Wrestling Legend Randy “Macho Man” Savage Dies at Age 58

By: Frank Iacono

Randall Mario Poffo, better known to the wrestling world by his ring name Randy “Macho Man” Savage, died on Friday, May 20, 2011, in a single vehicle automobile accident. The Florida Highway Patrol reported that the accident occurred at approximately 9:25 a.m. while the wrestling legend was driving his Jeep Wrangler on a street in Seminole, Florida — a town on the Pinellas County side of the Tampa Bay area. Mr. Poffo was 58.

According to the report, the out of control Jeep veered over the raised concrete median divider, crossed over the eastbound lanes and then crashed head-on into a tree, killing “Macho Man” Randy Savage. This report was later confirmed by Poffo’s brother, Lanny Poffo who also served as a wrestler under that ring names of “The Genius” and “Leaping Lanny Poffo.” Police said that Mr. Poffo may have suffered a “medical event” before the accident occurred but they did not elaborate. In order to determine the official cause of death an autopsy will be performed but toxicology results could take up to 4-6 weeks to be completed.

The report also stated that Mr. Poffo didn’t strike any other vehicles during the accident, and the only other occupant in his Jeep was a woman. She was later identified as Randy’s wife, Barbara Lynn Poffo, age 56. Thankfully, Mrs. Poffo suffered only minor injuries in the crash.

Both Randy and his wife were wearing seat belts — which likely saved her life and may have saved his had there been no other medical issues complicating the situation.

During the 1980s, Mr. Poffo defined the larger-than-life personalities of the then World Wrestling Federation (WWF) now World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and helped build the WWF into a mainstream phenomenon. Randy, known for his raspy voice and “Oooh Yeah!” catch phrase, wore rainbow colored cowboy hats, bandanas or head bands, sequined robes bejeweled with his name “Macho Man” on the back, oversized sunglasses, and walked to the ring with his valet Miss Elizabeth. “Macho Man” was under contract with the WWE from 1985 to 1993 and held both the WWF and Intercontinental Championships. He later wrestled in Ted Turner’s now defunct World Championship Wrestling (WCW) as well as Jeff Jarrett’s Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling.

In December of 1984, Randy married Elizabeth Hulette (a.k.a. Miss Elizabeth). The couple divorced on September 18, 1992. Hulette later began a relationship with another professional wrestler and football player named Lawrence Wendell Pfohl who was better known as Lex Luger. Miss Elizabeth died at the young age of 42 from a drug and alcohol overdose in 2003 at the home she shared with Luger. Poffo had no animosity towards Luger, and felt that Elizabeth brought about her own death due to her drug use.

In the mid-to-late 1990s, Randy served as the celebrity spokesman for Slim Jim snack foods. His famous catch phrase in the ads was “Snap into a Slim Jim, Oooh Yeah!”

I loved watching Randy “Macho Man” Savage wrestle. “Macho Man” was a true legend and icon in the ring with his charismatic personality and signature Flying Elbow Drop (a.k.a. Savage Elbow Drop). I predict that he will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2012.

Following the tragic death of Randy “Macho Man” Savage many of his close friends and colleagues paid tribute to this wrestling superstar:

• World Wrestling Entertainment: “Our sincerest condolences go out to his family and friends. We wish a speedy recovery to his wife.”
• Hulk Hogan: “I’m completely devastated, after over 10 years of not talking with Randy, we’ve finally started to talk and communicate. We miss him a lot. I feel horrible about the ten years of having no communication. This was a tough one. I just pray that Randy’s happy and in a better place and we miss him.”
• Kevin Nash: “Lost a close friend today. If anybody in heaven is wondering who the cat in the ugly cowboy hat is its Randy. Love you Bro. There will never be another!”
• Mick Foley: “I just heard the sad news about the “Macho Man”. Randy Savage was one of my favorite performers, and my heart goes out to his loved ones.”
• Jeff Jarrett: “His madness. Randy is gone, but will never be forgotten. Thoughts and prayers are w the entire Poffo family.”
• Christian: “Sad to hear about “Macho Man” Randy Savage. I only met him once briefly. No doubt one of the best and influenced so many performers you see today RIP!”
• Honky Tonk Man: “Such sad news fans. We are lost for words. He was one of the greatest wrestlers of all-time!”
• Tommy Dreamer: “Randy Savage was the 1st person I saw pile drive someone thru a table. Thanks 4 all the memories.”
• Trish Stratus: “Rest in peace Randy-my first inspiration in the ring. My prayers and condolences go out to the Savage family.”
• Eric Bischoff: “Very sad to hear the news about Randy Savage. Randy was as passionate about the wrestling business, as intense of a performer and as honest of a person as anyone I have had the privilege of working with. He will be missed. Randy loved his family deeply and my thoughts and prayers are with them.”
• Jim Ross: “Just heard “Macho Man” died this morning of a heart attack while driving his vehicle in Tampa. My condolences go out to all Randy Savage fans and family!”

During the week of May 23rd, both the WWE and TNA will hold televised tributes for Randy “Macho Man” Savage during Monday Night Raw and Impact Wrestling respectfully. “Oooh Yeah!”

Advertisement