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Randy Savage

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Randy Mario Poffo was a legendary American professional wrestler, rapper, and baseball player.

Randy Savage 1988
Randy Savage 1988

He became a global icon through his work in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Many experts consider him one of the greatest professional wrestlers to ever live. He was famous for his flamboyant ring attire and a distinct, raspy voice. Fans also recognized his intense energy and his signature catchphrase, "Oooh yeah!"

Randy Savage 1988
Randy Savage 1988

He entered the ring to the finale of "Pomp and Circumstance March no. 1" by Edward Elgar. For much of his career, he was managed by his real-life wife, Miss Elizabeth.

Miss Elizabeth
Miss Elizabeth

Before his wrestling fame, Poffo pursued a career in professional baseball. He was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals organization out of high school. He spent four seasons playing in the minor leagues as a catcher and an outfielder.

Randy Savage 1988
Randy Savage 1988

During his time in the Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds farm systems, he played 289 games. He recorded 16 home runs and 129 runs batted in. To build strength, he used a unique training method. He would swing a baseball bat into a hanging car tire to strengthen his hands. After a collision at home plate injured his right throwing shoulder, he learned to throw with his left arm.

His journey into professional wrestling began in 1973 during the baseball off-season. His very first character was named The Spider, which was similar to the superhero Spider-Man. He later adopted the ring name Randy Savage. This change was suggested by his trainer, Terry "The Goose" Stephens, and Ole Anderson. They felt his family name, Poffo, did not fit his savage wrestling style.

Me and "Macho Man" Savage
Me and "Macho Man" Savage

He initially wrestled alongside his father, Angelo Poffo, and his brother, Lanny Poffo. They worked in various territories, including Michigan, the Carolinas, and Georgia.

In June 1985, Savage signed with the WWF, which launched his most famous era. He debuted on the July 6 episode of Championship Wrestling by defeating Aldo Marino.

Me and "Macho Man" Savage
Me and "Macho Man" Savage

He was presented as the top free agent in the industry. While many famous managers offered to represent him, he chose Miss Elizabeth. His early persona was that of a crazed, ego-maniacal bully. This character often mistreated Miss Elizabeth and threatened others in the ring. He eventually won the WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship in February 1986 by using an illegal object.

Savage was a master of technical detail and choreography. He was a stickler for precision during his performances. This was most evident in his 1987 match against Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat at WrestleMania III.

Randy Savage vs Ultimate Warrior
Randy Savage vs Ultimate Warrior

Unlike many matches that were improvised, Savage and Steamboat rehearsed every single "spot," or planned move, in advance. This match was named the 1987 Match of the Year by both Pro Wrestling Illustrated and the Wrestling Observer. It remains regarded as one of the greatest WrestleMania matches in history. The match took place at the Pontiac Silverdome and featured 29 two-counts before the finish.

His championship record is one of the most impressive in wrestling history. Over a 32-year career, Savage held ten different world championship reigns. He served as the WWF World Heavyweight Champion two times. He also held the WCW World Heavyweight Championship four times.

Randy Savage WWC North American Heavyweight Championship
Randy Savage WWC North American Heavyweight Championship

In 1988, he won a 14-man tournament at WrestleMania IV to become the WWF World Heavyweight Champion. He defeated "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase in the finals to claim the title. He also won the 1987 King of the Ring and the 1995 WCW World War 3 event.

Savage's impact on the industry led to many prestigious honors. He was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 1996. He received a posthumous induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015.

Lanny Poffo Hall of Fame 2015
Lanny Poffo Hall of Fame 2015

His ability to draw fans was comparable to the wrestling great Hulk Hogan. The WWE even credited him with bringing a higher level of credibility to the Intercontinental Title. His career connected the worlds of professional sports, theatrical performance, and intense physical competition.

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🖼️ Images & Media (9)
File:Me and "Macho Man" Savage.jpg
Me and "Macho Man" Savage.jpg
Pomp and circumstances No. 1.ogg
File:Randy Savage 1988.jpeg
Randy Savage 1988.jpeg
File:WWF Champion Randy Savage running.jpg
WWF Champion Randy Savage running.jpg
File:Randy Savage vs Ultimate Warrior.jpg
Randy Savage vs Ultimate Warrior.jpg
File:Miss Elizabeth.jpg
Miss Elizabeth.jpg
File:Savage (6343987228).jpg
Savage (6343987228).jpg
File:Lanny Poffo Hall of Fame 2015.jpg
Lanny Poffo Hall of Fame 2015.jpg
File:Randy Savage WWC North American Heavyweight Championship.png
Randy Savage WWC North American...
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