The on-and-off friendship between Hulk Hogan and "Macho Man" Randy Savage was as explosive as what was portrayed on television. From their partnership as the iconic Mega Powers to very real tensions that existed between them off-camera, we unravel the story of their tumultuous relationship—one that blurred the lines between showmanship and reality.
The explosive friendship between Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage wasn’t just for show. While their Mega Powers partnership electrified fans, real-life tensions simmered beneath the surface. Photo Credit: WWE. Artwork by Pro Wrestling Stories.
Randy Savage’s Early Years: From Baseball Dreams to Wrestling Royalty
Randy Savage early in his career under a mask as “The Spider.” Photo Credit: Chris Swisher.
Born Randall Mario Poffo on November 15th, 1952, Randy Savage was birthed into a prominent professional wrestling family.
His father, Angelo Poffo, was a well-known headliner throughout the territories, and set the stage for his sons’ future careers. However, Savage’s first athletic love was not pro wrestling, but baseball.
From a young age, Randy showed exceptional talent on the diamond. His father, Angelo, fully supported this passion, going so far as to build a winterized batting cage with a pitching machine in their yard. This allowed Randy and his brother Lanny to hone their skills year-round, even during the harsh Midwest winters of their suburban Chicago home.
Randy’s baseball prowess was evident throughout his high school years at Downers Grove North High. During his junior season, he posted an impressive .500 batting average, leading all Chicago high school hitters. His senior year was even more remarkable, as he set a state record with a .525 batting average, earning him MVP honors and a spot on the All-State Team.
Despite his stellar high school career, Randy wasn’t selected in the 1971 MLB Draft. Undeterred, he attended a St. Louis Cardinals free-agent tryout at Busch Stadium, where he was the only player out of over 200 attendees to receive a contract offer. This determination would become a hallmark of his character throughout his career.
Randy’s professional baseball career began in 1971 with the Cardinals’ Gulf Coast League team, the Sarasota Red Birds. He quickly established a reputation for his intense work ethic, often staying late after practices and games to improve his skills. Over the next few years, he played for various minor league teams, including a stint with the Cincinnati Reds organization.
However, a shoulder injury and the realization that his throwing arm wasn’t considered strong enough for the major leagues led Randy to reconsider his career path. It was during this time that he began to explore the world of professional wrestling, following in his father’s footsteps.
Savage began his wrestling career in 1973, where he was initially known as “The Spider.” This masked persona allowed him to wrestle while still under contract with baseball teams, as it would have been a violation of his agreement to compete openly as a wrestler.
Jerry Brisco recalled seeing Randy wrestle as early as 1974, noting his bold attitude and intensity in the ring, despite his relatively small stature at the time.
The origin of his famous ring name came from an unexpected source. One day, his brother Lanny Poffo commented that Randy looked like a savage when his hair was wild and frizzy. The name stuck, and Randy “Savage” was born.
His iconic “Oh yeah!” catchphrase was borrowed and credited to “The Wild Bull of the Pampas,” the fierce Pampero Firpo, which showed Randy’s ability to adapt, enhance and use elements from wrestling history.
As Randy transitioned fully from baseball to wrestling, he brought with him the intense work ethic and competitive spirit that had defined his time on the diamond.
He wrestled alongside his brother Lanny in their family-owned promotion, ICW, and in the Memphis Continental Wrestling Association (CWA) territory.
During this time, Randy bulked up from his baseball-playing weight of around 175 pounds to a more imposing 225 pounds.
This early period of Randy’s career laid the foundation for the larger-than-life persona of “Macho Man” Randy Savage, that would soon catapult him to the top of the wrestling world and cement his place as one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling history.
Before he became the immortal Hulk Hogan, Terry Bollea endured the harsh training of Hiro Matsuda. Known for breaking down aspiring wrestlers both physically and mentally, Matsuda put Hogan through a brutal initiation that nearly ended his career before it began. Photo Credit: Hiro Matsuda, WWE. Artwork by Pro Wrestling Stories.
