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United States Championship Match
Zack Ryder vs Dolph Ziggler
TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs
Baltimore, Maryland
December 18, 2011
Commentators: Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler
Preserving the Legends. Reliving the Moments. Archiving the Legacy.
The Macho Man in No Man’s Land: Randy Savage’s 1987 Transformation from Heel to Face [Videos]
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| Macho Man Randy Savage and Mean Gene Okerlund in 1987 |
By the summer of 1987, Randy “Macho Man” Savage had become one of the most fascinating performers in the WWF. At WrestleMania III, his unforgettable battle with Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat had helped elevate Savage’s reputation as one of the company’s most exciting in-ring performers. He was still an intense, unpredictable heel, but something was beginning to change. The fans were responding to him differently.
That change became even more noticeable after Honky Tonk Man defeated Steamboat for the Intercontinental Championship in June. While Savage remained focused on Hulk Hogan and the WWF Championship, his growing popularity was becoming impossible to ignore. Throughout the summer, Savage continued to work against some of the WWF’s most recognizable villains, including King Harley Race and Butch Reed, while his charisma and remarkable work rate continued to win over audiences.
There was no dramatic night when Randy Savage suddenly became a good guy. Instead, his transformation unfolded gradually, almost naturally. By September, he had won the King of the Ring tournament, defeating one fan favorite and three established heels along the way. His promos with Mean Gene Okerlund became must-see television, with Savage's larger-than-life personality making it increasingly difficult to place him neatly on either side of the good-versus-evil divide.
As Mean Gene would soon observe, Randy Savage had entered what could only be described as a “no man's land.”
One week, he was challenging the enormously popular Hulk Hogan. The next, he was standing across the ring from the newly crowned—and deeply despised—Intercontinental Champion, Honky Tonk Man. And somewhere in between, the Macho Man was slowly becoming a hero.
Through six memorable interviews with Mean Gene Okerlund, we can watch that transformation take place in real time—from the summer of 1987 through the fall, when the direction of Savage's career, and his relationship with the WWF audience, had clearly changed forever. OOOOOOH YEEAAAHHHH!
WWF Wrestling Challenge
July 1987
Mean Gene Okerlund:
All right, there are so many things happening here in the World Wrestling Federation, including the crowning of a new Intercontinental Champion, the Honky Tonk Man. And Jimmy Hart and him, are really delighted. They are partying it up. I don't know if the gal Betty Lou is involved with the party or not.
Come on in, if you would please, "Macho Man" Randy Savage. I don't know if you could be happy about this or not. Honky Tonk becoming the new Intercontinental Champion, and all of a sudden Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat is not.
Randy Savage:
I'm delighted about it. Oh yeah, congratulations. Let me throw my hand right through the videoscope. Yeah, go on, do your reign, do your thing.
But the Macho Man Randy Savage, yeah, understand that I got things in proper perspective now.
Yeah, you're looking at the future of professional wrestling right now. You're looking at the future of the World Wrestling Federation. You're looking at the new World Heavyweight Champion.
Let me repeat myself right there.
I ain't repeating myself! Go ahead. Tell me something right now. Yeah!
Mean Gene Okerlund:
Wait a minute. You're telling me, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, that you're going to be the new Heavyweight Champion of the World?
Don't you think Hulk Hogan has got a little to say about that?
Randy Savage:
Do you have something to say to Hulk Hogan? Do you have something to say to the Macho Man Randy Savage? Speak your piece right now.
I don't hear nothing, no. I don't hear nothing.
In fact, I don't think there's nothing that he can say.
Mean Gene Okerlund:
I don't believe he's here...
I don't believe he's here...
"Hulk Hogan and Mr. T Promo"
WWF Superstars of Wrestling
August 1987
Mean Gene Okerlund:
And tonight, the match that we've been talking about for so long here
Randy Savage:
FINALLY HAPPENING, YEAH!
Mean Gene Okerlund:
in the greater Chicagoland area. Tonight, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, you're going to be challenging Hulk Hogan for the Heavyweight Title.
And of course, as you know, special guest referee, Chicago's own Mr. T. Mr. T, the referee.
