The evolution of the Macho Man
Freak out, freak out! We finally have a biography for one of the greatest wrestlers of the squared circle, Randy “Macho Man” Savage. Jon Finkel traces the routes of the family lineage into the sport, starting with Savage’s tough man father, Angelo Poffo. Poffo, a Navy man, broke the world’s record for sit ups, and like his son year’s later, started out as a baseball player.
Like a father, like son, both Poffos were natural for the whacky world of professional wrestling. Angelo’s other son, Lanny Poffo, also followed his dad’s path to a wrestling ring. Angelo learned to pinch every penny earned, and was a notorious cheap skate on the road. He became a dreaded heel, and could work the fans into a tizzy, something he passed onto his boys.
Savage worked hard at becoming a solid baseball player and played four seasons in the minor leagues. When his career ended, there was only thing left for him to do, and as Finkel points out, there was truly only one career path that was even considered. The author notes that Savage was only about 175 pounds after his baseball days, so Randy hit the gym to bulk up.
The book does a fantastic job telling the backstories to Savage’s phenomenal in ring career, and charts the evolution of the Macho Man character – changing his last name, adopting his patented “Oh Yeah” for promos, engaging fans with the Macho Man voice and presenting intense interviews. Finkel chronicles Savage’s many battles with Jerry “The King” Lawler, before making it to the major league’s of pro wrestling – signing with the WWF.
The author eloquently describes his budding relationship with the beautiful valet Elizabeth, and describes just how protective Savage was of her. The book outlines the on again, off again relationship Savage had with Hulk Hogan. Hard work and dedication to his craft paid off for Savage at Wrestlemania 4, when he captured the WWF title.
Do I recommended this book, “Oh yeah, snap into it!”
By: Jon Finkel
Narrated by: Michael Bower
Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins
Release date: 08-06-24
Publisher: Podium Audio