|
| Article: |
Author |
| So, Macho? |
Calum Waddell |
Why does the WWE hate Macho Man Randy Savage?
“Oooooooooooh yeeeeeeeeaaaaaah!” For years, the familiar cry of Macho Man Randy Savage was one of the most recognisable sound-bites in wrestling and for long-time fans of the grappling game, it’ll probably be rated right up there with “’Cause Stone Cold said so!” and “Suck It!” as one of the sport’s most iconoclastic catchphrases. Nowadays though, it’s only heard as part of ‘Black Machismo’ Jay Lethal’s admittedly spot-on tribute act in TNA. Yes, it’s strange indeed that Vince McMahon - the chap who chose to mend fences with the likes of ex-bitter rival Eric Bischoff, ex-lawsuit adversary Rena ‘Sable’ Mero and ex-employee Bret Hart – can’t bring himself to make peace with Randy Savage.
You only have to look at the evidence to see the missed opportunities. No merchandise has been produced of the former two-time WWF champion; his visage is notably absent from all Vince-approved video games (including, bizarrely given his prominence at various WrestleManias, the new Legends Of WrestleMania game) and, most damning of all, the superstar who was second only to Hulk Hogan in terms of drawing power in the late Eighties and early Nineties has yet to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Considering that last year marked the 20th anniversary of Savage’s first Heavyweight title win at WrestleMania IV, it’s a confusing and undeniably notable omission. Indeed, until the current credit crunch caused the mighty McMahon empire to start feeling its pockets being pinched, the now-planned Macho Man DVD boxset was nothing more than a pipe dream. At least we can thank the egg-in-your-face economy for at least one small favour then when the boxset arrives in June.
So what gives with Savage’s near-removal from WWE history? Sadly, neither side has come outright and explained exactly what the problem is. But considering that Vince McMahon has almost always put business first – which is why even the Ultimate Warrior has a few up-to-date action figures and videogame appearances to his name – it’s puzzling that the proverbial Macho cash-cow has yet to be milked…
In fact, it’s doubly strange because it would appear, on the surface at least, that Savage’s WWF tenure began and ended on extremely good terms. Unlike the aforementioned Warrior or Bret Hart, there were no public tantrums, mishaps with managements or famous fallings out. Instead, the then-42 year old who had - against his wishes - been relegated to a colour commentary role, simply opted to explore other avenues after his contract expired. That the ‘other avenue’ turned out to be a prominent part in WCW is neither here nor there and Savage was immediately able to resurrect his wrestling career on the main stage, befriending Hulk Hogan and battling such cartoon creations as Kevin Sullivan’s Dungeon Of Doom. What, you’ve never heard of them? Imagine the worst heel group ever, then add such jabronies as Meng, The Barbarian and Kamala to the mix. Sounds pitifully awful? That’s because it was.
But nevertheless, Vince publicly wished Savage the very best in WCW (without naming the promotion, obviously) on a November 1994 episode of Monday Night Raw, shortly after the star quietly slipped away from WWF broadcasts. Back in the day when the two brands were at loggerheads, you never saw that sort of send-off for anyone – indeed, the likes of top tier bone benders such as Diesel (Kevin Nash) and Razor Ramon (Scott Hall) were typically jobbed out beyond belief after giving indication of their plans to dart down south to the opposition. Consequently, it seemed as if nothing stood in the way of Savage one day making his return ‘back home’ if he ever wanted it but’ alas, it wasn’t to be...
For the rest of this feature, check out issue 39 of FSM - available at WH Smith and all good retailers. (For US readers we are now carried at Borders and Barnes & Noble, so check for local availability or click here to subscribe.)
Back to Articles Menu |
 |
|
