"I've had a lot of good times": from Wrestlemania to challenging Spidey, the Macho Man looks back on his storied career - Interview: Randy Savage - Interview

Wrestling Digest, Oct, 2003 by Chris Yandek

HE IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE most accomplished and recognizable figures ever in the world of professional wrestling. "Macho Man" Randy Savage has done everything from winning world titles to serving as a spokesperson for Slim Jim to playing a role in the blockbuster movie "Spider-Man."

Born in 1952 as Randy Poffo in Columbus, Ohio, Savage grew up in Chicago and in high school was an accomplished three-sport athlete. After graduating, Savage signed a minor league baseball contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. Savage went on to play catcher in the Cincinnati Reds system until a horrible arm injury nearly ended his career. Savage battled back, though, working his way through the Chicago White Sox system. Unable to break the barrier and make the majors, Savage switched gears and decided to give the family business a try.

Savage's father, the legendary wrestler Angel Poffo, took his son under his wing, and Savage made his ring debut in 1975.

Over the years, Savage developed the flamboyant Macho Man character, and along with his ex-wife, the recently departed Miss Elizabeth, rose to the pinnacle of success in WWE during its heyday in mid-'80s. Savage continued his wrestling career in the '90s in WCW.

Today Savage lives in St. Petersburg, Fla., where he spends more time in the recording studio than the wrestling ring.

Savage recently sat down with us to discuss how Eminem inspired him to make a rap CD, his challenge to Hulk Hogan, and a possible return to WWE.

WRESTLING DIGEST: What you have been up to as far as recording your first rap CD? Who are some of your influences from the rap industry who made you want to do this CD?

RANDY SAVAGE: I have to say off the top of my head Eminem. I got done watching "8 Mile" and man is it tight. I introduced him on stage one time and I met him. He was a super cool guy. He is very down to earth, keeping it real and all of that.

WD: So will you be working for Vince McMahon in WWE anytime soon?

RS: You never know. All my options are open, I think. I definitely would enjoy hitting the ring one more time up there in WWE. That would be nostalgic and that would be cool.

WD: Tell me about playing the role of Bone Saw McGraw, the professional wrestler in the "Spider-Man" movie. How did it you get a part of one of the biggest blockbuster movies of all time?

RS: I have to give all the credit to the director, Sam Raimi, who was not just an incredible director but was a good boss. He made it fun, and it was just kinda hard to figure out who the boss was there because we were having a good time getting the job done. It was just a cool thing.

What was it like to work with Tobey Maguire in the movie?

He was OK. I will tell you, I have really big respect for his stuntman. His stuntman was incredible. Tobey was great and Spider-Man did really well. I want to issue a rematch to Spider-Man, so I can get one more chance to kick his butt. I think I can get him this time.

WD: You landed a part in Disney's "Tarzan II" movie, which is due to be released in 2005. Tell us about that.

RS: You did your homework there with "Tarzan II." I just got done doing a lot of it and might have to do a little bit more. It should be out in 2005. It was a lot of fun because the people there were really fun. It was a Disney crew, and it's going to be a tight movie. You should be surprised.

WD: You recently donated $10,000 to All Children's Hospital in Tampa Bay after Hulk Hogan would not agree to wrestling you in a charity match. What are you thoughts on that, and do you plan on challenging Hogan or other talents throughout the year?

RS: Yes. The thing about the challenge involving the $10,000, he didn't accept the challenge, and I gave a gift of $10,000, which wasn't near what it should have been. Andrew McManus, the head of WWA, matched it with $10,000, and a businessman over here in Tampa, Rick Macintosh, put in another $1,000. In final we gave $21,000 to the kids, but it could have been so much more with the pay-per-view money and all the merchandise we could have sold. It was a token, but I am definitely challenging Hulk Hogan again. It is now wide-open, and we will see if he accepts this one.

WD: How would you characterize yourself compared to your contemporaries like Hogan and Paul Orndorff? Did you see yourself as a muscular, action-figure, great physique type of wrestler?

RS: Not really, I just consider myself more of an athlete than a bodybuilder or anything like that. I just tried to move and stay athletic, and it can be hard with these wobbly knees I've got, but it is fun.

WD: Is there legitimate heat between you and Hogan?

RS: Yeah, we don't like each other personally or business-wise. I am sure he feels the same about me, and that is what it is, taking a high road on it. It is all that he-said, she-said stuff, sort of like Limp Bizkit, but it is no big deal. Two men should be able to get into the ring and just work things out. Whether it be a work or shoot, it doesn't matter to me. Whatever makes him comfortable.

WD: What do you think of Vince McMahon as a wrestling promoter and a person in general?