In your corner, apparently, and I don't know exactly why, but at your request, Danny Davis will be in your corner also.
Randy Savage:
Finally happening, yeah. They're all gonna shut their mouths after tonight, yeah, at the Horizon. Macho Madness night, yeah. Surpassing Hulkamania, YEAH!
Hot and cold at the same time. Climate Temp Incorporated, yeah. Get that? Uh-huh, yeah. Get the Yeah!
I'm telling you right now,
Mean Gene Okerlund:
Hot and Cold at the same time.
Randy Savage:
...hot and cold at the same time, right there in the middle of the ring at the Horizon, yeah.
Mr. T, you don't know me that well, yeah. You don't know me at all. Uh-huh.
You should be intimidated right now. I don't think you're smart enough to do that yet.
But YOU are gonna be the ONE to count Hulkamania out. One, two, three. Do you understand that?
Ron Krueck. I'm gonna shut him up.
I'm gonna shut up Chet Coppock.
I'm gonna shut up Drew Hayes.
I'm gonna shut them all up.
I'm talking big-time World Heavyweight Champion.
Mean Gene Okerlund:
Can I ask a question, Macho Man?
Randy Savage:
Boy, hit me. I'm hours away from taking the title.
Mean Gene Okerlund:
What about Danny Davis? How come you demanded that Danny Davis be in your corner tonight to watch Mr. T's officiating?
Randy Savage:
Uh-huh, yeah. Nothing's going wrong tonight, yeah.
I'm guaranteeing victory, yeah.
I'm NOT leaving the Horizon without the World Heavyweight Championship belt.
And Danny Davis under my thumb right there, yeah. Don't make a move, man, yeah.
But Mr. T, yeah, the Enforcer, uh-huh, yeah.
Chop a tree and be big-time.
The World Heavyweight Championship belt is gonna be on the Macho Man Randy Savage when I leave the Horizon.
Mean Gene Okerlund:
Tonight, ladies and gentlemen, from top to bottom, a big card. Hulk Hogan defends against the "Macho Man" at 8 o'clock.
WWF Superstars of Wrestling
September 1987
Mean Gene Okerlund:
You know, over the many, many years that I've covered professional wrestling, I have seen a lot of changes. A lot of changes in this great sport. And a lot of changes in a number of individuals in professional wrestling.
In the World Wrestling Federation, here is a man that has not only turned it around 180 degrees...
Randy Savage:
180 degrees!
Mean Gene Okerlund:
But he's gone another 360...
Randy Savage:
another 360!
Mean Gene Okerlund:
And then another 180.
"Macho Man" Randy Savage, you have changed over the past couple of months like I cannot believe, sir.
Randy Savage:
I'm a chameleon, yeah!
Mean Gene Okerlund:
A chameleon?
Randy Savage:
Uh huh, yeah! I'm talking about the beat goes on, yeah. And the beat goes on, yeah. And the beat goes on!
In the videoscope, yeah, I am looking right into you right now. Macho Madness right now. Sugar is sweet and so is honey. Macho Madness is on a roll and it can't be stopped, no.
Elizabeth understands what I'm talking about, yeah. Ah ha!
Mean Gene Okerlund:
Why is it, Macho Man, when I sit and talk to you... stand and talk to you, for that matter... that I think of old Sonny and Cher hits? Why is that?
Randy Savage:
Unbelievable. Time distortion. Space is the place, Mean Gene Okerlund.
Go down that lonesome highway, yeah. But don't be hypnotized, no.
Reincarnation doesn't have to be.
You can concentrate and you can, uh...
Mental telepathy, yeah!
Mean Gene Okerlund:
But the beat goes on.
Randy Savage:
But the beat goes on.
Mean Gene Okerlund:
That beat in particular has got to include maybe the Honky Tonk Man, the Intercontinental Champion of the World.
I know you're not getting along real well with members of the Bobby Heenan Family, "Macho Man." Not at all.
Randy Savage:
Let me tell you something right now. Talking about the greatest Intercontinental Champion that ever lived, the Honky Tonk Man is out of line, yeah!
