History of Randy Savage in Timeline

Randy "Macho Man" Savage, born Randy Mario Poffo, was a highly celebrated American professional wrestler, famed for his charismatic personality, distinctive voice, and in-ring athleticism. He achieved significant success in both the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW), capturing multiple championships and becoming a major draw for both organizations. His flamboyant attire, intense promos, and signature catchphrases like "Ooooh yeah!" made him a pop culture icon. Beyond wrestling, Savage briefly played professional baseball. He passed away in 2011, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of wrestling's most memorable and influential performers.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1950: Beginning of Mid 20th Century

In 1950, the mid-20th century began. During this period Savage would be born.

November 15, 1952: Randy Savage's Birth

On November 15, 1952, Randy Mario Poffo, who would later become known as "Macho Man" Randy Savage, was born. He would become a professional wrestler and baseball player.

Others born on this day/year

1969: End of Mid 20th Century

In 1969, the mid-20th century ended.

1971: Playing with Gulf Coast League Cardinals

In 1971, Randy Savage played for the Gulf Coast League Cardinals. One of his teammates and roommate was Larry Herndon.

1973: Breaking into Wrestling

In 1973, Randy Savage began his wrestling career during the baseball off-season. Initially known as The Spider, he later adopted the ring name Randy Savage.

1974: Last Season with Tampa Tarpons

In 1974, Randy Savage's last season playing baseball was with the Class A Tampa Tarpons in the Reds organization.

1975: Beginning of the Late 20th Century

In 1975, the late 20th century began.

1982: Meeting Miss Elizabeth

In 1982, Randy Savage met Elizabeth Hulette, known as Miss Elizabeth, at a gym in Lexington.

June 25, 1984: Ricky Morton Injury

On June 25, 1984, in Memphis, during a match between Randy Savage and The Rock 'n' Roll Express, Randy Savage injured Ricky Morton by piledriving him through the timekeeper's table, leading to the Express winning by disqualification.

1984: Marriage to Miss Elizabeth

In 1984, Randy Savage married Elizabeth Hulette (Miss Elizabeth).

June 1985: Signing with WWF

In June 1985, Randy Savage signed with Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Federation (WWF).

July 6, 1985: WWF Debut

On July 6, 1985, Randy Savage made his WWF debut on television at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center.

1985: Feud with Jerry Lawler

In early 1985, Randy Savage turned heel on Jerry Lawler, resuming their feud over the AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship.

February 8, 1986: Winning Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship

On February 8, 1986, Randy Savage won the WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship at the Boston Garden by defeating Tito Santana using an illegal steel object stashed in his tights.

April 7, 1986: WrestleMania 2 Victory

On April 7, 1986, at WrestleMania 2, Randy Savage defeated George "The Animal" Steele to retain his Intercontinental Heavyweight Title.

March 29, 1987: WrestleMania III

On March 29, 1987, Randy Savage wrestled Ricky Steamboat at WrestleMania III in a highly acclaimed match, ultimately losing the Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship after a near 14-month reign.

1987: WWF King of the Ring

In 1987, Randy Savage won the WWF King of the Ring tournament. This marked a significant achievement in his WWF career.

1987: Rising Popularity

In 1987, Randy Savage's popularity increased to the point he was cheered despite being a heel and subsequently feuded with The Honky Tonk Man for the Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship.

March 27, 1988: WWF World Heavyweight Championship Win

On March 27, 1988, at WrestleMania IV, Randy Savage won the vacant WWF World Heavyweight Championship after defeating Ted DiBiase in the tournament final, with assistance from Hulk Hogan.

1988: Survivor Series Headliner

In 1988, Randy Savage headlined the Survivor Series, a major pay-per-view event in the WWF. This was a significant milestone in his career.

1988: Feud with Honky Tonk Man

In early 1988, Randy Savage continued his feud with Honky Tonk Man, culminating in Savage defeating Honky by count-out on the February 5 episode of The Main Event I.

January 15, 1989: Royal Rumble Elimination

On January 15, 1989, at the Royal Rumble, Hulk Hogan accidentally eliminated Randy Savage from the Royal Rumble match, leading to tension and conflict between the two.

September 1989: Winning King of the Ring and Becoming 'Macho King'

In September 1989, Randy Savage defeated Jim Duggan for the King of the Ring title and began referring to himself as "The Macho King," with Sherri Martel becoming "Sensational Queen Sherri."

