, only due to outside interference did he get past Muraco and the Hawaiian
Hammer.
raymardo
I remember watching Dino Bravo in the early A.W.A. years.Sitting with my
dad on the sofa watching wrestling. That was wrestling! I was sad to
here about his death.
Steve Kovanen
I just want to say that I feel sorry for the family of Dino Bravo he was a
great wrestler and should always be remembered
LLandme
If it weren't for three pounds of finger pressure applied by Jesse
Ventura, Dino Bravo would be recognized as The World's Strongest
Man...Jesse, if you're reading this - how do you sleep at night! USA is
not O.K. as long as Dino Bravo is no longer with us.
Eric Evangelista
Dino was not just a great wrestler but a funny and kind man .Way back
when Dino was first in the WWF he lived in West Haven, CT. I was
lucky to have met him and his little brother Gino who I also came to
care about. Gino would stay with me and ex wife when Dino had to go to
wrestle to far to take Gino. You could see the love he had for his
brother and how Gino looked up to Dino. To Gino I can't tell you how bad I
feel for you, I hope you read this and try and contact me at my web
site. And to Dino, buddy we all know who was the best there is the best
there was and the best there well ever be God bless you.
Andrew Calandrelli
I'm only eleven years old, and I may not know everything, but I do
know that Dino Bravo, was one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.
From when Bravo came to the WWF, to the end, he was one of the best. I
wish he was still alive here and well today. Thank you Dino for the
memories, the moments, and the great times.
David S. Ford
Dino Ruled when he was a co-holder of the tag-team championship with
Dominic Dennuci. When Frenchy Martin took over his career then he
started to blow it. By the time Jimmy Hart took over his career and
started hanging with that loser Earthquake then his career was as
valuable as a one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest. Enough said!!
PMS
Possibly the greatest Canadian wrestler of all time. I watched him put
people such as Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Ronnie Garvin, and a whole list of
others. And this man was A WWF Tag Team Champion and he will always be
remembered.
Richard Morin
Dino, was more than a great wrestler or the strongest man,(at least to
me). He was a true friend, that had lot of love for life, and the people
around him. I know, because he saved my life, when my world was crashing
down around me; he got me to believe in myself again. I lost a true
friend, and my heart still ache, from my loss (but also for his family,
for I know that he loved them dearly)..
valda f. anderson
I think what happened to him is a terrible shame, not only because he
was murdered, but because he was an excellent entertainer who had many,
many fans. He was in the mid-prime of his life, and not to mention the
first Italian/Canadian to make the bigs in pro wrestling. There is no
doubt that he was the strongest of his era and I have many memories of
him in character at his best and worst. It's too bad to see such a young
man leave this world in such a horrible manner. I don't know the details
regarding his death, but I firmly believe that he was taken from his
family and friends without cause or justification. I was fortunate to
have had the opportunity to see him in action, live at Toronto Maple
Leaf Gardens and on TV via Pay Per View Events. It's too bad we didn't
get the opportunity to have him entertain us for years to come. He will
always be missed and remembered.
pgiardetti
I first saw Dino as a fan favorite as the Canadian Heavyweight
Wrestling Champion in the World Wrestling Federation in the early-80's. I
still liked Dino when he a rulebreaker. But, I hated his blond hair.
I still like Dino to this day.
Dave Coz
Dino Bravo was a great performer and I miss seeing the man in the ring. I saw him at a house show in Moline and he was such a great heel. God
bless Dino R.I.P
jwheeler
Like many Montrealers, I grew up watching one of the greatest wrestlers of
all time, Dino Bravo. The greatest memory I have of him was at a live event
at the Montreal Forum. It was the infamous match where he teamed-up with the
Rougeaus Brothers to face Greg Valentine, Brutus Beefcake and their manager
Johnny V. For those of you who were around back then you'll remember that
this is when he turned his back on his long time friends, The Rougeaus and
started his alliance with Johnny V and his proteges. Being a kid a the time,
I remember feeling deeply betrayed. That's how much he meant to us
Montrealers. One thing is for sure, the name Dino Bravo will not be soon
forgotten in this city. God Bless.
Mary Daniel
My memories of Dino Bravo goes way back when I was a kid. I could tell a lot about one of my childish heroes, but what I remember the most is
his match, June 25 in the International Wrestling Alliance in Hull, Québec against Man Mountain Moore. It was a great match. It was very
rough. Bravo was coming back from an operation somewhere in his stomach (I don't remember) and Man Mountain Moore was always using that
at his advantage (even in submission move). But Dino won the match.
Pascal L.
Earlier sometime I sent a memory of Dino being forced to be a stiff. I
would like to withdraw that opinion. I did see Dino in earlier years
(clips of course, I was not born until 1980), and I have been doing some
research. I have to say, Dino was a heck of a good wrestler, and I was
very amazed to see him throw drop kicks, and stuff like that. I still
maintain his strength was over rated, but nevertheless, he was strong.
Dino was one of the better wrestlers.
Derek M. Ellis
Dino Bravo was a great man & wrestler who knew how to get the job
done. Dino could outclass any wrestler and could get down & dirty whenever
he was wrestling in the WWF, NWA or anywhere he wrestled.
Dino will be missed.
David J. Cox
Dino Bravo was a hero of mine in the mid-70's during the Grand Prix
Wrestling years. Where I was raised, in northern Ontario, we only had
two channels back then and we had no choice but to watch Grand Prix
Wrestling on Saturday afternoons. Who cannot remember announcer Fernand
St-Marie, referee and part-time wrestler Luigi Mascera; villain Don Leo
Jonathan and the great Edward Carpentier. But, my favorite of all
wrestlers, was a member of the Italian Connection tag team (along with
Gino Brito), the great Dino Bravo. Tall, dark-haired, lean but
muscular, he was a far cry from his WWF days (when people today most
remember him from) where he was now blond, bloated up, slow and now a
heel to top it all! No, to me, the real Dino Bravo left us the day he
left Grand Prix Wrestling and joined the WWF.....you will be missed!
Lance Lafleur
He was so friendly to his fans. We met in Montreal and
Toronto on several occasions
Harris Black, Montreal
Dino came to Murfreesboro, TN in 1991 to wrestle the British Bulldog. He
lost but I still remember the match.
cg12380
Dino Bravo in his Quebec cape running around the ring like he was Superman while the "H-earthquake" did his little
quake dance. That says it all. Bravo! for a great wrestling hero!
A True Dino Bravo Fan
I don't know what to say, I can only say that he was one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.
And I'm 100% SURE that the real wrestling fan, will never forget him.
You'll be in our hearts Dino!!!!!!
Ali Hejazi
I was a regular viewer of IWA in the mid 80's and was impressed by Dino's physique as well as his
being a perfect gentleman. He was so soft spoken and bashful. He also challenged another late
legend Dick "The Bulldog" Brower for the North American title. Don't know whether the bout actually
took place. But I am shocked and saddened to learn while surfing the net that this gem of an
athlete faced such a tragic end. My condolences to his family and well wishers. May his soul rest in
peace and may he serve as a role model for aspiring wrestlers.
Somnath Sircar, Calcutta.
