Macho Man Randy Savage's Death Saddens a Culture He Helped Influence

I've been putting off doing an obligatory piece on Randy Savage's death all day, partly because I didn't want to come to terms with such a sudden tragedy that was far from befitting of a man who seemed to have figured out the oft-insurmountable puzzle of life after wrestling. 

The "Macho Man" Randy Savage (real name Randy Poffo) tragically passed earlier today in a car accident that compromised the life of one of the top pro wrestlers in history.

Savage had not degenerated into the abyss of pro wrestling purgatory like so many of his peers, nor does his death appear to be of substance abuse of any sort, thus amplifying the tragic nature of what looked to have been a freak accident. 

After leaving behind a legacy and career that has been unmatched by few to this day, Savage simply resumed a normal life.  He didn't overstay his welcome, nor did he adopt the unbecoming role of an embittered talent (for non-entertainment purposes) who was done wrong by his employer. 

Instead, he got married and was well on his way to riding off into the sunset the same way he and Miss Elizabeth so elegantly did in the "Match Made in Heaven" of  1991...minus the fanfare of course. 

The Macho Man defined the golden age of professional wrestling of the 80's and 90's.  Notice the lack of the word "helped."

In his superstardom, Savage achieved a feat that remains next to impossible in his profession as he became a household name despite earning a living in the perpetually mocked world of professional wrestling.

Savage's unmistakable charisma and flair was surpassed only by his athletic prowess and attention to detail when it came to in-ring competition. 

He was the complete package, and while many pundits will remember him as the Scottie Pippen of the 80's and 90's wrestling scene, alongside Hulk Jordan, Savage's name has been just as synonymous with classic wrestling moments as Hogan's. 

Savage's incredible in-ring ability, highlighted by an awe-inspiring flying elbow from the top rope, combined with the pageantry and bravado surrounding his pro wrestling persona made everyone of his matches a spectacle unto itself. 

To this day, Savage is revered for his classic tilt with Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat in a match that helped put WrestleMania on the map. 

The match, contested for the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania III, was a microcosm of Savage's ability to make people forget why or even if he was second fiddle to anybody.  

Many talented and deserving WWE Superstars failed to capture the WWE Championship during the Hogan era.  These hall of fame-caliber workers ranged from "Ravishing" Rick Rude, to Ted DiBiase, to "Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig.

However, Savage captured the WWE Championship in a memorable tournament that lasted the length of WrestleMania IV, because he was just too talented to be denied a chance to lead a national wrestling company as its champion.  He was that good. 

Savage was known for being a loose cannon, and his eccentric behavior often contributed to both uncontrolled brilliance and entertaining, albeit wacky, moments.

I made mention of this very eccentricity just hours before Savage's untimely passing in my most recent article covering ridiculous interviews. 

In hindsight, I don't regret discussing Savage in this fashion as I went on to make the same point about Savage's bizarre behavior contributing to more good than bad. 

In fact, it was Savage's mannerisms, coupled with his signature, impression-ready, gravely voice, that helped cement his legacy as not only a pro wrestling icon, but a pop culture icon as well. 

Prominent during the "Rock and Wrestling" era that forged a productive marriage between pro wrestling and pop culture, Savage was ready made for a transcendent transition into the mainstream spotlight. 

Savage is most synonymous with pop culture by way of his iconic Slim Jim commercials, where his intense "Snap into a Slim Jim!"  catchphrase gave birth to a trendy, new snack. 

Savage was so successful hocking Slim Jim products that many casual observers didn't even know he was a wrestler, but rather a charismatic jock who they couldn't take their eyes off of. 

Savage's star power lasted even after his legendary in ring career had come and gone as he landed a memorable role in the blockbuster Spider-Man movie as Bonesaw, the malevolent wrestler who had bad intentions of harming Peter Parker in Spidey's embryonic stage. 

He has been referenced multiple times on hit television shows, including Family Guy where Peter Griffin indirectly bickered with the former WWE and WCW Superstar at a stereotypical wrestling event. 

Savage even put out a rap album which, dead or alive, I have always said was much better than anyone gave it credit for before they even gave it a chance. 

It's without question that Randy Savage has the universal respect of his peers in the wrestling business.  Go on Twitter if you don't believe me. 

But the true measure of one's greatness can also be one's notoriety outside of their given bubble.  Randy Savage was so good at what he did, as a sports entertainer, he was known and renowned by those who didn't even follow pro wrestling.  

In reporting Savage's death, ESPN described the Macho Man as a Pro Wrestler.  In an age where WWE is trying desperately to eliminate the word "wrestling" from their vernacular, it is certainly satisfying to see Savage remembered for exactly what he was by the world wide leader in sports.

He was a pro, a wrestler, and needless to say, Randy Savage will be missed.

Big Nasty is a contributor to FightLife Magazine.  Follow him on Twitter @ThisIsNasty