Welcome back to another edition of Cases For The Greatest here at the MWC Blog. This is where I examine some of the wrestlers who are often viewed by some or many as the greatest pro wrestler of all time and why they have an argument in being so. We'll be taking a look at one of the most captivating personalites in wrestling; "Macho Man" Randy Savage! ProfileRing Name: Randy Savage From: Sarasota, Florida, USA Height: 6'2'' Weight: 237 lbs. Trained by: Angelo Poffo Debut: 1973 Retired: 2005 Notable Achievements: WWE Championship (2x) WCW World Heavyweight Championship (4x) WWE Intercontinental Championship (1x) USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship (1x) WWE King of the Ring Winner WWE Hall of Fame Inductee (Class of 2015) PWI Wrestler of the Year (1988) Career Overview1973-1985 - Wrestled for various NWA territories including his father's promotion: International Championship Wrestling. February 8, 1986 - Won his first and only reign as WWF Intercontinental Championship. Taking the title to new heights defeating Tito Santana. 1988-1989 - Peak WWF career involved in the Mega Powers storyline with Hulk Hogan and Ms. Elizabeth. March 27, 1988 - Won the WWF World Championship at the main event of WrestleMania 4. April 2, 1989 - Headlined WrestleMania 5 defended the WWF Title vs. Hulk Hogan 1993 - Macho Man became the face of Slim Jim commercials. 1989-1991 - Birth of "The Macho King." April 5, 1992 - WrestleMania 8 another WWF Title match this time against Ric Flair. 1994-2000 - Remaining years of his wrestling career would be spent with WCW winning their World Title four times and joining the nWo. December 5, 2004 - Had his final match with the TNA promotion teaming up alongside Jeff Hardy & AJ Styles vs. Jarrett, Hall, and Nash. ArgumentThe best reason for why Randy Savage could be considered the GOAT is his all around ability. He had it all; the looks that would make someone a certified main eventer in any era, the charisma and mic skills that are always visible, in-ring skills that could mesh well with any wrestler on the planet, and came from a respected wrestling dynasty. Whether it is against fellow technical wizards like Ricky Steamboat and Ric Flair or against larger than life personalities similar to Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Warrior, Savage will always bring out the best of anybody he faces in the ring with! Whoever opponent he goes against, you'll be sure he will try to make it the best match on the card! It is proven with evidence too as through the years many of his peers have said how perfectionist he was when it comes to the overall flow and presentation of his matches. Every move mattered for him, each detail had its prominence in the story being told. If it wasn't for Hulk Hogan's peak, Randy Savage could have easily been the face of the WWF and be a worldwide phenomenon himself! As they say Hogan sold the tickets, but Savage always stole the show! Fans come in to the building because they wanted to see Hogan take down another big bad wrestler, but in the process they might as well witness a fantastic showing from Randy Savage and whoever opponent he is against that night! Maybe even Hogan himself. The Mega Powers storyline was one of the most pivotal in the history of wrestling. It showcased two of the most well known characters in wrestling feuding over a beautiful woman, perhaps some real life tension woven in to fiction. Sure Hogan vs. Andre was an iconic rivalry but Hogan vs. Savage was different yet it is just as important if not more, for both men's careers as well. It shaped the landscape of wrestling rivalries going forward as it showcased everyone involved in a storyline could get prominence including the World Championship itself. Before The Rock, Randy Savage was the best wrestler on the mic for the WWF. Sure he did had catchphrases similar to Hogan but what makes Savage special is that every promo he has done especially in his prime felt unique and different. With Hogan you'll always have the "brother" etched into everyone's mind but with Savage yeah you'll have the "ooh yeah's" and all that but many of his promo stand out from each other, he was over the top but he wasn't forced to be, it was just natural. He was just being himself but perhaps too much of himself? As good as Randy was in the ring, he had major flaws out of it. Every wrestler and especially those who have tasted what it feels to be at the top have egos, but his was more than ego, it turned into paranoia. Which could have cost him into fully being the top guy, he was always second fiddle to Hulk Hogan. Which is a little sad but yes, his career will always be intertwined with Hogan despite having individual success. You just cannot write both men's histories without mentioning the other but the unfortunate thing for Savage, he never truly was at the top even when he was World Champion, he was always under Hogan's shadow and it could very well be the biggest reason why he may never be the GOAT for some. After his years with the WWF, he wrestled the bulk of his final years at WCW and while he did have some memorable moments here and there and received plenty of runs with the World Title, it was never the same. Macho Man was able to evolve his character but its clear his days as a top draw were coming to a close. With his wrestling life over, Savage lived a happier life especially during the last years until he sadly passed away unexpectedly due to a car accident in 2011. The wrestling world mourned as they loss a great legendary figure. Macho Man was a pop culture icon. The character influenced many great wrestlers and other personalities that came after him. He revolutionized professional wrestling and the way it is delivered as a product. His charisma was unique and unlike any other. Even though he was never the clear top guy, his legacy remains strong and will forever live on with time. That is why he has the Case for the Greatest! PREVIOUS: MITSUHARU MISAWA NEXT: BRET HART Thanks For Reading. Follow on Twitter: @SuperMastodon Like on Facebook: Super Mastodon |
AuthorSuper Mastodon. Spent countless of hours throughout my life watching professional wrestling. Now I write about it, because I like that too. Archives
March 2021
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