Mike Johnson of PWInsider made a comparison to Brie Bella‘s Monday night incident when Stan Hansen broke Bruno Sammartino‘s neck back in 1976. A Twitter user went to criticize the comparison and Corey Graves came to bat for Johnson saying it was an accurate comparison and that “smart” fans don’t factor in all the details:
Regarding the negative reaction to @BellaTwins, there has not been one pro wrestler in the history of pro wrestling who hasn't made a mistake in the ring at some point. Stan Hansen dropped Bruno Sammartino on his head and broke his neck. Accidents happen. One did last night.
— Mike Johnson (@MikePWInsider) September 25, 2018
Accurately so. Especially in this day and age full of “experts.” Accidents happen. I had my career ended because of them, and I harbor no ill will. It’s not ballet. Screw everyone that thinks they know/can do better.
I wish all of the “smart” fans were actually smart. https://t.co/l8ND6Xjxi0
— Corey Graves (@WWEGraves) September 26, 2018
Of course Corey. Its The fans who are not smart. And should be taken to task. Not the 10 year vet. Who in the past 4 weeks injured or nearly injured several other wrestlers. And nearly broke her own neck doing reckless spots. When is it actually Her Bad? But yeah Screw everyone?
— Kev Castle- Yeah That Guy (@KevZCastle) September 26, 2018
I’m not taking anybody to task. I’m just saying that if the fans who “know” our business actually knew our business, they would understand. The grind. The schedule. If they truly knew, they wouldn’t be so quick to throw stones. https://t.co/76vEMBiYQb
— Corey Graves (@WWEGraves) September 26, 2018
Respectfully, I disagree on the comparison.
It was an accident. However, “not intentionally injuring someone” is a pretty low bar to set as far as judging talent.
“I don’t think it was intentional” is a completely separate though from my viewpoints on her wrestling abilities.
— All's J in Worthington and Farnsworth. aka R! (@jworth) September 26, 2018
Ryan, you’re my friend. But, I will gladly die on the hill that the business that made you and I fans, has changed. My outlook has changed. It doesn’t mean you’re wrong. Just that the “it wasn’t as good as Kobashi in 97” mindset doesn’t work anymore. https://t.co/edR6hGf0pS
— Corey Graves (@WWEGraves) September 26, 2018
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Bruno Sammartino
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Bruno Sammartino
(Original Caption) The Sheik had it easy. Caught here in a tight hold, the Syrian wrestler appears to be anything but comfortable. But The Shiek rallied and foiled Bruno Sammartino at Madison Square Garden.
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Bruno Sammartino
UNDATED: Bruno Sammartino a professional wrestler looks to his opponent in the ring. Sammartino held the World Wrestling Federation Championship for more than twelve years throughout his two title reigns from 1963 thru 1971 & 1973 thru 1977. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
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Bruno Sammartino
UNDATED: Wrestling legend Bruno Sammartino is declared the champion. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
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Bruno Sammartino
HOLLYWOOD - SEPTEMBER 22: Professional Wrestler Bruno Sammartino arrives to the Feast of San Gennaro on September 22, 2005 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Matthew Simmons/Getty Images)
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Bruno Sammartino
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES - JANUARY 01: Championship wrestler Bruno Sammartino standing with his wife in front of their home. (Photo by John Olson/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images)
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Bruno Sammartino
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES - JANUARY 01: Championship wrestler Bruno Sammartino playing with his children. (Photo by John Olson/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images)
