Macho Man Randy Savage's Most Badass Moments

Happy 59th birthday, Macho Man!

Nov 15, 2011
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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

"Macho Man" Randy Savage was your favorite wrestler's favorite wrestler. His ring work was second to none and he's also responsible for creating one of the most incredible characters in wrestling history. His signature, "Oh, Yeah!" has endeared audiences for decades and helped sell tons of Slim Jims.

Although, he often played second fiddle to the "Hulkster," the Macho Man was a fan favorite and is just as responsible for the WWE monopoly as Vince McMahon and Hulk Hogan. So, on what would've been his 59th birthday, we celebrate his legendary wrestling career with "Macho Man" Randy Savage's Most Badass Moments....

10. Elbow Drop on Hogan

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DATE: 1989
COMPLEX SAYS: Sure Hogan broke the pin, but the Savage Elbow Drop was one of the most devastating maneuvers in history. Everything was perfect about it: the form, the height, the impact.

Only a select few have been able to kick out after taking an elbow from the heavens.

9. Miss Elizabeth's Debut

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DATE: 1985
COMPLEX SAYS: This was the start to something beautiful. Probably the most recognizable couple in all of sports entertainment, Miss Elizabeth held the Macho Man down for nearly a decade. Nothing more badass than the baddest chick under your arm.

8. Intercontinental Championship

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DATE: 1986
COMPLEX SAYS: The title that shot the Macho Man into super stardom. Savage defended the Intercontinental Championship for a year and some change until losing it to long-time rival Ricky Steamboat during Wrestlemania III. Although, the Honky Tonk Man holds the record for holding this particular belt the longest (454 days), Savage is considered to be the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time.

7. Turns on Hogan

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DATE: 1989
COMPLEX SAYS: As "The Mega Powers," Hogan and Savage had just fought a grueling match with "The Twin Towers" (Akeem & Big Boss Man). During the match, Elizabeth was knocked unconscious, so Hogan carried her out of harms way, leaving Savage to fend for himself. When Hogan returned and tried to go in for the tag, Macho Man bitch slapped him and dipped to scream on his lady. The rest is history.


6. The Coronation

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DATE: 1989
COMPLEX SAYS: The Macho Man defeated Hacksaw Jim Duggan in the King of the Ring tournament to earn the crown. It was only fitting that his biological brother, The Genius, emceed the ceremony. This was a shocking turn of events, Savage was greeted by many of his former enemies and received a scepter by none other than "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase.

5. Ric Flair

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DATE: 1992
COMPLEX SAYS: They don't make wrestling like this anymore. The Nature Boy bloodied and battered had The Macho Man in the Figure Four, but couldn't seal the deal. The Wrestlemania VIII crowd erupted as Savage turned the tables and grabbed a handful of trunks for the pin.

4. Sabotage

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DATE: 1991
COMPLEX SAYS: Furious about the Warrior not giving him a shot at the title, Savage aided Sgt. Slaughter to victory. The two had already set up a side deal where, if Slaughter won, he would grant Randy a match for the belt.

Queen Sherri distracts the Warrior and Macho Man comes out of the darkness and hits him with everything except the kitchen sink. The Ultimate Warrior's crawl back to the ring is what you call great TV.

3. Zeus!

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DATE: 1989
COMPLEX SAYS: Once Savage turned heel, all bets were off. Macho King did as he pleased and recruiting the indestructible Zeus was one of his first order of business. To young wrestling fans, Zeus spelled the end to Hogan's run at the top. Which wasn't the case, but we thank the Macho Man for launching Deebo's career.

2. Ricky Steamboat

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DATE: 1987
COMPLEX SAYS: Macho Man lost this legendary match during Wrestlemania III to "The Dragon," but we had to add it on this list anyway. Every time these two got together, it was a wrestling clinic. This particular battle, though, would go down in history as the greatest of all battles. There were 19-two counts and outside interference, along with flawless ring work and beautifully choreographed theatrics. The wrestlers on the ticket enjoyed it just as much as the fans, giving both wrestlers a standing ovation when the bout concluded.

1. Undisputed

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DATE: 1988
COMPLEX SAYS: Macho Man became the Undisputed WWF Champion after winning a 14-man tournament for the vacated WWF Championship belt. Savage had to go through the likes of Butch Reed, Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, The One Man Gang and "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase. He did it in style too, wearing a different outfit for each match.

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