'Cause I am the greatest Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion that ever lived. And I am the greatest professional wrestler that ever lived. And I'm living now, yeah! Right now, uh huh.
WWF Superstars of Wrestling
September 1987
Mean Gene Okerlund:
A man that, well actually he's been operating out of no man's land, over the past few months, "Macho Man" Randy Savage. From the Bobby Heenan Family here at the Boston Garden, October the third, Saturday night, the "Mighty" Hercules.
Randy Savage:
OOH YEAH! I'm talking Yeah! Boston Gardens, and I remember it well, historically, yeah, for the Boston Celtics, but also for the Macho Man Randy Savage. Elizabeth realizes it, yeah, cause a victory celebration at a party one time, yeah! When I took the Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship Belt a long time ago, and now October the third, in Boston, yeah, IN BOSTON, 28 DAY BEFORE HALLOWEEN! Yeah, uh huh.
Mean Gene Okerlund:
I, I never thought of that, that's a good thought...28 days...
Randy Savage:
you haven't thought of that, and you haven't thought of what I am thinking right now, have you?!
Mean Gene Okerlund:
What are you thinking right now?
Randy Savage:
(whispers in Mean Gene's ear)
"The Spunky Interviews"
WWF Superstars of Wrestling
October 1987
Mean Gene Okerlund:
All right, I want to take the opportunity of talking to a man that certainly has... well, we've seen some tremendous changes come over this man.
I think it really all started out at WrestleMania III.
He is a former Intercontinental Champion from Sarasota, Florida, and certainly one of the great ones today in the World Wrestling Federation.
"Macho Man" Randy Savage, come on in.
A lot of things happening in your life, and I wonder if we could talk--
Randy Savage:
Let's not go through everything, now Mean Gene.
Mean Gene Okerlund:
We talk about everything on this program.
Randy Savage:
Talk about everything, huh? Put me on the spot right here.
"This is your life, 'Macho Man' Randy Savage," yeah.
Just, uh, just, uh, just, uh, just take it easy, yeah, and possibly I'll do the same.
Yeah, in return.
Yeah, to everyone.
Yeah, the people that are coming against the Macho Man Randy Savage for whatever reason.
Greed, yeah.
Reputation, yeah.
I've got the reputation, and people sometimes want to cut me down.
That's not gonna happen.
Not without a fight.
Mean Gene Okerlund:
You know, "Macho Man," just a week or ten days ago, I happened to run into you and your manager Elizabeth at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago.
And in talking with Elizabeth...
Randy Savage:
I don't remember, uh, running into you in the airport, right there.
Mean Gene Okerlund:
I think you might have been up at the news stand, but anyway, I was talking to Elizabeth, and we concur on one thing:
That "Macho Man," over the past few months, you have acquired something new.
It's kind of an intangible.
Randy Savage:
Like what?
Mean Gene Okerlund:
Spunk! Spunk! That would be it.
Randy Savage:
Spunk.
That's it right there.
Elizabeth said that too right there, huh?
Mean Gene Okerlund:
She did.
Randy Savage:
A-ha! Yeah.
I think I have.
I think I've become more spunky, type of thing.
Yeah!
I think that I got a little bit more spunk than probably I used to have.
In fact, all-time record high, big-time jubilee.
The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.
When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.
I think I'm more spunky than I used to be.
A lot of people say, "Do something."
Yeah.
Even if it's wrong, or even if it's right.
"But stay spunky."
Yeah.
Uh-huh.
Mean Gene Okerlund:
Well, if your manager says it, I've got to believe it's true.
If anybody would know, Elizabeth would.
Randy Savage:
I was at the news stand?
Where? In the airport?
Mean Gene Okerlund:
O'Hare Airport in Chicago.
I think it was maybe six or seven days ago.
Randy Savage:
Well, it's out of line like that, yeah.
I'm gonna be thinking about that with the microscope.
Oh, yeah.
You don't want me putting you in the Danger Zone.
Mean Gene Okerlund:
Oh, no, no.
Randy Savage:
Either do you, Honky Tonk Man.
Either do you, King Kong Bundy.
