It was in 1987 when I saw a World Wrestling Federation show for the first time. Back then ITV were looking to supplement their usual diet of British wrestling with it’s more glamorous American cousin. I don’t remember much about the show, except that the main event saw Hulk Hogan defending the WWF title against “Macho Man” Randy Savage.
Two years later, when British wrestling had departed our television screens and we were only the second family in Cromer to get satellite television Sky Channel (later Sky One) showed Wrestlemania V. The main event featured Hulk Hogan challenging his former friend and tag-team partner Randy Savage for the WWF title.
Since that day 22 years ago the Macho Man became a big part of my personal wrestling history. His years-long feud with the Hulkster, his pursuit of the Ultimate Warrior and the WWF title, which led to his temporary retirement, his rivalry with Jake Roberts when the Snake gate crashed his wedding, his tremendous title match with Ric Flair at Wrestlemania VIII, teaming with Sting and Lex Luger as the New World Order was born, his role in the first Spider-Man film. I could go on and on.
Many of us only have those memories now. Earlier this evening it was announced that Savage had died after a car crash. He was 58 years old.
Savage was a legend, one of the most charismatic wrestlers I’ve ever seen, and a guy who, in his prime, could have a tremendous match with anyone.
The man did it all. Two-time WWF Champion, Four-time WCW Champion, Intercontinental Champion, USWA Champion, King of the Ring tournament winner, amongst many other achievements.
As the late, great Gorilla Monsoon said after his retirement match with the Warrior at Wrestlemania VII he was a man’s man, the Macho Man.
Thanks for the memories Macho Man. Rest in peace.
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