Exploding through the curtain with a bright, sequins robe and the lovely Elizabeth by his side, Randy Savage was one of the most hated Superstars in World Wrestling Entertainment from his debut in 1985 until his babyface turn two years later.
Savage was a consummate rule breaker in his WWE career.
Throughout his early career, Savage would also prove to be less-than-chivalrous to Elizabeth. He would make her hold the ropes for him to enter the squared circle but never returned the favor. He never let her have any of what he believed should be his spotlight.
He was even verbally abusive at times. That would change later, but it added to the heel persona that Savage was attempting to portray.
On February 24, 1986, Savage defeated Tito Santana to win the Intercontinental Championship after using a foreign object to knock him out. Macho Man would hold onto the title in rematches against Santana and in a notable feud with George Steele that culminated in a WrestleMania 2 match.
The extent to which Savage was willing to go to preserve his title reign, however, was never more apparent than on the November 22, 1986 episode of WWE's Superstars program
After defeating Ricky "the Dragon" Steamboat by countout, Savage would assault him outside the squared circle before grabbing the ring bell and climbing the ropes. With Steamboat draped over the guardrail, Savage would come of the top with the weapon and crush Steamboat's larynx.
It was a moment that left fans, especially the younger ones in the audience and watching at home, stunned and concerned for Steamboat's well-being.
His recovery was part of a major angle that would reach its height at WrestleMania III, when Steamboat defeated Savage for the title in one of the greatest matches in wrestling history.
Savage would spend the second half of 1987 and all of the following year as one of the two most popular stars in the promotion, winning the WWE Championship and forming a highly successful team with Hulk Hogan known as the Mega Powers.
Unfortunately, jealousy crept in on Savage's part, and he soon reverted back to the ways that made him one of the top bad guys in the sport. He split with Hogan and kicked Elizabeth to the curb, forming an alliance with the hated Sensational Sherri.
Savage would defeat Jim Duggan to become the King of WWE and would soon alter his name to reflect the honor. Now "Macho King" Randy Savage, he feuded with Dusty Rhodes throughout 1990 before turning his attention back to the WWE Championship.
He wanted desperately to be granted a shot at the title, held by The Ultimate Warrior, but Warrior was not willing to simply hand him the opportunity. Despite attempts to beg and plead for a title by Sherri on Savage's behalf, Warrior still refused.
At the 1991 Royal Rumble, Savage would make his presence felt a number of times during the title match between Warrior and Iraqi sympathizer Sgt. Slaughter. Savage would attack Warrior in the back of the arena before sneaking to ringside and blasting Warrior with a scepter across the head.
Slaughter would win the title, and Savage and Warrior would be on a collision course to a high stakes match at WrestleMania VII.
In a Retirement Match, Savage pulled every trick in the book in his attempt to defeat Warrior and end his career. He delivered five top-rope elbow drops and still could not keep the determined Warrior down. After falling victim to a series of high impact shoulder blocks, Savage would have his shoulders pinned to the mat and his career seemingly come to an end.
After the match, Sherri berated Savage and physically abused him until Elizabeth rushed to the ring and dumped her to the arena floor. Elizabeth then showed concern for Savage and the two reunited in one of the most emotional and celebrated moments in WrestleMania's long and illustrious history.
That reunion turned Savage from hated heel to beloved babyface, a role he would thrive in for the rest of his WWE career.
Randy Savage passed away in May of 2011, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most popular, beloved and respected performers in wrestling history.
He was the perfect combination of showmanship and workrate. He could talk, and he could back up his words with exceptional wrestling ability.
He transcended wrestling and became a household name and internationally recognized pop culture icon, thanks in large part to his role as spokesman for Slim Jim.