Either do you, anybody in the World Wrestling Federation.
Because I am the wrestler of the future, yeah.
I'm the wrestler of the present.
I'm even the wrestler of the past.
I'm the wrestler's wrestler.
YEAH!
And I am one other thing, Mean Gene Okerlund.
Spunky.
Mean Gene Okerlund:
Spunky.
Randy Savage:
Really, really spunky.
Yeah!
In fact, I don't think I can stop being spunky.
Yeah!
Mean Gene Okerlund:
All right.
He is Randy "Spunky" "Macho Man" Savage.
I thank you very much.
He's a great one.
WWF Classic: The Genius Upsets Hulk Hogan – November 1989 [Videos]
In one of the biggest upsets of his WWF career, The Genius (Lanny Poffo) scored a stunning count-out victory over Hulk Hogan in November 1989. The victory became a memorable highlight for Poffo and added another chapter to the increasingly intense rivalry between Hogan and Mr. Perfect, whom The Genius managed. With the feud between Hogan and Perfect continuing to escalate, The Genius's unlikely victory gave Mr. Perfect and his manager another reason to celebrate—and Hogan another reason to seek revenge.
WWF Saturday Night's Main Event
World Wrestling Federation on NBC
Taped October 31, 1989
Aired November 25, 1989
Topeka, Kansas, USA
Commentators: Vince McMahon & Jesse Ventura
WWF World Heavyweight Championship Match in Japan: Ichiban Hulk Hogan vs Tatsumi Fujinami [Videos]
In June 1985, fresh off the success of WrestleMania, Hulk Hogan traveled to Japan to defend the WWF Championship against Tatsumi Fujinami, who was already regarded as one of Japan's greatest technical wrestlers. The result is a rare look at Hogan working a more deliberate, technical style against one of the world's finest competitors. It's a unique glimpse at two Hall of Fame careers intersecting during professional wrestling's golden era.
Hulk Hogan vs Tatsumi Fujinami
NJPW IWGP & WWF Champion Series
June 11, 1985
Tokyo, Japan
Ichiban Hulk Hogan
SONG!
Shawn Michaels vs Razor Ramon - WrestleMania X [Videos]
By 1994, the WWF was entering a new era, and few rivalries captured that transition better than Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon. Their historic Ladder Match at WrestleMania X wasn't just a battle for the Undisputed WWF Intercontinental Championship—it was a watershed moment that changed the expectations of big-match wrestling. Innovative, dramatic, and timeless, it remains one of WrestleMania's defining classics.
Ladder Match for the Undisputed WWF International Championship
Shawn Michaels vs Razor Ramon
WrestleMania X
Sunday, March 20, 1994
New York City, New York, USA
Commentators: Vince McMahon and Jerry Lawler
WWF SUPERSTARS
Pre-Match Promos
WWF Classic: Bret Hart vs Mr. Perfect - June 1989 [Videos]
By 1989, the WWF roster was overflowing with larger-than-life superstars, but beneath the spotlight, a new generation of technical wrestlers was beginning to emerge. Among the brightest were Bret "Hitman" Hart and Mr. Perfect, two competitors whose precision, athleticism, and attention to detail set them apart from the powerhouses dominating the era.
Bret Hart has often said that one of his best matches of his career took place against Mr. Perfect during a non-televised bout at the Sullivan Arena in Anchorage, Alaska on August 12, 1989. While that legendary match has yet to surface, their June 3, 1989, encounter at the Boston Garden offers a fascinating glimpse of what it may have looked like. With Hart and Perfect already displaying remarkable chemistry, it's easy to understand why Bret considered Mr. Perfect one of his greatest in-ring opponents.
Bret Hart Interview
WWF on NESN
Saturday, June 3, 1989
Saturday, June 3, 1989
Boston, Massachusetts
Commentators: Tony Schiavone and Lord Alfred Hayes
"And here the air is absolutely pregnant with expectation of a great match."
