Angelo John Poffo, a highly accomplished and influential American professional wrestler and wrestling promoter, embarked on a storied career that spanned an impressive duration of over four decades, leaving an indelible mark on the world of sports entertainment.
Throughout his illustrious tenure, Poffo founded International Championship Wrestling, a prestigious organization that hosted a multitude of events in various states, including Tennessee, Kentucky, and Arkansas, showcasing his exceptional entrepreneurial skills and passion for the sport.
Moreover, Poffo's legacy extends far beyond his impressive professional accomplishments, as he was the proud father of two wrestling legends, Randy "The Macho Man" Savage and Lanny "The Genius" Poffo, who went on to achieve great success and recognition in their own right, solidifying their family's status as a dynasty in the world of professional wrestling.
The illustrious wrestling career of Poffo began in 1948 at Karl Pojello's esteemed gym in the state of Illinois, where he made his debut in the competitive world of professional wrestling. It was during this inaugural year that Poffo emerged victorious in his first match, triumphantly besting the formidable Ruffy Silverstein in 1949. As his reputation grew, Poffo adopted the enigmatic personas of "the Masked Miser" and "the Miser," while also honing his skills as a shrewd and cunning manager, guiding the careers of other wrestlers with precision and finesse.
As the years progressed, Poffo underwent a transformative metamorphosis, evolving into a villainous character that captivated the hearts and minds of the wrestling faithful. By the mid-1950s, the astute Bronco Lubich had taken on the role of Poffo's manager, expertly guiding his protégé through the treacherous landscape of professional wrestling.
In 1958, Poffo achieved a major milestone in his career, claiming the prestigious NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (Chicago version),a testament to his unwavering dedication, unrelenting passion, and unparalleled prowess in the ring.
A fascinating glimpse into the early career of Poffo, a wrestling legend in the making. It was in 1966 that he co-founded the infamous tag team "The Devil's Duo" alongside Chris Markoff, with the cunning and astute Bobby "The Brain" Heenan serving as their manager. This formidable duo left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling.
Before his partnership with Markoff, Poffo had a brief but memorable stint in the ring with Nicoli Volkoff in 1964, during which they successfully captured the WWA tag team championship. This impressive feat showcased the young wrestler's remarkable skills and dedication to his craft.
Later, in 1973, Poffo joined forces with Ken Dillinger to form the dynamic duo known as "The Graduates." This partnership further solidified Poffo's reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the world of professional wrestling.
Nicoli Volkoff
The enigmatic figure known as "The Carpet Bagger" made a lasting impression in the world of professional wrestling during the 1970s and 1980s. His career was deeply rooted in Emile Dupree's Atlantic Grand Prix Wrestling, a prominent organization that operated in the Maritime Provinces of Canada.
This charismatic wrestler was easily recognizable due to his distinctive attire, which consisted of a bright yellow mask adorned with a striking dollar sign prominently displayed on the forehead. Furthermore, his blue sequined ring jacket was a true showstopper, boasting a large dollar sign emblazoned on the back, adding an extra layer of flair to his already captivating persona.
In addition to his impressive in-ring performances, "The Carpet Bagger" also demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by investing in the promotion, thereby paving the way for his sons to join the wrestling fraternity once they reached the required age.
Randy Poffo, also known as Randy Savage, had a significant stint as the promoter of International Championship Wrestling in Kentucky, a tenure that lasted from 1979 to 1983.
During this period, Poffo's son Lanny claimed that Vince McMahon, the founder of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF),which is now known as WWE, initially declined to feature Poffo in a 1987 WWF event.
This alleged snub, as reported by Lanny Poffo, supposedly marked the beginning of a rift in the relationship between McMahon and Randy Savage, a legendary professional wrestler and a key figure in the WWF's early days.
This development highlights the complexities and nuances of the professional wrestling world, where personalities, egos, and business decisions can often lead to intriguing and sometimes tumultuous relationships.
Poffo's wrestling career drew to a close in 1991, with his final match taking place against the formidable Luis Martinez. However, his impact on the sport did not go unnoticed, as he would later resurface in the world of World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1995.
During his time in WCW, Poffo played the role of manager, guiding his son, the legendary Randy Savage, through the world of professional wrestling. This stint also saw him become entangled in a heated feud between his son and the iconic "Nature Boy" Ric Flair.
One notable highlight from Poffo's WCW tenure was his induction into the prestigious WCW Hall of Fame, as part of the esteemed class of 1995. This recognition served as a testament to his lasting influence on the sport, and cemented his place as a respected figure in the world of professional wrestling.
Poffo's ancestral roots lay in Italy, where his parents had emigrated from, and he spent his formative years honing his skills as a catcher for the DePaul University baseball team.
In addition to his athletic pursuits, Poffo pursued a higher education in physical education, where he excelled academically. Notably, he was an accomplished chess player, showcasing his strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
It was during his time in the US Navy that Poffo made headlines, setting a world record for sit-ups in 1945. This remarkable feat saw him complete an astonishing 6,033 sit-ups within a four-hour and ten-minute timeframe, solidifying his place in the annals of record-breaking history.
Following his illustrious career in professional wrestling, Poffo embarked on a new chapter, dedicating his time to instructing physical education classes in Illinois, where he would go on to spend over six decades of his life in matrimony with his beloved wife Judy, sharing a bond that would endure for over sixty years of unwavering devotion. This union would also yield two sons, Randy and Lanny, whose lives would be forever influenced by the love and guidance of their parents.