Hulk Hogan’s entry into professional wrestling was far from glamorous.
Matsuda’s training regimen was notoriously brutal. Aspiring wrestlers like Hogan, Paul Orndorff, and Brian Blair were subjected to grueling workouts that pushed them to their physical and mental limits. The daily routine consisted of thousands of repetitions of basic exercises – push-ups, sit-ups, and squats – designed to build endurance and reveal the trainees’ true determination.
For Hogan, the shock of this intense training was immediate and severe. On his first day, already exhausted from the previous day’s workout, Hogan found himself at the mercy of Matsuda’s unforgiving methods. What happened next has become the stuff of wrestling legend, with Hogan recounting a painful incident involving his leg.
In his autobiography, My Life Outside the Ring, Hogan stated, “Matsuda was sitting down between my legs and putting his elbow between my shin. Then he grabbed the end of my toe and twisted my foot until: crack!”
The severity of Hogan’s injury has been debated over the years, with some sources suggesting it was a fracture, while others claim it was a severe sprain. Regardless of the exact nature of the injury, it’s clear that Hogan’s introduction to professional wrestling was a harsh wake-up call to the realities of the business.
After recovering, he returned to Matsuda’s gym with renewed focus and a different attitude. This persistence would eventually pay off, as Hogan endured months of punishing training to earn his place in the wrestling world.
Matsuda’s tough love approach was designed to weed out those who lacked the necessary grit for the wrestling business. For Hogan, it was a baptism by fire that laid the foundation for his future success in the ring.
The Mega Powers Unite: Savage and Hogan Join Forces
The Mega Powers (Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan) officially united on September 23rd, 1987 (aired October 3rd, 1987) on WWF Superstars. With Miss Elizabeth by their side, this powerful alliance between two of wrestling’s biggest icons captivated fans and set the stage for one of the most legendary storylines in WWF history. Photo Credit: WWE.
Hulk Hogan’s journey in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) began on November 17th, 1979, when he defeated Harry Valdez in his debut match. His initial run, though short-lived, was marked by several notable moments and laid the groundwork for his future superstardom.
During this first stint in the WWF from 1979 to 1981, Hogan was primarily portrayed as a villain (heel). In this role, he was paired with “Classy” Freddie Blassie, a former wrestler-turned-manager.
One of the most significant aspects of Hogan’s early WWF career was his first feud with Andre the Giant. This rivalry began in the spring of 1980, with André competing as a face (good guy) and Hogan as a heel. The two wrestlers met 16 times throughout the year, with André emerging victorious in most of their encounters.
The feud between Hogan and Andre culminated in a high-profile match at Shea Stadium during the “Showdown at Shea” event on August 9th, 1980. This match was particularly noteworthy as it featured Hogan bodyslamming Andre, a feat that would become iconic when repeated years later at WrestleMania III. Despite the impressive slam, Hogan ended up losing the match by pinfall.
In 1981, Hogan’s career took an unexpected turn when he was offered a role in the film Rocky III. Despite WWF owner Vince McMahon Sr.’s strict policy against wrestlers taking outside acting jobs, Hogan couldn’t resist the opportunity. This decision led to his departure from the WWF.
Following his WWF exit, Hogan found success in the American Wrestling Association (AWA). Under the guidance of promoter Verne Gagne, Hogan’s popularity soared.
He feuded with AWA World Heavyweight Champion Nick Bockwinkel and became the promotion’s top draw. Despite his immense popularity, Gagne refused to put the world title on Hogan, stemming from his belief that a more “scientific” wrestler should hold the title.
In the aftermath of this event, Hogan’s relationship with the AWA deteriorated. Hogan found himself at odds with Gagne over both creative direction and financial compensation. This tension would eventually lead to Hogan’s departure from the promotion.