- Lord Alfred Hayes
WWF Classic: Kurt Angle vs Shane McMahon - King of the Ring 2001 [Videos]
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| Kurt Angle and Shane McMahon at the King of the Ring |
At the height of WWF's Attitude Era, few expected one of the most brutal matches of 2001 to involve company executive and the owner's son, Shane McMahon. Yet at King of the Ring, Shane stepped into the ring against Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, who was wrestling HIS THIRD MATCH OF THE NIGHT, and delivered a performance that would become legendary among pro wrestling fans.
In a violent street fight match filled with unforgettable moments, the sheer determination displayed by both competitors transformed the bout from a simple grudge match into one of the most talked-about hardcore encounters of the era.
While Angle ultimately emerged victorious, the real story was the punishment both men endured. Shane once again proved he was willing to risk his body alongside the full-time wrestlers, while Angle demonstrated the toughness and intensity that would help define his rise as one of the best pro wrestlers of all time. More than two decades later, this match remains a standout and a lasting example of the unpredictable chaos that made the Attitude Era so memorable.
KING OF THE RING
June 24, 2001
East Rutherford, New Jersey
WWF Classic: British Bulldog vs Shawn Michaels - SNME 1992 [Videos]
The commentary for the match provided by Vince McMahon and Bobby "The Brain" Heenan is some of the BEST from the era, and does an excellent job showcasing and promoting Michaels.
Adding to the match’s depth was the professionalism of The British Bulldog. Before the opening bell, his handing the championship belt to the referee in hindsight, feels symbolic of transition and must have been impactful for him personally and professionally. Throughout the match, Bulldog delivered a solid, selfless performance, “doing the honors” for Michaels. Bulldog's poise, intensity, and strength gave the contest a sense of authenticity that made Michaels’ victory feel earned.
On a personal note, this remains one of my favorite television matches of all time. I’ve revisited it countless times on VHS when I was young, and each viewing reinforces how early Shawn Michaels displayed the precision, confidence, and showmanship that would later make him one of the greatest professional wrestlers.
WWF SATURDAY NIGHT'S MAIN EVENT
FOX Network
Aired November 14, 1992
Terre Haute, Indiana
Commentators: Vince McMahon and Bobby Heenan
WWF Classic: Bret Hart vs Razor Ramon - Royal Rumble 1993 [Videos]
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| Bret "Hit Man" Hart defends his title against Razor Ramon |
"The following contest scheduled for one fall, is for the World Wrestling Federation Championship."
WWF ROYAL RUMBLE
January 24, 1993
Sacramento, California
Commentators: Bobby Heenan and Gorilla Monsoon
THE MATCH
WWF Classic: Mean Gene Okerlund & Corporal Kirchner Interviews + Bonus Match [Videos]
During the height of the Hulkamania era, the World Wrestling Federation was filled with larger-than-life superstars, colorful gimmicks, and patriotic heroes. One of the more overlooked names from that period was Corporal Kirchner (Michael Penzel), the camouflage-wearing US Army paratrooper who had served in the 82nd Airborne Division and marched to the ring waving the American flag. While Penzel started in the WWF as a jobber in 1984, he really got his opportunity to shine as a pro wrestler when he took on the gimmick of Corporal Kirchner.
While he was never pushed as a main-event attraction, for approximately two years from August 1985 to July 1987, Corporal Kirchner became a familiar face to WWF fans through his appearances on syndicated wrestling programs, his LJN action figures, his energetic squash matches, and his interview segments with the legendary Mean Gene Okerlund.
TNT
August 1985
All American Wrestling
September 1985
WWF Wrestling Challenge
September 1985
Bonus Match:
Corporal Kirchner vs. John K-9
WWF PRIME TIME WRESTLING
February 1987
Maple Leaf Gardens
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
For longtime wrestling fans, revisiting performers like Corporal Kirchner is part of the fun of exploring wrestling history. Not every wrestler from the Hulkamania era became a global superstar, but many played important supporting roles that helped shape the atmosphere and identity of WWF television during the 1980s.
Perhaps the most surprising part of Kirchner’s pro wrestling story came later, when few could have predicted that the flag-waving Corporal Kirchner of the WWF would later reinvent himself as the horrifying Leatherface in Japan’s hardcore wrestling scene.
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