From The Vault Review: “Macho Man” Randy Savage Mix Tape (part two)

It’s time for the second half of the Macho Man Mix Tape, WWE Vault’s three hour random tour through the world of “Macho Man” Randy Savage through matches, promos and rarities.

You can find the review of the first half here.

Much as we did with the first half, this half starts with the face of Mean Gene Okerlund. Gene welcomes Randy Savage, who says, “nothing means nothing” and says he is “unjustifiably in a position I’d rather not be in.” He talks through the camera to President Jack Tunney, holding up a cup of coffee creamer and saying he is the cream of the crop. This is one of the most remembered Macho promos for good reasons. Gene asks about the whereabouts of Elizabeth, and Macho continues talking about the cream of the crop.

Randy Savage, Roddy Piper & Hacksaw Jim Duggan vs Ric Flair, Jake Roberts & Undertaker

No commentary for this one. It’s a dark match from the 12/12/91 Wrestling Challenge taping, We start with Piper and Flair locking up, Piper shoving Flair down before backing him into his corner. They lockup again, Piper taking Flair down with a punch before Flair runs out to stall. Flair tags in Roberts, who beckons for Savage. Piper tells him, “You’re stupid!” before tagging in Savage, who runs in and throws Jake all over. He’s quick to the top, hitting the flying ax handle on Jake who scurries to tag in Undertaker. Duggan is tagged in as well, who marches up to Taker with no fear. This gets him several chops to the corner and then, of course, chokes. The fans chant “USA,” which of course ol’ Undertaker would eventually also chant while watching politicians on television with a tear in his eye. Duggan finds a way to clothesline Taker out, who is pulled back in by Duggan. He pulls Duggan across the top to choke him, beating him to the corner before tagging in Jake Roberts.

Roberts hits Piper with several thrusts in the corner before tagging in Flair, poking Duggan in his good eye before trying to ram his head into the turnbuckle. Flair and Duggan exchange punches, Duggan leaping to tag in Piper who is a proverbial house of fire. Flair is hit with a knee drop and punches in the corner before fighting out, only to tag back in Undertaker. The fans again chant “USA” as Taker chokes Piper on the ropes. Extended choking sequence! Flair is tagged back in, punching Piper exactly twice before tagging in the Snake. Roberts hits a knee drop as the cameraman runs directly into the back of Mr. Perfect’s head. Roberts beats down Piper in the corner, Taker choking Hot Rod with the tag rope as Savage protests. Flair is tagged back in and tries for the three count with his feet on the ropes, failing three times in a row. Piper and Flair have a fun sequence of exchanging pin attempts, neither succeeding. Piper gets the “house of fire” tag on Savage, who backdrops Flair before all six men find their way into the ring. Savage hits the elbow on Flair as the others brawl, Hebner counting the pin.

An interesting match, definitely one of those feel good house show matches. Macho was probably in it the least, but I see why it was here. ***

Randy Savage rides in a car with Slim Jims for what looks to be the Harvard Lampoon 1998 Man of the Year parade. He says Hulk Hogan is a Yale man.

More music outtakes! Macho records his “too sweet to be sour” line from the “Speaking From The Heart” song, a song I’m told Paul McCartney passed on because he didn’t think he could do it the justice that Randy Savage did to it.

We go to footage of Mean Gene and Elizabeth walking up to Randy Savage, working out poolside. Savage tells Gene to pick any chair, it doesn’t matter which one because he’s full of hospitality. Savage says wrestling isn’t satisfying his goals, and he was rich long before being Intercontinental Champion. He says he has one thing left to do on the planet, winning the WWF Championship. He points out an airplane flying above, saying he isn’t on it because he doesn’t have a title defense. Macho tells Gene he stays by himself, hanging around the right kind of people – himself. He says that “Macho Madness is more seductive than sex,” something Elizabeth agrees with.

Liz gets a phone call at poolside, telling Macho it is urgent – a national women’s publication wants to offer Macho half a million to pose for the centerfold, more than they offered Burt Reynolds! “Macho Madness is more seductive than sex but I haven’t sung my song yet, no!” He tells her to hang up. They call again, with a promoter from Japan offering Macho almost a million to wrestle three men. Macho says no, bring them down here and he’ll beat them for nothing. A crazed promo, but fun to watch.

Championship Wrestling: Randy Savage & Jesse Ventura vs Mike Rice & Mario Mancini

This is from the 9/28/85 episode of Championship Wrestling, much farther into its run than ever made it into the uploads of Peacock and WWE Network.

Macho yells at Elizabeth to get out of the ring. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen Ventura wrestle, though I’m sure I did on a Coliseum Video at some point. Vince McMahon and Bruno Sammartino are on the commentary call. Ventura backs into the corner, helping Savage double team Mancini before quick tags to beat him down. Ventura slams his Mario, strutting before going back to tag Macho. Macho slings the man across the ring by his head, throwing him into the corner and making him tag his partner.