Randy Savage made his WWF debut on June 17th, 1985, after successful stints in ICW and the Memphis territory. His arrival was highly anticipated, with the WWF promoting him as the “cream of the crop.”
Their paths would first cross in late 1985 when Savage quickly rose to the top of the card and feuded with Hogan for the title throughout November and December.
Despite Hogan consistently winning these encounters, Savage’s intense performances and charisma made him a fan favorite. On February 8th, 1986, Savage captured the WWF Intercontinental Championship from Tito Santana at the Boston Garden.
The turning point in their relationship came on September 23rd, 1987, during a taping of Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Savage was competing against The Honky Tonk Man for the Intercontinental Championship when The Hart Foundation interfered, leading to a beatdown of Savage. When Honky Tonk Man shoved Savage’s wife and manager, Miss Elizabeth, she ran backstage for help, returning with Hogan.
As Hogan cleared the ring of Savage’s attackers, the two men shook hands, and the arena erupted. This moment marked the birth of The Mega Powers, one of wrestling’s most iconic partnerships.
In a backstage segment later that night, Hogan declared, “Hulkamania and Macho Madness may become the most powerful force in WWF history.”
This alliance of two of the WWF’s biggest stars would dominate storylines for the next year and a half, setting the stage for some of the most memorable moments in wrestling history.
The Mega Powers’ Rise: Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage’s Reign
The Mega Powers—Randy Savage, Hulk Hogan, with manager Miss Elizabeth in the background—prepare for their showdown against The Mega Bucks (Andre the Giant and Ted DiBiase) at SummerSlam on August 29th, 1988. In this iconic match, Miss Elizabeth played a pivotal role in securing the victory for Hogan and Savage. Soon later, tensions would begin to brew between the two wrestling legends. Photo Credit: WWE.
The formation of The Mega Powers marked a significant shift in the WWF landscape. With Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage joining forces, the company now had its two biggest stars aligned, creating a powerhouse duo that would dominate storylines and captivate audiences.
The path to their reign began with a controversial title change. On February 5th, 1988, during a live broadcast of “The Main Event” on NBC, Hulk Hogan lost the WWF World Heavyweight Championship to Andre the Giant under dubious circumstances.
The match, which drew a record 33 million viewers, ended with referee Dave Hebner’s twin brother Earl making a fast three-count despite Hogan’s shoulder clearly being off the mat.
On February 13th, Tunney stripped Andre of the title and declared it vacant, setting the stage for a 14-man tournament at WrestleMania IV.
The tournament, held on March 27th, 1988, at Trump Plaza in Atlantic City, New Jersey, saw both Hogan and Andre eliminated via double disqualification in the quarterfinals. This paved the way for Randy Savage’s epic run through the bracket. Savage defeated Butch Reed, Greg Valentine, and One Man Gang to reach the finals.
In the tournament final, Savage faced a fresh Ted DiBiase, who had received a bye to the second round and benefited from a quarterfinal win by forfeit.
The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both men pulling out all the stops. The climax came when Andre the Giant, at ringside with DiBiase, attempted to interfere.
Hulk Hogan, who had been supporting Savage throughout the night, came to the rescue with a steel chair, neutralizing Andre’s threat.
With the playing field leveled, Savage seized his moment. He ascended the top rope and delivered his patented flying elbow drop, pinning DiBiase to capture his first WWF World Heavyweight Championship.
The victory was not just a personal triumph for Savage but also marked the first time in four years that someone other than Hogan held the company’s top prize.
The Mega Powers’ dominance continued in the months that followed. Their official tag team debut came at SummerSlam on August 29th, 1988, at Madison Square Garden. The event, which drew a sellout crowd of 20,000 fans, saw The Mega Powers face off against The Mega Bucks (Andre the Giant and Ted DiBiase), with Jesse “The Body” Ventura as the special guest referee.
The match was a spectacle, with Miss Elizabeth playing a crucial role. In a memorable moment, she distracted both Andre and DiBiase by removing her skirt to reveal skimpy bikini bottoms. This allowed Savage and Hogan to capitalize and secure the victory, cementing their status as the WWF’s premier duo.
