"In reality, many suburban dads and local gym members and various weekend-warrior athletes could probably kick the crap out of many mob guys, but they wouldn't do that because of the threat of retaliation. I don't think John Gotti's reputation and clout were built and sustained because of any great physical prowess that Gotti possessed (although we do hear stories of how Gotti was supposedly good with his fists -- but how much of that is urban legend?) I doubt Carlo Gambino could fight his way out of a wet paper bag, but MANY people feared and respected him -- and for good reason."

In reality they had others that would die and do this for them..