Image via Complex Original
Three years ago today, the world lost Macho Man Randy Savage when the former wrestling champion lost control of his Jeep while he was driving and was involved in a fatal auto accident. Savage was 58 at the time of the incident. And while his best wrestling days were behind him when he passed away, we still weren't ready to say goodbye to the man who made the flying elbow famous and brought Zeus into the wrestling world.
The Macho Man held 20 championships during his professional wrestling career and was once named the greatest champion of all time by the WWE. More than just a great champion, though, Savage was a great showman who did as much for professional wrestling as anyone. Fans adopted him as a hero and fellow wrestlers acknowledged his dominance both inside and outside of the ring. Yes, he became a spokesman for Slim Jim in the mid to late 1990s, but we prefer to remember Randy Mario Poffo as the great wrestler and entertainer he was. So say one more "Ooh yeah!" for old times' sake and check out Macho Man Randy Savage's Most Badass Moments.
10. Elbow Drop on Hogan
Year: 1989
Sure, Hogan broke the pin, but the Savage Elbow Drop was one of the most devastating maneuvers in history. Everything was perfect about it: the form, the height, the impact. Only a select few have been able to kick out after taking an elbow from the heavens.
9. Miss Elizabeth's Debut
Year: 1985
This was the start of something beautiful. Probably the most recognizable couple in all of sports entertainment, Miss Elizabeth held the Macho Man down for nearly a decade. Nothing more badass than the baddest chick under your arm.
8. Intercontinental Championship
Year: 1986
This is the title that shot Macho Man into superstardom. Savage defended the Intercontinental Championship for a year and change until losing to long-time rival Ricky Steamboat during Wrestlemania III. Although the Honky Tonk Man holds the record for holding this particular belt the longest (454 days), Savage is considered to be the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time.
7. Turns on Hogan
Year: 1989
As "The Mega Powers," Hogan and Savage had just fought a grueling match with "The Twin Towers" (Akeem & Big Boss Man). During the match, Elizabeth was knocked unconscious, so Hogan carried her out of harms way, leaving Savage to fend for himself. When Hogan returned and tried to go for the tag, Macho Man bitch slapped him and dipped to scream at his lady. The rest is history.
6. The Coronation
Year: 1989
The Macho Man defeated Hacksaw Jim Duggan in the King of the Ring tournament to earn the crown. It was only fitting that his biological brother The Genius emceed the ceremony. This was a shocking turn of events, Savage was greeted by many of his former enemies and received a scepter from none other than "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase.
5. Ric Flair
Year: 1992
They don't make wrestling like this anymore. The Nature Boy bloodied and battered the Macho Man in the Figure Four, but couldn't seal the deal. The Wrestlemania VIII crowd erupted as Savage turned the tables and grabbed a handful of trunks for the pin.
4. Sabotage
Year: 1991
Furious over the fact that the Warrior wouldn't give him a shot at the title, Savage aided Sgt. Slaughter to victory. The two had already set up a side deal where, if Slaughter won, he would grant Randy a match for the belt. Queen Sherri distracts the Warrior and Macho Man comes out of the darkness to hit him with everything except the kitchen sink. The Ultimate Warrior's crawl back to the ring is what you call great TV.
3. Zeus!
Year: 1989
Once Savage turned heel, all bets were off. Macho Man did as he pleased and recruiting the indestructible Zeus was one of his first orders of business. To younger wrestling fans, Zeus spelled the end of Hogan's run at the top. And while that never came to fruition, we thank the Macho Man for launching Deebo's career.
2. Ricky Steamboat
Year: 1987
Macho Man lost this legendary match during Wrestlemania III to "The Dragon," but we had to add it to list of his greatest hits anyway. Every time these two got together, it was a wrestling clinic. This particular battle, though, would go down in history as the greatest of all their duels. There were 19 two-counts and outside interference along with flawless ring work and beautifully choreographed theatrics. The wrestlers on the ticket enjoyed it just as much as the fans, culminating in a standing ovation once the bout concluded.
1. Undisputed
Year: 1988
Macho Man became the Undisputed WWF (since renamed WWE) Champion after winning a 14-man tournament for the vacated WWF Championship belt. Savage had to go through the likes of Butch Reed, Greg " The Hammer" Valentine, The One Man Gang, and "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase. In typical Macho Man fashion, he did it while wearing a different outfit for each match, too. Salute.
