Questions
What was Macho Man Randy Savage’s real name?
He was born Randy Mario Poffo on November 15, 1952, in Columbus, Ohio. His father was Italian American and his mother was Jewish American, and he was raised Catholic.
How did he get the name Macho Man?
He first wrestled as "The Spider," then adopted the Savage ring name on the suggestion of trainer Terry Stephens and Georgia Championship Wrestling booker Ole Anderson, who felt "Poffo" did not suit someone who wrestled like a savage.
Is it true he played pro baseball before wrestling?
Yes. From 1970 to 1974 he played minor league baseball in the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds organizations, appearing in 289 games and batting .254 with 16 home runs. A home plate injury reportedly forced him to learn to throw left-handed.
What was his most famous catchphrase and entrance music?
His signature "Oooh yeah!" was recognized by fans worldwide, and he entered to the finale of Elgar’s "Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1."
When did he first win the WWF World Heavyweight Championship?
He beat Ted DiBiase to win it at WrestleMania IV on March 27, 1988, then held the title for 371 days before losing it to Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania V on April 2, 1989.
Why is his WrestleMania III match against Ricky Steamboat so legendary?
Their Intercontinental Championship match on March 29, 1987, at the Pontiac Silverdome featured 19 near-falls before Steamboat pinned him. Savage reportedly choreographed every spot in advance, which was unusual for the era, and it was named 1987’s Match of the Year.
What were the Mega Powers?
Savage teamed with Hulk Hogan as "The Mega Powers," and at the first SummerSlam on August 29, 1988, they beat "The Mega Bucks" (Ted DiBiase and André the Giant) in a match where Miss Elizabeth famously removed her skirt on the apron.
Was he really married to Miss Elizabeth?
Yes. He married Elizabeth Ann Hulette in real life in 1984, and their on-air wedding took place at SummerSlam on August 26, 1991, billed as "The Match Made in Heaven." They divorced in 1992.
How did the Macho King name come about?
After winning the 1987 King of the Ring, he defeated Jim Duggan in September 1989 and began calling himself "The Macho King," with his manager becoming "Sensational Queen Sherri."
What happened in his retirement match?
He lost a career-threatening match to the Ultimate Warrior at WrestleMania VII on March 24, 1991, forcing retirement, and Miss Elizabeth rushed to reunite with him to a huge crowd reaction. His final match was on April 1, 1991, in Kobe, Japan, against Genichiro Tenryu.
What did he do in WCW?
After joining WCW in 1994, he won four WCW World Heavyweight Championships, was part of the New World Order faction, and later led Team Madness.
How many world titles did he win overall?
Across a 32-year career he won ten world championships. He was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 1996 and posthumously into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015.
Did wrestling run in his family?
Yes. His father, Angelo Poffo, was a well-known wrestler in the 1950s and 1960s, and his brother Lanny Poffo also became a wrestler.
How big was he and who made his flashy outfits?
He was billed at 6 feet 2 inches and 237 pounds, and his flamboyant costumes were created by Florida designer Michael Braun.
When did Randy Savage die?
He died on May 20, 2011, in Seminole, Florida, at age 58. He had remarried, to Lynn Payne, in 2010, and sportswriter Bill Simmons called him "one of the greatest pro wrestlers who ever lived."