Throughout the fall of 1988, The Mega Powers continued to draw massive crowds wherever they appeared. Their chemistry in the ring, combined with their larger-than-life personalities, made them a big attraction for fans.
However, beneath the surface, the seeds of dissension were already being sown, setting the stage for what was to come.
With hundreds of amazing Pro Wrestling Stories to dive into, where do you start? Get the inside scoop – join our exclusive community of wrestling fans! Receive 10 hand-picked stories curated just for YOU, exclusive weekly content, and an instant welcome gift when you sign up today!
The Intensity of Working with Randy Savage: Hogan’s Perspective
The Mega Powers—Randy Savage, Hulk Hogan, and Miss Elizabeth—captured the audience’s attention with their explosive partnership. Behind the scenes, Savage and Hogan often clashed, creating real-life tension that added depth to their on-screen rivalry. Photo Credit: WWE.
Behind the scenes, working with Randy Savage was known to be an intense experience.
“When you work with Randy, it’s intense,” Hulk Hogan shared in an interview with WWE in 2020. The only person I could call at three or four o’clock in the morning to talk about wrestling and would even answer their phone was Vince McMahon. And that’s how Randy was. Except Randy called me!
“‘Hey, brother. Got an idea.’
“So when you got in bed with Randy, you were in it for the long haul.”
This intensity was evident both on and off-screen, contributing to the authenticity of their performances and the complexity of their relationship.
This attention to detail extended beyond just the in-ring action; Savage was known to carefully script his promos and even plan out the timing of his facial expressions during interviews.
Hogan, on the other hand, was more known for his ability to work on the fly and feed off the energy of the crowd. This fundamental difference in their approaches to wrestling sometimes led to friction, but it also resulted in some of the most memorable matches and moments.
Ricky Steamboat once said, “Savage was the kind of guy that liked to make sure that every single move, every single point, every single reason in the match – the storyline, the psychology – is pretty much taken apart, dissected, and planned out.”
Despite the challenges, Hogan acknowledged that working with Savage pushed him to be better. The combination of Savage’s technical prowess and attention to detail with Hogan’s charisma and crowd connection created a dynamic that captivated audiences and elevated both performers.
Their contrasting styles and personalities, both in and out of the ring, added an extra layer of authenticity to their on-screen rivalry. The real-life tension between them often translated into electric chemistry during their matches and promos.
The Beginning of the End for The Mega Powers: Tensions Rise Between Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage
Randy Savage lets Hulk Hogan have it backstage at NBC’s Saturday Night’s Main Event on February 3rd, 1989. Tensions reached a breaking point when Savage accused Hogan of having feelings for Miss Elizabeth, leading to a heated confrontation that marked the beginning of the end for the Mega Powers. Photo Credit: WWE.
Despite Randy Savage’s status as the reigning WWF champion, the company still viewed Hulk Hogan as its biggest star. This disparity in treatment became evident in subtle ways, such as playing Hogan’s entrance music when the two made their way to the ring together, even though Savage held the world title.
As the Mega Powers continued to dominate the WWF landscape, tensions began to simmer beneath the surface. The catalyst for their eventual implosion centered around Miss Elizabeth, Savage’s real-life wife and on-screen manager.
Savage’s notorious protectiveness of Elizabeth was well-documented both in and out of the ring. However, Hogan’s insistence on having Elizabeth at ringside during their matches, claiming she provided “extra inspiration,” only served to fuel Savage’s paranoia.
The situation reached a boiling point during NBC’s Saturday Night’s Main Event on February 3rd, 1989.
The Mega Powers faced off against the formidable Twin Towers (Akeem and The Big Boss Man) in what would become a pivotal moment in their storyline. During the match, Akeem threw Savage out of the ring, causing him to accidentally land on Miss Elizabeth.
