Bruno Sammartino vs Larry Zbyszko - Steel Cage Match (Way of the Blade Art Print)
“Bruno Sammartino vs. Larry Zbyszko (Steel Cage Match)” - ink & digital illustration
On the way to the upcoming Way of the Blade book sequel, here’s another flashback to an illustration & all-timer of a feud that I’m very fond of from the original (from the great guys at Hybrid Shoot, written by the rad Phil Schneider, art by yours truly).
This bloody Cage Match blowoff to a rivalry that defined the entire ‘student vs mentor’ dynamic in Professional Wrestling took place on August 9th, 1980, at one of the biggest shows in the history of the WWWF, ‘Showdown at Shea’ in Flushing, NYC before over 36,000 fans. A massive accomplishment and I believe the company record for the time!
As much as Hulk will tell you otherwise, this magical feud was entirely responsible for this record gate for the 'Up North' territory. I remember going back through the footage after hearing great things about this from Bruno’s wonderful interviews on Wrestling Observer Radio back in the day & just being totally mesmerised!
From Larry pleading for Bruno to accept an ‘exhibition’ match with his student, to the exhibition in question where Larry snaps & bloodies his mentor with a wooden chair, to the fiery revenge promos from Bruno. Just a masterclass on creating a big money, heated Pro Wrestling feud!
The match itself almost pales in comparison to the build. But it’s still perfect as it is as a simple, super-heated, kick & punch revenge story.
I felt so lucky to get to see Bruno inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame at MSG in-person. Now I don't really take that Hall of Fame very seriously, but it felt like a special full-circle moment for Bruno and was quote surreal after everything that has happened. I have a lot of love for both of these dudes. Larry would go on to be just a tremendous wrasslin’ bad guy in the AWA & World Championship Wrestling through the 80s & early 90s. And Bruno is just Bruno. Anyone would be hard-pressed to have a greatest draws in American wrasslin’ Mount Rushmore & not include the Living Legend.
Artists’ Note: This was another one that I felt pressure to do right by. I watched & rewatched so many times. The footage is not ideal in terms of reference material. But this ending moment of a bloody Bruno exiting the cage, triumphant, Arnold Skaaland to his left, a crimson-covered Larry screaming in the background goes pretty hard.
ENJOY!!
Fancy, high quality art prints of this book illustration are now available to purchase for as little as 25 clams, FREE worldwide postage!
HQ Basic Art Prints: Printed on 189gsm, museum-quality matte paper stock, printed with high-quality multicolour, water-based inkjet printing technique. (Printing & delivery arranged by Printful).
'Premium' Art Prints: Voluptuously extra thick, textured & hand-signed! Printed on 320gsm 'Sihl Masterclass Textured Cotton Rag', French made, Cold Press style textured art paper. High archival rating, printed with 12 colour Canon Lucia EX pigment Inks, expected life over 100 years if displayed correctly. Since I send these out myself, I'll also include a little bonus 'surprise' for you! + ALL PREMIUM PRINT PURCHASES COME WITH CHRIS THINGS ZINE VOL. 1!!
Pre-Framed Art Prints (HQ Basic): For those who don't want to worry about the hassles of framing! Printed on 189gsm, museum-quality matte paper stock, printed with high-quality multicolour, water-based inkjet printing technique. Ayous wood .75″ (1.9 cm) thick, light-weight wooden frame from renewable forests. (Printing, framing & delivery arranged by Printful).
Pre-Framed Art Prints (Premium): Printed on 320gsm 'Sihl Masterclass Textured Cotton Rag', French made, Cold Press style textured art paper. High archival rating, printed with 12 colour Canon Lucia EX pigment Inks, expected life over 100 years if displayed correctly. Black or Oak-finish frame (Medium-density fibreboard) w/ double-mat border. 8 x 8" print size / 10 x 10" total frame size. Since I send these out myself, I'll also include a little bonus 'surprise' for you! + ALL PREMIUM PRINT PURCHASES COME WITH CHRIS THINGS ZINE VOL. 1!!
Please don't hesitate to send me a message if you require a different size - all prints made to order.
