WWE legend Bruno Sammartino claims in a Newsday.com interview with Alfonso Castillo that he told Vince McMahon he wants the same respect that WWE has shown non-wrestlers in order to accept a spot in the WWE Hall of Fame. "I told McMahon this: 'You want me in there? You really do, huh? Show me the respect you showed the non-wrestling people.' The Mike Tysons, the Pete Rose, and these other ball players that he used and show biz people. Show me the kind of respect you showed those people and I’ll consider it."

Bruno claims he wasn't just talking about money. "No, it’s not just for the money. It shows that he would value me or some other of the guys. He should value us at least as much as them, but in reality, he should value us a hell of a lot more than them, because those guys never contributed anything to this business. I’ve had three major back surgeries. I’ve had hip replacement. I’ve had knee surgery. I broke my neck in 1976. I came within a millimeter of being paralyzed from the waist down. And now this guy thinks he’s going to get me to a Hall of Fame for a couple thousand bucks?"

When asked how much money he was offered, Sammartino said, "For the Hall of Fame he offered $5,000." To read the full interview, visit the The Steel Cage blog.

Powell's POV: Sammartino also stated that Hulk Hogan wasn't a great draw. He also ripped the Attitude Era for featuring Steve Austin swearing and drinking beer, and the parents who brought their kids to see it. To his credit, Bruno also stated that he doesn't judge other legends who accept the Hall of Fame spot or work under legends contracts for the company.

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