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Who Was ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage?
Randy Savage, born Randall Mario Poffo on November 15, 1952, in Columbus, Ohio, was a legendary professional wrestler known for his larger-than-life persona, signature catchphrase “Oh yeah!” and flamboyant costumes. The son of pro wrestler Angelo Poffo, Savage initially pursued a career in professional baseball before transitioning to wrestling in the 1970s. He rose to fame in the mid-1980s as “Macho Man” in the WWE, captivating audiences with his intense performances and memorable relationship with his manager, Miss Elizabeth. Savage also competed in WCW during the 1990s and was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015.
Early Years and Baseball Career
Savage grew up in a wrestling family, with his father Angelo being a well-known pro wrestler. The family moved frequently as Angelo pursued his career, eventually settling in Downers Grove, Illinois. Randy was a talented multi-sport athlete in his youth, excelling in baseball, which led him to sign with the St. Louis Cardinals after high school. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury hampered his ability to continue in professional baseball, and he decided to leave the sport in 1975.
Early Wrestling Career and ICW
In 1973, Savage made his professional wrestling debut, initially performing under the name “The Spider.” His intense wrestling style earned him the new ring name “Savage,” suggested by Georgia Championship Wrestling’s Ole Anderson. The moniker “Macho Man” came from his mother, and his brother, Lanny Poffo, helped him refine his growling, aggressive persona.
In the late 1970s, Savage teamed up with his father and brother to launch International Championship Wrestling (ICW) in Lexington, Kentucky. Although the promotion struggled against more established wrestling organizations, Savage’s star power grew due to his fierce in-ring style, and by the early 1980s, he was recognized as one of the top performers in the Southeastern wrestling territories.
WWE Superstardom and Miss Elizabeth
Savage joined World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in 1985, and his arrival made an immediate impact. He was courted by several prominent managers, including Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, before introducing Miss Elizabeth as his manager—a glamorous pairing that became one of wrestling’s most iconic duos.
Known for his flashy outfits, entrance to “Pomp and Circumstance,” and gruff “Oh yeah!” catchphrase, Savage quickly established himself as a top villain. His aggressive behavior toward Miss Elizabeth and bold challenges to WWE’s biggest stars, including Hulk Hogan, made him a fan favorite.
Savage captured the Intercontinental Championship in 1985 and held it until his famous WrestleMania III match against Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat in 1987. He later won the WWE Championship at WrestleMania IV and briefly formed the “Mega Powers” tag team with Hulk Hogan, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s biggest names.
In 1989, Savage adopted the moniker “Macho King” after defeating “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan for the King of the Ring title. Although he aligned himself with Sensational Sherri as his manager, he famously reunited with Miss Elizabeth at WrestleMania VII, culminating in a dramatic on-screen “marriage” during the 1991 SummerSlam event, dubbed the “Match Made in Heaven.”
Savage’s legendary career, marked by unforgettable matches and an unmistakable charisma, left an enduring legacy in the world of professional wrestling.
WWE Broadcaster and WCW Champion
Randy “Macho Man” Savage, a legendary figure in professional wrestling, transitioned to the role of commentator in the early 1990s. While adopting the “Macho Man” moniker once again, he spent significant time ringside, offering his expertise as a commentator. Despite stepping back from active competition, Savage made a dramatic return to the ring by defeating WWE Champion Ric Flair at WrestleMania VIII in 1992. However, by the following year, he shifted focus primarily to commentary, lending his voice to Monday Night Raw alongside WWE CEO Vince McMahon.
Savage’s wrestling career took another turn when he joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in late 1993. Proving he still had the drive to compete, Savage won the first-ever 60-man, three-ring battle royal in 1995, securing his first WCW Championship. He would later reclaim the title in 1996 by defeating Flair once again. Savage’s final WCW match took place in 2000, after which he began to explore life beyond the wrestling ring.
TV, Film, and Music
Beyond wrestling, Savage became a recognizable pop culture figure through his work in commercials, particularly for Slim Jim snacks. He also made appearances in TV series like Baywatch and played the memorable wrestler “Bone Saw” McGraw in the 2002 blockbuster film Spider-Man. In 2003, he ventured into music with the release of his hip-hop album Be a Man.
Personal Life
Savage’s personal life was also in the public eye. He married Elizabeth Hulette, famously known as Miss Elizabeth, in December 1984. Their relationship captivated wrestling fans, but the couple divorced shortly after the 1991 “Match Made in Heaven” storyline. Later, Savage rekindled his romance with high school sweetheart Lynn Payne, whom he married.
Death and Legacy
On May 20, 2011, Savage tragically passed away after suffering a heart attack while driving, which led to a fatal car crash. His legacy, however, endures. A few months after his death, Time magazine recognized his impact by naming him a Person of the Year. In 2015, Randy “Macho Man” Savage was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, ensuring his place among the greatest icons in professional wrestling history.