Sunday, June 26, 2011

Remembering The Madness!

Best Intercontinental Champion Ever


It was hard enough to learn about the news let alone have to write about it. This is the reason it has taken me so long to write this most current entry. Randy Savage was more than a entertainer to me, he was childhood icon. He always gave 100% of his body in every match. He never took a minute off during his bouts. With this the day and age of more TV drama than actual performance, Savage revolutionized what the wrestling business has become. He was a performer with the microphone, he was a performer and warrior in the ring, and he was a class act away from it all. Yes he had his demons, who doesn't? He had insane jealously issues regarding his then wife Elizabeth Hullet-Poffo. He had jealously issues when it came to not being the one in the spotlight (Hogan, Flair, Hitman Heart, & Warrior). The baseball player turned wrestler felt as we all did that he paid his dues to McMahon and the fans to be able to get some of that spotlight. The bottom line was that Savage did not put the asses in the seats like the above mentioned. This by no means takes away from his ability or legacy, but the bottom is making money. From the day he entered the WWF/E he was a mystery. Was he a fan favorite? Was he gonna be a heal? Who was his manager going to be? We all remember Miss Elizabeth being announced as his manager and the ripple it sent through the arena. The 1st lady of wrestling Miss Elizabeth. The woman who also changed the way woman were marketed in wrestling. She was the original Diva. 
I will not get into all of Savage's career events, because this blog would be 2 days worth of reading. He will always be remembered for his catch phrases like "Ohh Yeahh", "Digit", and how he is Funky Like A Monkey.
1st reign as WWF/E Champion
The man who went on to make a rap CD (we'll not comment on it lol), do voice over on Family Guy, and other cartoons, and star as Bonesaw McGraw in the comic book smash hit Spiderman.

No matter what anyone says like the WWE or Chris Jericho, the Macho Man was the 1st ever undisputed world heavyweight champion. Savage defeated Ted DiBiase in the final match of the Wrestle Mania IV tournament and was announced by the great Howard Finkle as just that: Undisputed World Champion. This is another way for Vince McMahon to stick it to Savage because of his on going grudge for Savage leaving the WWE for the WcW following Hogan, Nash, Hall, and others. Now how can you dispute that?

Below I will list my favorite all time matches with the Macho Man.

My List:
5.  Shawn Michaels - WWE Championship Match at Rampage Tour ‘92 Sheffield,England
This match saw Macho Man on his post-Wrestlemania VIII victory lap with the WWE Championship and the beautiful Elizabeth by his side. Yet the young “Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Micahels stepped up with Macho’s former queen, Sensational Sherri. The match elevated Michaels as someone who could roll with the big dogs, and sustained the good vibes of Macho Madness.


4.  Tito Santana - WWE Intercontinental Championship Match - Prime Time Wrestling 1986
Savage who was not a fan favorite at time, used a hidden object in his tights to clock Santana and steal the IC title. The match saw “Ariba” and “Ohhh Yeah” collide with the fans solidly behind Santna, yet it was rule-breaking that broke Savage into his first Intercontinental Championship in WWE


3. Ric Flair - WCW Championship Match - Nitro January 22, 1996
In mid-90’s, Savage and Flair played hop potato with the WCW World title but this match was the best of the series. Once  again outside interference (Flair’s right hand man, Arn Anderson) would not stop Savage’s quest for greatness, Macho Man overcame the odds to win his second of four WCW World titles. The timeing of the match is notable as WCW would soon overtake WWE in the ratings war, and usher in the entrance of game-changing faction, N.W.O.



"Macho King" Randy Savage
2. The Ultimate Warrior - Retirement Match at Wrestlemania VII
Time has not treated the Ultimate Warrior’s legacy well in WWE, as many fans and critics question his in-ring work during his big run in late 80’s/early 90’s. Yet in this match which saw both stars put their careers on the line, Savage perfectly lead the dance with the Warrior for a classic contest. The post-match scene with Sherri turning on Savage after his loss, only to have the beloved Elizabeth come to rescue and reunite with her Macho Man elicited tears of joy from fans in attendance. 


T1. Ted Dibase - WWE Championship Tournament Final at Wrestlemania IV
With the steel chair help of Hulk Hogan, Savage won his third match of the night to win his first WWE Championship. Dibase may have the paid services of Andre the Giant at ringside, but Macho Madness reached new heights and set the stage for the Mega Powers.


T1.  Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat - Intercontinental Championship Match at Wrestlemania III
This phenomenal match is widely considered one of the greatest matches in all of pro wrestling history. In front of 90,000 plus at the Pontiac Silverdome, Dragon and Savage put on a clinic of intense action and wild athleticism. When Savage the reigning champion, tried use the ring bell to once again smash in Steamboat’s throat, it backfired on him and cost him the Intercontinental Championship.
We will miss you "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Rest In Peace!
2010 Figurine Promo Ad
Randy Mario Poffo (November 15, 1952 – May 20, 2011)

His Wikipedia Page : Randy Savage
Couple of side notes: Randy's latest figure was released in late 2010. It marked 12 years in between releases. 
Randy Poffo was indeed married to Elizabeth, but they were divorced at the point the WWE worked in their wedding storyline in 1991.
Randy Poffo is the older brother of "Leaping" Lanny Poffo (The Genius).
Randy wrestled under a mask as many ring names such as "The Spider" during his minor league baseball career.
Savage was the winner of the 1st ever King of the Ring tournament in 1987.
Voted by WWE.com as the greatest Intercontinental Champion of All Time!
Savage held twenty championships during his professional wrestling career and is a seven-time world champion: a three-time WWF Champion, four-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion,  and also a one-time WWF Intercontinental Champion.

AWA Champion