10 Most Intense Performers In Wrestling History

2. Randy Savage

Kurt Angle Shawn Michaels Taboo Tuesday 2005
WWE.com

Never has there been a more apt marketing slogan in wrestling than "Macho Madness". Savage was absolutely remarkable at appearing unhinged.

Savage was never anything less than full on when the cameras were rolling in his famous backstage interviews. He didn't drop the act for a second, often causing Mean Gene Okerlund much awkwardness as he ranted and raved, dashing out of shot. Okerlund could only stare blankly as Savage's lunacy receded. Savage was so fierce in his performances that the humble pause was much too sane for his promos; he separated his crazed ramblings with a jolting "Yeah!", before again unleashing his controlled, simmering fury in rasping outbursts of mania.

Savage was at his extreme best in his carry-job of the Ultimate Warrior at WrestleMania VII in both the build up and the match itself. He blindsided Warrior at Royal Rumble 1991, to set the match up, but was so unhinged in his attack that he practically slid over him before scrambling back in position to get his licks in. In the match itself, Savage flew around the ring with no regard for himself, to depict Warrior as something approaching the star he was before Hogan doused his heat one year earlier.

It was an intensely dedicated performance, the likes of which were Savage's stock in trade. He was so committed to his craft that he flung his wife across the room during the epic climax of his pre-'Mania V split from Hulk Hogan. Savage cared about Elizabeth to, in the end, a frighteningly dark extent.

He care about his work even more.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!