In a moment that would change the course of their partnership, Hogan left the ring to carry Elizabeth backstage for medical attention, leaving Savage to fend for himself against both opponents.
After the match concluded, the cameras followed Hogan to the backstage area, where he was shown tending to Elizabeth.
Savage, still reeling from the match and now consumed by jealousy, stormed into the room. He accused Hogan of harboring feelings for Elizabeth, leading to a heated argument between the two superstars.
As tensions escalated, Savage suddenly snapped, striking Hogan over the head with the world title belt.
The Mega Powers were no more, and the path was clear for a showdown at WrestleMania V.
WrestleMania V: The Mega Powers Explode in Atlantic City
On April 2nd, 1989, at WrestleMania V in Atlantic City, the explosive rivalry between Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan came to a head. Billed as "The Mega Powers Explode," this iconic match saw Hogan defeat Savage to reclaim the WWF World Heavyweight Championship, marking the end of their partnership and one of wrestling’s most memorable storylines. Photo Credit: WWE.
On April 2nd, 1989, at Trump Plaza in Atlantic City, New Jersey, WrestleMania V hosted the culmination of this year-long storyline. The main event, billed as “The Mega Powers Explode,” saw WWF Champion Randy Savage defend his title against his former partner, Hulk Hogan.
The build-up to the match was intense, with both men cutting scathing promos on each other. Miss Elizabeth, torn between her husband and her friend, chose to remain neutral, standing in a corner separate from both competitors during the match.
The bout itself was a showcase of both men’s abilities and the genuine animosity that had developed between them. For nearly 20 minutes, Savage and Hogan battled back and forth, each man drawing on their intimate knowledge of the other’s moveset and strategies.
In the end, it was Hogan who emerged victorious. After kicking out of Savage’s patented flying elbow drop, Hogan hulked up, shook off Savage’s attacks, and hit his iconic leg drop to secure the pin and reclaim the WWF World Heavyweight Championship.
This match not only marked the end of The Mega Powers but also signified a shift in the WWF landscape. Hogan’s second title reign began, while Savage transitioned into his “Macho King” persona, setting the stage for new storylines and feuds in the years to come.
The Mega Powers storyline, from its formation to its explosive conclusion at WrestleMania V, remains one of the most memorable and well-executed narratives in professional wrestling history.
The WCW Years: Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage’s Continued Rivalry
Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage rekindled their rivalry in WCW after initially forming an alliance as "The Monster Maniacs." Their on-again, off-again partnership would take another turn at Bash at the Beach on July 7th, 1996, when Hogan betrayed Savage to form the nWo, reigniting their storied feud in a new era of wrestling. Photo Credit: WWE.
After their iconic feud in the WWF culminated at WrestleMania V, Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage’s paths diverged for a time. However, their intertwined destinies would once again converge in the mid-1990s when both legends made the shocking move to World Championship Wrestling (WCW), the WWF’s chief rival.
Upon arriving in WCW, both Hogan and Savage quickly ascended to the top of the card, each capturing the WCW World Heavyweight Championship.
Initially, it seemed the two had buried the hatchet, even forming a tag team known as “The Monster Maniacs.” This alliance harkened back to their Mega Powers days, rekindling fans’ memories of their earlier partnership.
Approximately a year later, in a surprising turn of events, Savage also joined the nWo on December 29th, 1997. This reunion within the notorious faction added a new dimension to their complex relationship.
The two would continue to have a love-hate relationship within the nWo, sometimes allies and other times bitter rivals, reflecting the multi-layered history between them.
Real-Life Heat: Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage Clash in Paris
Real-life tensions boiled over between Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage during a live event in Paris, where an in-ring incident involving Miss Elizabeth sparked a heated confrontation. The aftermath saw both men clash backstage. Photo Credit: WWE.
