Bert Assirati: The Iron Giant of Professional Wrestling

Bartolomeo “Bert” Assirati, a name that resonates with awe and respect in the annals of professional wrestling. Born on 9th July 1908, Assirati was a formidable figure whose toughness and brutal prowess in the ring are still celebrated today. This posthumous tribute seeks to encapsulate the life and career of the multiple-time British Heavyweight Champion, who is recognized as a charter member of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame. His unmatched feats of strength, his relentless pursuit of victory, and his resolute dedication to the sport make his story both inspiring and timeless.

A Prodigy in the Making

Assirati's journey into the world of strength and stamina began at the tender age of twelve, when he took up weight-training. The young lad's innate talent and commitment laid the foundation for his career in professional wrestling. His strength didn't just stay on the mat, it was also showcased in his acrobatic stage duo Mello and Nello, where he and his partner traveled to every port they could reach, performing a variety of hand-balancing acts.

His athleticism was a sight to behold. Even at his peak weight of 240 pounds, Assirati remained one of the strongest men globally, capable of performing intricate acrobatic maneuvers like the iron cross and a one-arm handstand. His victory ritual? A standing backflip, a testament to his agility and strength. But his strength wasn't just for show. In 1938, Assirati set a British record by deadlifting a whopping 800 pounds?.

A Tough Competitor

Assirati's wrestling career was as fierce as it was successful. Known for his brutal competitiveness, he often reveled in the challenge of causing discomfort to his opponents. This unyielding approach often led to conflicts with the predetermined nature of professional wrestling, earning him a reputation for double-crossing his opponents. Even the great Lou Thesz was said to be wary of facing him. However, his aggressive style also lent credibility to the sport, as facing him in the ring was a testament to a wrestler's mettle?.

A Legacy of Championships

Assirati claimed his first major championship while competing in the British Wrestling Association (BWA), officially winning the title of the British Heavyweight Champion on 27th January 1945. His winning streak didn't stop there. In 1947, he also clinched the European version of the World Heavyweight Championship, proving his prowess beyond Britain's borders. His last championship win came in 1955, when he defeated Ernie Baldwin for the vacant British Heavyweight Championship?.

However, his success in the ring was not without controversy. Assirati's decision to wrestle in India in 1950 led to him being stripped of the British Heavyweight Championship. Despite the setback, he continued to wrestle in Europe and India, even winning back the European Heavyweight Championship in 1952. His career was not without its fair share of challenges, but Assirati's determination and passion for the sport never wavered??.

Life Beyond the Ring

After retiring from professional wrestling in 1960, Assirati continued to showcase his strength in a more mundane setting. Working as a doorman at Ebbisham Halls in Epsom, Surrey, he was known for his unique party trick: crushing a metal drink cap between each finger on both hands. He continued to live his life with the same vigor and strength that he demonstrated in the ring, a true testament to his character. He died of bladder cancer on August 31, 1990?.