February 23, 1990: Final Match Against Hogan

On February 23, 1990, Randy Savage faced Hulk Hogan one final time at The Main Event III, with Hogan putting the WWF Championship on the line, the pinfall was counted by Buster Douglas despite Savage kicking out.

January 1991: Attacking the Ultimate Warrior

In January 1991, Randy Savage attacked The Ultimate Warrior at the Royal Rumble as he made his entrance and later in the match, costing him the WWF Championship.

February 8, 1992: Savage wins match against Roberts

On February 8, 1992, Randy Savage won a match against Jake Roberts on Saturday Night's Main Event XXX, ending their feud which began after Roberts attacked Savage and Miss Elizabeth during their wedding reception. Despite Savage's victory, Roberts continued his assault after the match, furthering their conflict.

1992: Divorce from Miss Elizabeth

In 1992, Randy Savage and Elizabeth Hulette (Miss Elizabeth) divorced.

1993: Music Debut on WrestleMania: The Album

In 1993, Randy Savage made his music debut on the WWF-produced WrestleMania: The Album, where he sang on the song "Speaking from the Heart".

Loading Video...

1994: Absence from WWE-licensed games begins

In 1994, Randy Savage began a 16-plus-year absence from WWE-licensed games, starting with WWF Raw.

Loading Video...

February 19, 1995: Savage and Sting defeat Avalanche and Big Bubba Rogers

On February 19, 1995, at SuperBrawl V, Randy Savage teamed with Sting to defeat Avalanche and Big Bubba Rogers, marking a significant tag team victory for Savage early in his WCW career.

1995: WCW World War 3 Winner

In 1995, Randy Savage won the WCW World War 3. This was a high point during his time in World Championship Wrestling.

January 22, 1996: Savage wins WCW World Heavyweight Championship

On January 22, 1996, Randy Savage defeated Ric Flair to win his second WCW World Heavyweight Championship on Nitro. Elizabeth rejoined Savage as his manager during this period.

1996: Savage appears on Baywatch

In 1996, Randy Savage appeared on a wrestling-themed episode of Baywatch alongside fellow WCW wrestlers Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Big Van Vader, and Kevin Sullivan.

1996: Inducted into Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame

In 1996, Randy Savage was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, acknowledging his significant contributions to professional wrestling.

January 20, 1997: Savage returns to WCW, hijacks Nitro

On January 20, 1997, Randy Savage returned to WCW on Nitro, claiming he was blackballed and demanding Sting's presence. This marked the beginning of a storyline where Savage and Sting acted as free agents.

January 24, 1998: Savage loses to Luger

On January 24, 1998, at Souled Out, Randy Savage was defeated by Lex Luger, continuing their rivalry in WCW.

October 25, 1999: Savage appears on Nitro, talks about passing the torch

On October 25, 1999, Randy Savage appeared on Nitro alongside Gorgeous George, discussing the idea of passing the torch to the next generation of wrestlers.

1999: Savage appears on Walker, Texas Ranger and Mad About You

In 1999, Randy Savage made guest appearances on the popular television shows Walker, Texas Ranger, and Mad About You, expanding his presence in mainstream media.

1999: End of the Late 20th Century

In 1999, the late 20th century ended.

May 3, 2000: Savage joins The Millionaire's Club

On May 3, 2000, Randy Savage made his final WCW appearance on Thunder, joining The Millionaire's Club, a group of veteran wrestlers including Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair, to combat the younger New Blood faction. Despite his pledge to aid the veterans, he did not appear in WCW again before the company's closure.

2000: Savage makes appearance in Ready to Rumble

In 2000, Randy Savage appeared as his Macho Man character in the film Ready to Rumble, where David Arquette's character daydreams about fighting Savage at a gas station.

2002: Savage stars in Spider-Man as Bonesaw McGraw

In 2002, Randy Savage played Bonesaw McGraw (based on the comics character Crusher Hogan) in the movie Spider-Man, marking his most famous film role.

October 7, 2003: Release of Debut Rap Album "Be a Man"

On October 7, 2003, Randy Savage released his debut rap album titled Be a Man, featuring a tribute song to "Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig and a diss track aimed at Hulk Hogan. He promoted the album with a concert tour.

November 7, 2004: Savage confronts Jeff Jarrett at TNA Victory Road

On November 7, 2004, Randy Savage made his return to professional wrestling at TNA's Victory Road, confronting Jeff Jarrett, signaling his entry into Total Nonstop Action Wrestling.