While their on-screen rivalry was often scripted, real-life tensions between Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage occasionally bubbled to the surface. One such incident occurred during a live event in Paris, France, which Hogan later recounted in 2019 on Steve Austin’s podcast:
“When I first met Randy, man, he was the best at everything. I loved working with him. The only really [bust up] we had was in Paris, France one night.”
Hogan elaborated further, “Elizabeth was my manager, and we went to the ring in Paris. There were no steps. Elizabeth was probably 95 or 100 pounds soaking wet. So, I reached over the top rope, reached all the way over where she’s standing next to me, and grabbed her by the armpits. I picked her all the way up, she had a dress on, and put her in the ring.”
Hogan went on to describe Savage’s reaction:
“[Randy exclaimed,] ‘You son of a ***** you grabbed her *****… We walk up and he grabs a headlock on me, but he puts that side headlock on me. I’m hanging in – I’m hanging in there – and I didn’t want my eyeball to pop out, so I grab his waist and I squeezed. ‘Randy, if you don’t let go, I’m going to dump you on your head.'”
This incident led to palpable tension between the two, affecting their in-ring performance. Hogan recalled, “He was so angry. The match sucked; we had a horrible match.”
The aftermath of this confrontation played out in the dressing room, where Hogan attempted to clear the air.
“We went back to the dressing room in Paris, and I walked in. I said, ‘Randy, we need to talk right now.’
“I reached to open the door, and when I pulled the door, I ripped it off the hinges. The door was so old and so rotted by termites. So, me and Randy went in the back and [Randy apologized] ‘Hey, man, I’m sorry I got mad.’
“I said, ‘Randy, I’m sorry too. I didn’t mean to touch her inappropriately – there were no steps.’
“But I think the door is the thing that kind of cooled everything down, it was hanging on by a thread.”
The Miami Incident: Tensions Escalate During “Mr. Nanny” Filming
On the left, the cover of Hulk Hogan’s 1993 movie Mr. Nanny. On the right, a picture of Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth, whose relationship was forever altered following Savage’s suspicious confrontation with Hogan during the movie’s filming. This event marked a major turning point in their personal and professional lives. Photo Credit: New Line Cinema, WWE.
In 2010, Hulk Hogan recounted another incident from 1992 that significantly contributed to the deterioration of his relationship with Randy Savage. The event occurred while Hogan was filming the movie “Mr. Nanny” in Miami, Florida.
Hogan and his wife Linda had purchased a house in Miami and decided to invite their friends, Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth, for a visit. Savage opted to stay home, but Elizabeth accepted the invitation and went to spend time with Linda Hogan.
During Elizabeth’s stay, Savage repeatedly attempted to contact her at their home, but his calls went unanswered. Growing increasingly concerned and suspicious, Savage made the impulsive decision to board a plane and fly to Miami to investigate the situation personally.
Upon arrival, Hogan claimed that Savage stormed into Linda’s room in a state of agitation. In a dramatic moment, Savage allegedly leaped onto the bed where Linda was lying, shouting, “Where’s Elizabeth?” This unexpected and intense behavior led to a heated confrontation between Hogan and Savage.
While rumors circulated about a physical altercation between the two wrestling icons, these claims were never substantiated. However, the emotional intensity of the incident was undeniable and left a lasting impact on all involved.
According to reports, upon their return home, Elizabeth made the decision to file for divorce from Savage. This marked a turning point not only in Savage’s personal life but also in his relationship with Hogan.
From the Ring to the Recording Studio: Savage’s Musical Challenge to Hogan
Randy Savage holds up his 2003 rap album Be A Man, which featured a direct diss track aimed at Hulk Hogan. The album was Savage’s unique way of challenging Hogan after he declined a proposed charity fight, further fueling their long-standing rivalry. Photo Credit: UPI.
The animosity between Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan continued to simmer long after their in-ring careers had wound down.
In 2001, Savage issued a bold challenge to Hogan, proposing what he termed “the first real fight in professional wrestling.” His idea was to stage a pay-per-view event with the proceeds benefiting a children’s hospital.