Ventura drops the leg on Rice, slamming him again before tagging in Randy. Savage goes up top and drops the elbow, getting the easy three count. Macho continues to yell at Liz, berating her all the way to the back. Bruno gets off commentary to stare down Ventura and Savage while wearing the brightest yellow suit jacket that has been worn on television. Just a squash. *

We’re in France now, with Macho and Liz in front of the Eiffel Tower. Macho says something in French and that’s that.

We zip forward to Monday Nitro with Randy Savage entering the ring with a chair. He says he’s been blackballed and he’s not leaving until he talks to somebody with some stroke. He says Eric Bischoff can kiss his ass before sitting in the chair, dropping the mic. The sit-down strike rolls on as the fans cheer.

Eventually the music of Chavo Guerrero starts, Chavo coming out for his scheduled match. Tony Schiavone tells us that they’re going to attempt to start the match despite the large bearded man sitting in the ring. Chavo comes into the ring, shrugging and not knowing what to do. Macho waves him off. Chavo tries to plead with him for a solid two minutes, which leads to Chavo getting punched in the head and tossed out of the ring. Maxx, Chavo’s opponent, is out next. He comes in and also questions Savage, earning several punches to a very hot crowd. The referee gets a slap and thrown out as well as Doug Dillenger, the head of security who has taken five minutes to appear for a very high security situation, finally appears. Savage punches him as well. Alex Wright’s here and you might correctly guess that he gets punched in the head. Macho’s up with his steel chair as the Steiners and Amazing French Canadians are in the aisle way at the direction of Dillenger.

Sting rappels down from the top of the United Center, landing near the announce table. You know what, I bet they have some really cool stuff to do a Sting Mix Tape like this. Sting and his bat head to the ring, pointing at Savage. He comes in and smacks the back of the chair with the bat, then putting in on Savage’s chin as Savage rises up. They shove each other, almost getting into a fight before Sting hands Savage the bat and turns his back to him, offering him a free hit. Savage throws the bat back to Sting and they both walk out together, leaving through the crowd. A dynamic segment.

Macho Man tells an interviewer that he was nicknamed “Macho Man” while playing baseball. It stuck with him. He came up with “Savage” because he didn’t want to make it on his dad’s reputation, he wanted to make it on his own.

We zip to a charity softball game, Savage up at bat while Diesel and Shawn Michaels strut around. Macho calls for a bunt, then hits a home run instead. We see him celebrate with Jeff Jarrett, Doink, Bob Holly, the Bushwhackers, and Adam Bomb. Give us the whole game, you cowards.

Mean Gene is joined again at the WWF backdrop by Savage, who starts with “bang bang” and says that he is “visually understanding that the situation is exposed.” Savage talks about the past as only he can, bang banging before walking off. He walks by with one more bang bang as Gene tries to sign off.

We head to the ring where Macho, Liz and Gene are in the ring. Randy says he’s been thinking about returning to the ring at SummerSlam. “Elizabeth, I love you.” He breaks out the ring, dropping to one knee to the cheers of the crowd and Piper on commentary. “Elizabeth, will you marry me?” “Oh yeah!” Standing ovation as he lifts her on his shoulder, Mean Gene declaring it a match made in heaven.

Now here’s Jim Cornette driving a go cart, something I’m sure will appear all over the Internet. Savage speeds off, leaving Cornette behind. Cornette never had a chance, eventually accidentally turning his car around and going around the track backwards. Cornette’s car stalls out, Savage driving by and bumping it repeatedly. Cornette threatens to sue before being chased off the track.

Ricky Steamboat vs Randy Savage for the WWF Intercontinental Title

No commentary here. This is a Mania rematch. After several lockups, Savage with an armdrag. Savage goes to the outside to grab a chair but throws it down. The fans chant “Macho” as Steamboat and Macho trade blows in the corner, Savage getting the better end of the fight. Savage chokes Ricky on the ropes, getting a quick one count before being backdropped into the other end of a two count. Savage tosses Steamboat outside, elbowing him on the ring apron. He knees Dragon in the back before sliding back in the ring, finally pulling Steamboat in. Steamboat whips Savage into the corner, but Savage jumps onto the second rope in the process, jumping back at him with a bodypress that Savage rolls into a pin attempt. Well that ruled.

Macho attacks again in the corner, clotheslining Steamboat down. He goes up top, trying for the ax handle. There’s a pin attempt, but Steamboat’s on the ropes. Ricky fights back, Savage getting his hands stuck in the ropes. He escapes but runs into Steamboat in the corner, Savage flipping all over the place. Steamboat hits a flying fist drop for a two count, Savage also finding the rope with his foot. The crowd is hot. Savage goes up top again, jumping into a punch to the midsection. Steamboat chases him to the outside, a quick run around that leads back to the ring. Steamboat rolls him up but gets pushed into the ropes after a two count, followed by Savage again getting himself stuck in the ropes. Steamboat slingshots him into the corner, Savage escaping with an eye rake.

Dragon flips Savage over, leaping off the top again with a fist for only two. Savage pulls Steamboat into the turnbuckle head first, but they continue reversing everything before colliding. Savage finds a metal cord at ringside, trying to hit Steamboat with it. Steamboat ducks and Savage hits the turnbuckle instead, bouncing it back into his own head. Dragon gets the three count and retains his title. This ruled. ****

Gene’s backstage with Randy Savage who is hiding something in his jacket. Savage says that if Tito Santana wins the match he’s a lucky Tito, pulling a garbage can out of his jacket. He pulls a towel out and gives it to Gene, saying it is a crying towel and to give it to Gene. I can’t imagine how Gene kept his composure during any of these.

