Randy Macho Man Savage: Thanks for the Memories

Thousands of fans will write thousands of words today, and perhaps more, concerning the untimely death of Randall Mario Poffo, better known as Randy Macho Man Savage. I am but one of those fans.

Today is a sad day for fans, and for the business of professional wrestling. We have lost one of our own, and it hurts. Life happens so quickly, and ends even faster. Before there is even time to realize it, those we loved as kids are growing older and passing on. Randy is no different.

Despite any supposed controversies that he may have been involved with behind the scenes in WWE, that is of little consequence to me. I am not the man’s judge, nor will I speak ill of him on the day of his death.

To be honest, I have nothing negative to say. I loved the guy’s work and appreciated all he gave to the business and the fans who paid to see him perform.

Every professional wrestler strives to make a name for himself, and gain either support, or heat from the fans. The main objective, above all else, is to be known, to be relevant, and to be remembered.

This is Randy Savage’s legacy. He will never be forgotten.

Randy was a great in ring technician, paying his dues through the years and earning the respect of fans all over the world. He could get it done on the main event stage, and was almost always considered a top guy in WWE and WCW. Randy’s matches are the stuff of legend.

But, above all else, Randy Savage was an entertainer. That is where he excelled.

The moment he hit the curtain, Randy Savage was on. His calculated gait, as he acknowledged the fans by stopping in mid stride, to slowly turn in a circle as he pointed around the arena. His oversized dark glasses framed under a colorful cowboy hat.

The way he nodded his head during a promo, as he poked his fingers in the air while he spoke. And, of course his iconic, larger than life persona would not have been complete without his signature “Ohhh Yeeeaahhh!”

Randy got it. He understood what it meant to stand apart from the pack, to differentiate himself from the rest by being colorful, intense, outlandish. He knew that in order to make an impact in the business, you have to be unique, and find a way to make fans recognize you and want to see you.

Is there a wrestling fan on this planet who does not recognize Macho Man Randy Savage?

While a lot of fans may feel that his best days were behind him when he left WWE, I for one believe that his run in WCW was pretty successful.

Savage more than held his own next to Hollywood Hogan and the ever-expanding roster of the nWo. He was depicted as the rebel of the group, the loose cannon whose short fuse made him wild and unpredictable.

Again, this also suited Randy’s character, who had by that time become as believable as any supposed “real” person I had ever known.

Randy was always there. Whether it was his classic Slim Jim commercials, his infamous stint as a rapper, or his legendary career as a wrestler, he was an ever-present pop culture figure. And he will be missed.

Today, we ring the bell 10 times for one of our favorites, our childhood hero, and our friend. Rest in peace, Macho. We will never forget you.

I can almost hear “Pomp and Circumstance” being played on a church organ as I write this. I find myself smiling while I am saddened by his loss.

Even on his last day, he found a way to entertain me. Thank you, Randy. Godspeed.