2008: Voice of "The Thug" in Disney's Bolt

In 2008, Randy Savage voiced "The Thug" in Disney's Academy Award-nominated animated film Bolt. This was his last theatrical film appearance.

Loading Video...

2009: Reprising role in Super Rhino

In 2009, Randy Savage reprised his role as "The Thug" in Super Rhino, a short film featuring the cast of Bolt.

May 10, 2010: Marriage to Barbara Lynn Payne

On May 10, 2010, Randy Savage married Barbara Lynn Payne, whom he had previously dated in the early 1970s.

2010: WWE Hall of Fame offer declined

In 2010, Vince McMahon reached out to Randy Savage, wanting to induct only him in the Hall of Fame, but Savage refused to go in without his father and his brother.

February 2, 2011: Epic Rap Battles of History Tribute

Just three months before Randy Savage's death, on February 2, 2011, EpicLLOYD and Nice Peter created an Epic Rap Battles of History video featuring Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, and Kim Jong-Il. Following his death, they added annotations in the video as a tribute.

May 20, 2011: Randy Savage's Death

On May 20, 2011, Randy Mario Poffo, also known as "Macho Man" Randy Savage, passed away. He was known for his wrestling career in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, later WWE) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW).

August 2011: Recognition as an All-Round Performer

In August 2011, Kevin Eck of The Baltimore Sun lauded Randy Savage as an all-round performer, praising his blend of power, speed, agility, and technical skills.

2011: Return to WWE-licensed games with WWE All Stars

In 2011, Randy Savage ended his 16-plus-year absence from WWE-licensed games with WWE All Stars.

2011: Randy Savage Owned Pets

In 2011, Randy Savage had a German Shepherd dog named Hercules that was gifted to him by Hercules Hernandez. He also had a cat named “JYC” or “Junkyard Cat” who he rescued six months prior to his passing. JYC was named after Randy's close friend Junkyard Dog.

2011: University Record Search

In 2011, Southern Illinois University–Carbondale stated that it found no records of Randy Savage attending the university, despite some sources listing him as an alumnus.

January 24, 2014: Don Trip's "Randy Savage" Mixtape Release

On January 24, 2014, rapper Don Trip released a mixtape entitled Randy Savage. Each track features Savage's famous "Ohhh Yeah!!!" in the opening, and the track "Cream of the Crop" includes Savage's "Nothing Means Nothing" speech from a WrestleMania III interview.

November 2014: WWE Releases Documentary: Macho Man: The Randy Savage Story

In November 2014, WWE released a DVD documentary titled Macho Man: The Randy Savage Story. It featured interviews with Savage's family and addressed rumors, as well as his relationship with Elizabeth.

Loading Video...

January 12, 2015: WWE Hall of Fame Induction Announcement

On January 12, 2015, WWE announced Randy Savage as the first inductee to the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2015. Hulk Hogan inducted him, and Lanny Poffo accepted the honor on Randy's behalf.

January 2015: DJ Cummerbund's Remixes Featuring "Be a Man"

In January 2015, DJ/rapper DJ Cummerbund began releasing a series of remixes featuring samples from Randy Savage's album "Be a Man", which received critical acclaim.

2015: WWE Hall of Fame Induction

In 2015, Randy Savage was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. This recognition celebrated his lasting impact on the world of professional wrestling.

2015: Guinness World Record for Longest Absence from WWE Games

In 2015, Randy Savage's 16-plus-year absence from WWE-licensed games was recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest such absence.

September 1, 2018: Lanny Poffo's Tribute at All In

On September 1, 2018, at the event All In, Jay Lethal was accompanied to the ring by Lanny Poffo, who was dressed in one of Randy Savage's original outfits as a tribute.

April 10, 2019: Dark Side of the Ring Episode

Randy Savage is the subject of "The Match Made in Heaven", the first episode of Viceland's Dark Side of the Ring, which premiered on April 10, 2019.

Loading Video...

July 28, 2023: "Macho Man" Randy Savage Day

On July 28, 2023, the Dutchess County, New York, Legislature declared July 6 as "Macho Man" Randy Savage Day in honor of his WWF debut on television at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center on July 6, 1985.

September 26, 2023: Overpass Renamed in Honor of Randy Savage

On September 26, 2023, the train overpass on Linden Avenue in the city of Zanesville, Ohio, was renamed in honor of Randy Savage. The overpass sits directly to the north of the Y-Bridge.