WCW Monday Nitro: Randy Savage vs The Belfast Bruiser

This is from the 3/25/96 episode, the night after the big Uncensored cage match where Macho and Hulk defeated a dozen or so men. Bruiser would evolve into Fit Finlay. Bruiser starts with a headlock on the mat, unable to get a pin. Savage elbows out of a headlock, backing Bruiser into the corner. Bruiser works Savage back down, hitting a wild uppercut several times. In the corner, Savage fights out as Bruiser begs off. Savage with a running clothesline before kneeing Bruiser out of the ring. Savage follows, getting reversed into the ringpost. Bruiser drops Savage over the top of the guardrail. Bruiser continues to hammer Savage outside, slinging him into the ringpost again and then throwing him over the guardrail.

Randy finds his way back in, taking stomps and a standing clothesline for a two count. Savage punches his way out, trading blows with Bruiser into the corner. Bruiser runs himself shoulder first into the turnbuckle, going down. Savage hits the elbow and it’s academic from there. This was fun. ***

Here’s footage of Savage rehearsing his WrestleMania IX entrance, complete with ostrich and Finkus Maximus.

UK Rampage 1992: Randy Savage vs Shawn Michaels for the WWF Championship

This was on the UK Rampage ‘92 Coliseum Video and was Michaels’ second television WWF Championship match ever, the first being the 1992 Rumble (he lost a European Tour title shot to Randy in between). Shawn fights Savage to the corner first, Macho jostling out. Savage is limping, having a hurt leg. Shawn takes Randy to the corner but runs into an elbow, selling as only Shawn can as Randy rams him into multiple turnbuckles. Macho jumps out of the ring to the floor, grabbing a chair and throwing it in before Hebner throws it back out. Gorilla calls it the only empty seat in the joint.

The fans are loud for this one too as Gorilla and Bobby argue about WrestleMania on commentary. Savage tosses Shawn over, who catches himself, flips himself back in and then gets clotheslined out. Savage flies out with his flying ax handle, tossing Shawn back in as Sensational Sherri yells, “SHAWN!” Savage tries for a piledriver, a move that could maim Randy Orton forever. Sherri goes after Elizabeth, which leads Macho to run after her and send Liz to the back. Shawn clobbers Macho in the aisle, throwing him into the guardrail. Gorilla says Sherri outways Elizabeth by 100 pounds which seems a BIT off. The fans have air horns. Help.

Shawn boots Savage down, hitting a slam for a two count before Savage finds the rope. Shawn throws quick jabs, whipping Savage to the corner and hitting him with a kick. Shawn with a spinning neck breaker for a two count. Savage catches a boot, slingshotting Shawn into the turnbuckle. Yes, Shawn sold it wonderfully. Savage gets a two count. Savage jumps out of the ring and slingshots Shawn before kneeing him out of the ring on the other side. Savage flies with the ax handle to the outside, slinging Shawn into the ringpost with Shawn flipping several times in his fall. WIth Shawn back in the ring, he hits another double ax handle for a two count. He tries for another but jumps into a fist as Gorilla tells us to stay tuned for an Irwin R. Schyster match, truly something to stick around for.

Shawn hits the Sweet Chin Music, only powerful enough for a two count back in 1992. After a solid slam, Shawn goes up top and nails a flying fist drop, Savage rolling out after. Shawn throws him head-first into the ringpost, scurrying into the ring and distracting the referee as Sherri attacks Shawn. Sherri was so awesome. Randy comes in and is thrown back out of the ring, Sherri kicking him right in the head as Shawn distracts the referee.

Savage reverses out of an Irish Whip in the ring, kicking Shawn in the head before colliding with the referee. Savage catches Shawn and drops him on the top rope, then slams him again. Macho goes up top for his elbow drop, nailing it perfectly and trying for a count. The ref is down, so there is no count. Sherri runs in and starts stomping Savage, who gets up and chases her out of the ring. Savage pulls the referee in and goes for the pin again, getting a two With Sherri on the apron, Elizabeth runs back out and flips her into the ring. Savage goes up with a flying crossbody, getting a two.

Sherri gets on the apron again, again being pulled down by Liz. Michaels flips off the ropes into a sunset flip for a two count, then Savage hits Shawn with his own flying crossbody for a three. Shawn stomps him down quickly after the match, Sherri with boot in hand. Sherri flies from the top but hits Shawn instead as Randy and Liz celebrate in the ring. ****

This whole “Mix Tape” was a fun watch. It wasn’t just a straight Savage greatest hits, nor was it just rarities. There was the big Mania match, but also a random Coliseum match, random Nitro matches, even a Worldwide match. There were fun famous interviews, weird outtakes and just a lot of fun. It’s a very solid thing to put on in the background or skip through and watch the parts you like. I highly recommend it and I hope we get more of these.