Jon Finkel

2 Postshttps://booksandbiceps.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Jon Finkel is the award-winning author of Macho Man: The Untamed, Unbelievable Life of Randy Savage, Hoops Heist, The Life of Dad, Jocks In Chief, The Athlete, Heart Over Height, “Mean” Joe Greene, and more. His books have been endorsed by everyone from Mark Cuban and Tony Dungy to Spike Lee, Kevin Durant, and Chef Robert Irvine. He has written for GQ, Men’s Health, Yahoo! Sports, The New York Times and has appeared on CBS: This Morning, Good Morning Texas, and hundreds of radio shows, podcasts, and streams. Jon can be reached on Twitter @Jon_Finkel. You can also join his Books & Biceps newsletter for weekly reading recommendations, gym motivation, and updates on his books.

On November 17, 1996, Rocky Maivia debuted in the then WWF at Madison Square Garden. Just over a month later, “The Ringmaster” would debut on December 18, 1996. They weren’t exactly “The Rock” or “Stone Cold” Steve Austin just yet. Two debuts. Same year. Different trajectories. One found his voice within months, the other took a bit longer. But by 1998, they’d redefine an entire era.

The Rock and Stone Cold: 1996’s Rejected WWE Plans

by Jon Finkel Dec 11, 2025

The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin had lackluster debuts in 1996. But soon, they’d find the personas that would redefine an entire era.

This montage features Angelo Poffo in his peak form, performing sit-ups, along with a picture of him teaching his boys, Randy (later known to the world as Macho Man Randy Savage) and Lanny (also known as "The Genius" and Leaping Lanny Poffo) the art of wrestling. Artwork: Pro Wrestling Stories.

How Randy Savage’s Dad, Angelo Poffo, Shattered World Record!

by Jon Finkel Nov 12, 2024

This world record made by Angelo Poffo, the father of Randy Savage, went beyond digits—it highlighted the determination of the Poffo family!