Collection: Larry Zbyzsko : The Living Legend AWA World Champion .

The Legend .

Though he initially dubbed himself The Living Legend to get under the skin of his mentor, Larry Zbyszko has proven over the years that he is more than worthy of the moniker.

Breaking into the wrestling world under the tutelage of WWE Hall of Famer and fellow Pittsburgh native Bruno Sammartino, Zbyszko showed incredible promise, even capturing the World Tag Team Titles alongside Tony Garea. Zbyszko longed to break out of his legendary trainer’s shadow, however, and eventually challenged Sammartino to a match.

The student vs. teacher showdown started out as a fair wrestling match. When Sammartino began to gain the upper hand, though, a frustrated Zbyszko resorted to dirty tactics. He stunned the world when he grabbed a chair and battered Sammartino, instantly becoming one of the most reviled villains in WWE. Zbyszko’s rivalry with his teacher came to a head at Shea Stadium inside a steel cage, where Sammartino walked away victorious.