Randy Mario Poffo, better known to most of us as Randy “Macho Man” Savage, was killed earlier today in a Seminole, FL car accident (though if it turns out Savage suffered a heart attack prior to the wreck, we can count on Phil Mushnick to mention it in roughly a week). Best known for his larger-than-life exploits as a WWF headliner in the mid-1980’s, the former Reds/White Sox minor leaguer’s appearances in the Memphis’ CWA are most likely where he put the finishing touches on his persona and in-ring skills alike. Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair aside, there were few bigger stars of that era, or greater influences on pro wrestling’s next generation.
(UPDATE : Max Meehan’s Savage eulogy at VHS Summer)