Hogan, however, declined the offer. He suggested that Savage’s proposal was more about securing a tax write-off than genuine competition or charity. This refusal only served to further strain their already tense relationship.
Undeterred and perhaps fueled by Hogan’s rejection, Savage took his frustrations in an unexpected direction.
In 2003, he released a rap album titled “Be A Man.” The album’s title track was a direct musical assault on Hogan, criticizing him for not accepting the fight challenge and addressing their long-standing feud.
The album, while not a commercial success, selling approximately 15,000 copies, became a curious footnote in wrestling history. It showcased Savage’s determination to express his feelings towards Hogan, even if it meant venturing into an entirely new medium.
A Chance Encounter Leads to Reconciliation
In a rare backstage moment, Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan are seen together during their WCW days. Though years of tension had strained their relationship, the two wrestling icons would reconcile in 2011, approximately a month before Savage’s untimely passing. Photo Credit: WWE. Artwork by Pro Wrestling Stories.
Despite years of tension and public feuding, the story of Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage had a surprisingly heartwarming conclusion. According to Savage’s brother, Lanny Poffo, the two wrestling legends reconciled approximately a month before Savage’s untimely passing in 2011.
The reconciliation occurred in an unlikely setting – a cardiologist’s office in Tampa, Florida. Savage had accompanied his mother, Judy, to a doctor’s appointment when a nurse informed him that Hulk Hogan was also present in the office.
“My brother took my mother to the doctor’s,” Poffo shared. “That’s where the nurse says, ‘Well, Hulk Hogan is here.’
“[Randy replied], ‘Oh, Hulk Hogan is here? Bring me over to that guy.’
“He ran over there, and all was forgiven.”
Hogan, in his 2020 interview with WWE, described the encounter from his perspective.
“We ran into each other at a doctor’s office,” Hogan recalled. “I was on my seventh or eighth back surgery, and I couldn’t pass an EKG because I was getting just jammed up with anesthesia every three or four months. They couldn’t get my back right.
“My back was collapsing, and they were telling my new wife Jennifer I’d never walk again and all of this craziness. Jennifer and I were sitting on those little seats in the doctor’s office in Tampa, and all of a sudden, the door opened, and in came Randy.
“He had that gleam in his eye and looked really healthy. He gained his weight back and he had a wedding ring on.
“I said, ‘Hey, Mach, what’s up with the ring?’ He said, ‘Hey, just married my childhood sweetheart.'”
Both men reportedly embraced, buried the hatchet, and spent some time catching up. According to Hogan and Randy’s brother Lanny, this unexpected reconciliation occurred about a month before Savage’s passing.
Lanny Poffo mentioned that in 2011, Randy had been actively working on making amends with many people he had issues with in the past. This reconciliation with Hogan was part of a larger effort by Savage to find peace and closure in his relationships.
The Tragic End of Miss Elizabeth
The "First Lady of Wrestling," Miss Elizabeth Ann Hulette, was an integral figure in the careers of both Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan. Her tragic passing in 2003 at the age of 42 cast a somber shadow over the wrestling world. Photo Credit: WWE.
The story of The Mega Powers cannot be told without mentioning Miss Elizabeth, whose presence was integral to both Savage’s and Hogan’s careers. Elizabeth Hulette, known to fans as Miss Elizabeth, had a tumultuous life after her divorce from Randy Savage in 1992.
After leaving the WWF, Elizabeth resurfaced in WCW in 1996, initially participating in storylines involving her ex-husband. In 1999, she began working with Lex Luger, marking the beginning of a relationship that would ultimately lead to tragedy.
On May 1st, 2003, Elizabeth was found unresponsive in the home she shared with Luger. She was pronounced dead at the age of 42, with the cause determined to be acute toxicity brought on by a mix of painkillers and alcohol.
Randy Savage was deeply affected by Elizabeth’s passing, despite their separation. In an interview in 2003, Savage reflected on their relationship and her death.
