STANLEY WESTON AWARD
RANDY “MACHO MAN” SAVAGE

BY ALL ACCOUNTS, he was a consummate showman and athlete, possessing a distinctive and uncanny combination of pedigree, physical ability, and boundless determination. With an undisputed flair for trendsetting performances, along with incomparable charisma and intensity, Randy Poffo—professionally better known as “Macho Man” Randy Savage—was one of the most prominent individuals in professional wrestling through its Golden Age and beyond.

Behind the scenes, Savage was known as a generous individual who was devoted to his family and friends. His father, Angelo Poffo, was already a decorated veteran of the squared-circle when Randy began wrestling in the early-1970s. Rechristened Randy Savage for his physicality and tenacity, he eventually went to work for his father at International Championship Wrestling, a promotion that was deemed “outlaw” for running in opposition to the NWA.

“Randy was on his way to being the greatest wrestler who never made it,” recalled his younger, brother Lanny. “It was Jimmy Hart who broke Randy into the Memphis territory with Jerry Jarrett and Jerry Lawler. It was Jimmy Hart who broke Randy into the WWF. Each time Randy got a break, he tried to bring along his little brother. That’s me.”

Indeed, Randy brought Lanny with him when he signed with WWF in 1985. Randy also brought his wife, Liz Hulette, who worked as “Miss Elizabeth,” his valet and manager. Although the real-life relationship between Randy and Elizabeth ultimately ended in divorce, they remained inseparable in the hearts and minds of fans for many years thereafter.

It is, in fact, difficult to overstate the importance of Savage’s legacy in professional wrestling. His meticulous in-ring work, along with his eye-catching array of colorful regalia, bombastic speeches, and distinctive voice and mannerisms earned the attention, admiration, and emulation of fellow grapplers and fans alike.

From 1972 to 2005, Savage reigned as a living legend of the squared circle, winning a host of championships and distinctions in the biggest promotions of the day. He was a two-time WWF World champion and four-time WCW World champion. Among his Pro Wrestling Illustrated Achievement Awards are Match of the Year (vs. Rick Steamboat, 1987), Wrestler of the Year and Most Popular (1988), Most Hated (1989), Comeback (1995), and Feud (1997, vs. Dallas Page).

He was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame in 1996, and fans are hoping Vince McMahon will put aside his bitter personal feelings toward the man and allow his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame at some point.

The editors of Pro Wrestling Illustrated hereby posthumously award the 2011 Stanley Weston Award to Randy “Macho Man” Savage, who died unexpectedly in May at age 58. Named after the founder of the Pro Wrestling Illustrated family of magazines, the Stanley Weston Award is the highest honor bestowed by our editorial staff. It is given to an individual who has made a positive and lasting contribution to pro wrestling.

Following decades of memorable moments in the ring, on television, and in film, Savage largely avoided the spotlight in the years following his retirement. But his peers and friends never lost sight of the depth and scope of Savage’s impact on the industry. As for Savage himself, he was both proud of his accomplishments and happy to move on with his life beyond wrestling. In 2010, Randy married his longtime girlfriend, Lynn, and remained close with his brother. “He was totally satisfied with his career,” said Lanny. “He had nothing left to prove and retired to a life of leisure. He was at peace in the autumn of his life.”