Macho Man Randy Savage DEAD: INSIDE STORY
By Sean Farrell
Pro wrestling is used to having a black cloud lingering over it…Today that cloud got a bit darker. One of the greatest wrestlers of any generation, Macho Man Randy Savage is dead at the age of 58.
TMZ spoke with Randy’s brother, Lanny Poffo, who tells us the wrestling legend suffered a heart attack while he was behind the wheel around 9:25 AM … and lost control of his vehicle. Earlier this month, Savage celebrated his 1-year anniversary with his new wife Lynn.
Macho Man began wrestling in the WWF in 1985 and became a superstar with his trademark catchphrase “Ooooooh Yeaahhhhh.” at the height of his popularity, he became the spokesperson for Slim Jim in the mid ’90s … and became virtually synonymous with the brand. The Florida Highway Patrol told TMZ … Savage was driving his 2009 Jeep Wrangler when he veered across a concrete median … through oncoming traffic … and “collided head-on with a tree.” Savage was transported to Largo Medical center, where he died from his injuries.
Savage’s wife was a passenger in the vehicle during the collision — but survived with “minor injuries.” She was transported to a different local hospital where she was treated According to officials, Randy and Lynn were both wearing their seatbelts at the time of the accident. Cops say alcohol was NOT a factor. An investigation into the accident is underway and I will have more as details become available.
Several stars in the wrestling world have been commenting on the passing on Randy Savage, here are their thoughts…
Hulk Hogan: “I’m completely devastated, after over 10 years of not talking with Randy, we’ve finally started to talk and communicate. He had so much life in his eyes & in his spirit, I just pray that he’s happy and in a better place and we miss him. We miss him a lot. I feel horrible about the ten years of having no communication. This was a tough one. HH”
Shawn Michaels: “@IAmJericho jus txt me the news. We’ve lost one of the greats!! Our prayers go out to the family & friends of Randy Savage.”
RVD:
“Rest in Peace Macho Man Randy Savage.”
Christopher Daniels:
“RIP Randy Savage, an inspiration who set the standard! As a fan, watching Randy in Wrestlemania 3, 4 and 5 was incredible! True Story: at Turning Point 2004 (AMW-XXX cage match), I asked Randy’s permission to drop the elbow of the top of the cage! Randy’s reply? ‘God bless you, brother, I don’t even do the elbow anymore.’ And, he gave me a thumbs up after the match as well!”
Claudio Castignoli:
“When I was 12 I turned my jacket into a Macho Man Jacket, adding tassels on the sleeves and ran through my house yelling ‘oh yeah’ The tower of power, too sweet to be sour, funky like a monkey uuuuh yeah! RIP M”
Natalya:
“My prayers are with Randy Savage and his family right now.”
Shannon Moore:
“RIP Macho Man Randy Savage. One reason I loved wrestling.”
Here are some that we posted earlier:
Jeff Jarrett: “Just got a call w the news. RIP Randy. I met him when I was 11yrs old. He would always teach, correct, encourage, and compliment as my… Career progressed. I have NEVER forgotten the intricacies and attention to detail he taught me over the years. Randy always had a method to His madness. Randy is gone, but will never be forgotten. Thoughts and prayers are w the entire Poffo family. And, he may be the greatest card player the business has ever seen… When he lost, he was only setting you up to take more money from you!”
UFC Fighter Shane Carwin:
“RIP Randy Macho Man Savage! We are going to SOOOOOOOOOO MISSSSS YOUUUUUUUU…… He was a great Entertainer!”
The Rock: “RIP Randy ‘Macho Man’ Savage – you were one of my childhood inspirations and heros. Strength, love and prayers to the Savage/Poffo family.”
Kevin Nash:
“I lost a close friend today. If anybody in heaven is wondering who the cat in the ugly cowboy hat is it’s Randy. Love you Bro. Never another”
Mick Foley: “I just heard the sad news about the Macho Man. Randy Savage was one of my favorites performers, and my heart goes out to his loved ones”
Jim Ross:
“Just heard Macho Man died this morning of a heart attack while driving his vehicle in Tampa. Condolences to all Randy Savage fans/family.”