“We were actually married and we got a divorce, which happens in life sometimes.”
He continued, “We had separation, we had closure… I really feel real bad for her and her family. It was a situation where we hadn’t seen each other in about maybe five, six years, but you know, we had closure and we said hello and everything was all good. But I feel bad for her family.”
This statement reveals the complex emotions Savage harbored for Elizabeth, even years after their divorce. Despite the time and distance between them, her death clearly impacted him deeply.
Her death sent shockwaves through the wrestling community and added a somber note to the legacy of The Mega Powers. It also highlighted the dark side of the wrestling industry, where substance abuse and personal struggles often lurked behind the glamorous facade.
The Final Chapter: The Loss of Randy Savage
Randy Savage and his wife Lynn on their wedding day in 2010. Just a year later, on May 20th, 2011, Savage tragically passed away after suffering a heart attack. His death marked the end of an era for wrestling fans, with many, including Hulk Hogan, reflecting on his legacy and the reconciliation they shared before his untimely passing. Photo Credit: Boyles Photography.
On May 20th, 2011, the wrestling world was saddened by the news of Randy Savage’s passing. While driving his 2009 Jeep Wrangler, Savage suffered a heart attack and crashed into a tree off a highway in Seminole, Florida. He was pronounced dead at the scene at the age of 58.
The wrestling community mourned the loss of one of its most iconic figures. Hulk Hogan, in particular, expressed gratitude for having reconciled with Savage before his passing. This reconciliation provided a bittersweet closure to their tumultuous relationship.
In the immediate aftermath of Savage’s death, Hogan took to Twitter to share his thoughts:
“I’m completely devastated. After over ten years of not talking with Randy, we’ve finally started to talk and communicate.”
Hogan continued, “He had so much life in his eyes and in his spirit, I just pray that he’s happy and in a better place and we miss him. We miss him a lot. I feel horrible about the ten years of having no communication. This was a tough one.”
A Complex Legacy: Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage
Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan share a symbolic handshake on the May 3rd, 2000 episode of WCW Thunder. Unbeknownst to many fans, this moment marked a quiet farewell to their on-air partnership, bringing an end to one of wrestling’s most iconic and tumultuous rivalries. Photo Credit: WWE.
The story of Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage exemplifies the complex nature of professional wrestling, where the boundaries between scripted performance and real-life conflict often blur. Their evolution from tag team allies to fierce rivals and eventually to reconciled friends mirrors the dramatic storylines that made their in-ring confrontations so compelling.
Their partnership as The Mega Powers redefined tag team wrestling, while their subsequent feud set new standards for storytelling in the industry.
Off-screen, their relationship was equally tumultuous, marked by moments of genuine camaraderie and periods of intense animosity.
Hogan and Savage’s ability to bury the hatchet before Savage’s untimely passing adds a poignant final chapter to their story. It reminds us that even the most intense rivalries can give way to forgiveness and understanding.
Today, the Hogan-Savage legacy continues to resonate with fans and wrestlers alike. Their epic encounters, memorable promos, and larger-than-life personas harken back to a golden age of wrestling when storylines were allowed to simmer and develop over months and years.
Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage may have had their differences, but together, they created magic in the ring that will never be forgotten.
Pro Wrestling Stories is committed to accurate, unbiased wrestling content rigorously fact-checked and verified by our team of researchers and editors. Any inaccuracies are quickly corrected, with updates timestamped in the article's byline header.
Got a correction, tip, or story idea for Pro Wrestling Stories? Contact us! Learn about our editorial standards here. Ever wanted to learn more about the people behind Pro Wrestling Stories? Meet our team of authors!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us provide free content for you to enjoy!
Matthew Redepenning has been an avid fan and historian of professional wrestling for nearly twenty years. After graduating from high school, he attended culinary school, but destiny had other plans for him, and he ultimately earned his bachelor's degree in history from Texas Wesleyan University. He follows MMA and practices kickboxing in his free time.