Where to begin with the Randy Savage Biography on A&E?
After the Steve Austin documentary stayed away from any controversy, the second half of the “Macho Man” focused only on the controversy. It quickly became “The Self Destruction of Randy Savage” after breezing through a Hall-of-Fame career in a single hour.
Did Savage have his issues? Absolutely. The picture painted by the Biography producers wasn’t one that hasn’t been painted before. However, it’s how they painted the picture that made it disappointing.
For starters, making Bubba the Love Sponge a focal point in Savage’s story was simply ridiculous. He got as much screen time as others who worked closely with Savage – in some cases, more than those people. The retelling of he and Hogan’s “war” with Savage on Tampa radio added nothing of substance.
Speaking of substances, that’s where Gorgeous George came into play. She became the centerpiece of the second-hour hit job on Savage’s legacy as she recalled their wild years together. That came with many drug references, including noting how high they were for a Nitro segment many years ago. Then it turned to more stories of drugs and abuse. Again, while perhaps true, it’s a questionable approach without Savage around to offer his side of things.
Beyond that, there were other noticeable head-scratchers:
- Jerry Lawler’s story of Savage’s jump to WCW was factually incorrect (Nitro hadn’t started yet)
- Lex Luger’s name was spelled wrong (Lex Lugar)
- Peter Rosenberg claimed Savage had a great seven-year run (seven?)
- Comedian Dan Soder swung and missed on an attempted joke about how Savage died (really?)
- Savage winning the WWE title at WrestleMania IV wasn’t included (again, really?)
- But an entire segment was devoted to Savage’s failed rap CD (because that’s how wrestling fans remember him)
There was more stuff like that.
Savage’s controlling nature in his relationship with Elizabeth had to be included. There’s no denying that. The two will forever be intertwined, so telling the story of them made sense. Luger, who notably has turned his life around, pulled no punches discussing Elizabeth’s passing.
To the producers’ credit, the documentary at least got the ending right. Savage had turned his life around and married his high school sweetheart before the tragic accident. The narrative portrayed was factually correct with that part of the story.
Savage was by no means perfect. But this Biography did not do his story justice. It went the route of sensationalism vs. diving deeper into Savage’s career – one that undoubtedly played a role in the physical and emotional problems he dealt with.
The WWE spin was real, though to call it surprising would be naive. It’s revisionist history, courtesy of what WWE wants you to know and only what they want you to know. The rest of the story you’ll have to piece together for yourself.
Savage is one of the most unique figures in wrestling history. However, the casual fan will need to seek alternative resources to really learn the impact of his legacy.
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