The Macho Man in No Man’s Land: Randy Savage’s 1987 Transformation from Heel to Face [Videos]

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...

"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!

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: British Bulldog vs Shawn Michaels - SNME 1992 [Videos]

During the Fall of 1992, The British Bulldog and Shawn Michaels faced off on network television's final airing of Saturday Night's Main Event during what many modern fans consider the final years of Golden Era of Professional Wrestling. This match saw the passing of the torch from The British Bulldog Davey Boy Smith to Shawn Michaels, as he won his first title in the World Wrestling Federation. 

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

Donate to Pro Wrestling Resource

WWF Classic: Bret Hart vs Razor Ramon - Royal Rumble 1993 [Videos]

Bret "Hit Man" Hart defends his title against Razor Ramon

The 1993 Royal Rumble featured one of the earliest major title defenses of Bret Hart's first WWF Championship reign. Standing across the ring was Razor Ramon, new the WWF and a rising star. The result was a competitive battle between two future Hall of Famers and a memorable championship match that showcased the direction the WWF would take in the years ahead. Some could even argue that this match is from a pivotal transitional period in WWF history that was carried by Bret Hart as he was the first WWF Champion of his kind. If you watch the match in three segments, you can appreciate the work put into the match by the participants!

"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

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When Terry Funk Came for Hulkamania: The Forgotten 1985 Trilogy [Videos]

Terry Funk vs Hulk Hogan match that aired on NBC

Terry Funk entered the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in the summer of 1985, a former NWA World Heavyweight Champion, he had last wrestled in what was now known as the WWF in the early 1970s. By late 1985, Funk had an opportunity to challenge Hulk Hogan for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. Hogan wasn't facing another giant or cartoon-style supervillain. He was dealing with a former World Champion who brought unpredictability, mind games, and pure chaos. Across Philadelphia, Toronto, and NBC's national television broadcast of Saturday Night's Main Event from Tampa, Florida, Hogan and Funk quietly created a forgotten trilogy of forgotten matches that blended Hulkamania spectacle with Terry Funk insanity.

And watch the slow count by Dave Hebner...

Hulk Hogan vs Terry Funk

WWF on PRISM Network

Philadelphia, PA

December 7, 1985

Hulk Hogan vs Terry Funk

Maple Leaf Wrestling

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

December 15, 1985

Hulk Hogan vs Terry Funk

Saturday Night's Main Event

NBC

Tampa, Florida

Filmed on December 19, 1985

Aired on January 3, 1986

It was reported 1985 was Funk's best financial year in pro wrestling

More at:

Classic Matches: Hulk Hogan vs Terry Funk [Videos]

WWF Wrestling Challenge: September 28, 1986 [Videos]

WWF Wrestling Challenge

Introduction

The fall of 1986 marked a fascinating stretch in the World Wrestling Federation’s rapid national expansion, where polished production began to blend with the gritty remnants of its territorial roots. This episode of WWF Wrestling Challenge, originally airing on September 28, 1986 (taped September 17), captures that transition in motion—delivering a mix of emerging personalities, established stars, and the kind of studio-driven storytelling that defined weekend wrestling television for a generation.

Anchoring the broadcast is a notable shift at the commentary desk, as Bobby “The Brain” Heenan makes his debut alongside Gorilla Monsoon on WWF Wrestling Challenge, replacing the rotating presence of Ernie Ladd and Johnny Valiant. The chemistry is immediate, adding a sharper edge to the broadcast while enhancing the personality-driven tone that would soon become a staple of WWF programming.

The episode also offers several memorable character moments that would echo far beyond this single airing. A fresh-faced Honky Tonk Man makes his television debut—still presented as a fan favorite and even endorsed by WWF Champion Hulk Hogan—while Jake “The Snake” Roberts hosts Bret Hart, Jim Neidhart, and Jimmy Hart on the Snake Pit, spotlighting a tag team quietly on the rise. Elsewhere, viewers are treated to unique vignettes and promos, including a Wrestler’s Rebuttal featuring Slick, Nikolai Volkoff, and the Iron Sheik, as well as an offbeat segment showcasing Sika and the Wizard deep in the jungles of Samoa.

In the ring, the action delivers as well, highlighted by a spirited tag team clash between the British Bulldogs and the formidable duo of the Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff. Taken together, this episode stands as more than just a collection of matches—it’s a snapshot of the WWF finding its identity during one of its most important growth periods.

"The Birdman" Koko B. Ware vs. The Gladiator

By late 1986, Koko B. Ware was carving out a role as one of the WWF’s most energetic and crowd-friendly performers, bringing a colorful presentation that stood out even in a personality-driven roster. This episode marks the first televised appearance of his soon-to-be signature companion, Frankie the parrot. The introduction of Frankie would become inseparable from Koko B. Ware’s WWF identity, elevating his presentation from standard babyface to something far more memorable. Frankie might’ve been the smallest “manager” in the WWF—but instantly one of the most unforgettable.

The Gladiator was professional wrestler Charles Sprott, who had competed under several ring names since the late 1950s, including Buddy Sprott, Ricky Hunter, The Spartan, and the Super Gladiator. Although he held the NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship in 1968, by 1986 he was nearing the end of his career.

Slick, Nikolai Volkoff, and The Iron Sheik

Promo on the WWF and America

"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff vs Luscious Brown

In the fall of 1986, Orndorff was firmly entrenched as one of the WWF’s top heels following his high-profile fallout with Hulk Hogan. Across the ring, Luscious Brown—later known to fans as Virgil—was making his first appearance in the World Wrestling Federation, stepping into a classic enhancement (aka Jobber) role during a period where new talent was constantly being cycled in.

Bobby Heenan, as Orndorff's manager delivers an insert promo prior to the bout, reinforcing Orndorff’s elite status, while Johnny Valiant briefly fills in on commentary. In a pointed touch, Orndorff utilizes Hogan’s “Real American” theme—an ongoing flex and reminder of their heated rivalry.

Ricky Steamboat Interview

The Honky Tonk Man vs Terry Gibbs

This bout marks the WWF television debut of the Honky Tonk Man, initially positioned as a charismatic, Elvis-inspired babyface. At this stage, the persona leans more toward crowd-pleasing showmanship—well before the attitude shift that would redefine him as one of the company’s most effective heels.

During the match, WWF Champion Hulk Hogan delivers an insert promo, enthusiastically endorsing Honky as a rising star. On commentary, Gorilla Monsoon frames Honky as a unique addition to the roster, while Bobby Heenan remains predictably skeptical.

"Leaping" Lanny Poffo Interview

"The Natural" Hacksaw Butch Reed vs Mike Kelly

This match marks the WWF debut of Butch Reed, arriving with immediate credibility and alignment under the guidance of Slick. Branded as “The Natural,” Reed enters the company positioned as a powerful, no-nonsense heel with a strong athletic pedigree.

This match also marks an early televised appearance for Mike Kelly, who would later gain recognition as Shane Douglas, adding a subtle layer of historical interest.

The Snake Pit with host Jake "The Snake" Roberts

and Guests

The Hart Foundation

(Bret Hart, Jim Neidhart, & Jimmy Hart)

The Wizard and Sika on the Island of Samoa

The British Bulldogs vs The Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff

Volkoff’s pre-match anthem immediately draws heavy crowd heat, setting the tone before the bell. A rare loss for the Bulldogs on television—and a reminder that in 1986, one well-timed distraction could change everything.

Slick, Nikolai Volkoff, and The Iron Sheik

Second Promo