By the time 1993 arrived, "Macho Man" Randy Savage had been with WWE for eight years but had continually demonstrated greatness between the ropes. Whether he was working with Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes or The Ultimate Warrior, he could be counted on to deliver when the situation called for it. That is why Vince McMahon's decision to pull him from the squared circle and relegate him to the commentary booth was such a perplexing one. Savage became one of the inaugural voices of Raw, keeping fans informed on some of the most relevant storylines unfolding in WWE at that time, but it did not take a rocket scientist to tell you that Savage was more at home between the ropes. When he had the opportunity to battle the likes of I.R.S, Crush, Repo Man or Doink the Clown, he was as energetic and passionate as ever. But none of those performances were followed up with any sustained push. Instead, he returned to his chair at ringside the next week. His hunger for one more shot at glory not fulfilled, Savage jumped at the opportunity to be a major main event star for Eric Bischoff and Ted Turner in World Championship Wrestling. The big money contract presented to him certainly did not help. There, he would help WCW fight back and eventually take the lead in the Monday Night Wars. Fans knew who he was and wanted to see what he was up to at that point in his career. The decision to leave WWE created a schism between Savage and McMahon that was never resolved.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
