Weider Gets Tributes & Sammartino to Get a Grand Induction!

As many of you know, TheArnoldFans has been covering the unfortunate passing of Arnold's mentor and "father figure" Joe Weider over the past few days on Facebook and Twitter. Weider, a leading figure in bodybuilding, who died at the age of 93, brought Schwarzenegger to the US early in his career and helped him achieve the American dream as he became an international movie star. TAFs spoke with the legend in 2009 when we asked him if Arnold would still be the success that he is today without his help.

Joe Weider: "Of course, I might have helped him along but Arnold is Arnold and he was always on the path to greatness."

Weider created one of bodybuilding's leading events, the Mr Olympia competition, in 1965 and reportedly discovered the Austrian at a contest in Europe two years later. He relentlessly promoted Schwarzenegger, who won the Mr Olympia title a then-record seven times - every year from 1970 to 1975 and again in 1980.

Weider told TheArnoldFans that he was a big follower of The Oak's movie career and told us which films he favored.

Joe Weider: "All of them. There are so many good ones. I like the first Terminator a lot! But he does great films, doesn't he?"

Weider's publicist Charlotte Parker said he died of heart failure in Los Angeles. He is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Betty. You're a legend, Joe. Read Schwarzenegger's statement on the passing of Joe Weider HERE! 

In other LEGEND news, WWE announced that Arnold Schwarzenegger will induct Bruno Sammartino into the WWE Hall of Fame. The ceremony will be held at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, April 6, 2013 as part of WrestleMania Week.

Sammartino and Schwarzenegger have a friendship that dates back more than 40 years. Growing up in Austria, Schwarzenegger idolized Sammartino and admired the extraordinary strength he displayed in the ring. After meeting face-to-face in 1967, they often worked out together, and Schwarzenegger was in attendance for a number of Sammartino’s main event matches. Sammartino continued to be a huge inspiration to Schwarzenegger during his entire career. In March 2013, Schwarzenegger and TheArnoldFans were present as Sammartino was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame in Columbus, Ohio.

“It is an honor to induct ‘The Living Legend’ Bruno Sammartino into the WWE Hall of Fame,’” said Arnold Schwarzenegger, “It will be a historic night as he headlines Madison Square Garden again.”

“I am humbled that Arnold Schwarzenegger will be inducting me into the WWE Hall of Fame,” said Bruno Sammartino. “The kindness and support that Arnold has shown me over the years is truly overwhelming.”

Tickets for the 2013 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony are currently available through all Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Highlights of the event will be broadcast Tuesday, April 9 at 10 PM Eastern on USA Network. For more information on Bruno Sammartino, please visit www.BrunoSammartino.info.