NoDQ.com > Features > '$1,000 Mania' challenge gets issued to WWE Posted by Randy Gordon on 07/01/2008 at 06:58 PM
From Anthony G. Maurizio:
The lights dim. An eerie hush falls over the crowd. The opening chords of the iconic 'Pomp and Circumstance' echo throughout the arena. A muscular man with a gritty beard and flashy outfit appears in the entrance way. The sunglasses are immediately recognizable, as is the beautiful girl standing beside him. The crowd erupts into an incredible ovation. The Macho Man Randy Savage stands tall and energetically points to the crowd. A rare level of charisma is witnessed by the thousands in the arena, and the millions around the globe.
For some, this moment doesn't seem too distant. Perhaps it is due to the tribute Jay Lethal is giving to this legend. However, Savage is noticeably the one man absent from any WWE return or Hall of Fame induction in the past several years. We have witnessed the likes of Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, and even Bret Hart make a celebrated WWE return in some capacity. One question stands: Where is the Macho Man?
I have spoke with Jerry Lawler on the matter. His words were that Wrestlemania 25 is a possibility. I have witnessed Jim Ross suffer at the hands of an online onslaught when his blog was being crowded with requests for Randy last year. Jim has gone on record saying the level of interest on a Savage Hall of Fame induction was so high on his website, that he told his webmaster 'no more of that.' Insanity.
Fans of wrestling must recall his hip hop album and challenge to Hulk Hogan in 2003. Randy challenged Hulk to a fight with the concept that all profits be donated to the All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL. Hogan ultimately dodged the challenge and Randy donated some of his own monies.
On this day, I make a similar challenge. A challenge, purely Savage-style. If Vince McMahon of the WWE can come forward cleanly, and issue a press release or statement detailing why Randy has been ostracized from the WWE and their Hall of Fame proceedings, I personally plan to donate $1,000 to the All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg. The fans, and I, would like to know why there have been no subsequent Savage appearances, no action figures, and a cancelled DVD. I have had Jakks action figure representatives laugh in my face in 2006 when I asked them in NYC about the potential of a Savage figure. But mind you, Bruno Sammartino, 'Mr. I Hate Vince' himself, has had his likeness graced in the Classic Superstars figures line.
I am waiting.
Anthony G. Maurizio
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