SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 26:17 Min.
It is unknown exactly when ICW World Champion “Macho Man” Randy Savage faced “One Man Gang” Ronnie Garvin in this early-80’s steel cage slugfest. A best guess would either 1982 or 1983. The same enigma applies to the arena, but this title defense likely occurred in proximity to ICW’s base in Lexington, KY.
Somewhat foreshadowing their future WWF co-existence, Savage is the flamboyantly popular champion while Garvin (in villainous mode) conveys an icy thug. The footage begins with quick summary profiles of these two combatants, in terms of their comparable sizes. Of note, Garvin’s flat brown hair makes him near-unrecognizable (he resembles Dino Bravo at the time), as opposed to his spiky peroxide blonde look later that decade. Savage’s glitzy ring appearance, meanwhile, is accompanied by the Fame movie theme. Notably, neither wrestler is accompanied by any manager/valet or entourage.
With this title bout captured on film (like 1970’s pro boxing), Savage’s unseen brother, Lanny Poffo, supplies voiceover commentary. For instance, Poffo identifies George Weingeroff as the referee. As to the post-match shenanigans, Pez Whatley, “Speed” Manson, and even Poffo himself make appearances.
Note: Considering their father, Angelo Poffo, owned International Championship Wrestling (ICW), it’s no surprise that Randy Savage & Lanny Poffo were his promotion’s undisputed stars.
REVIEW:
Given this match is at least forty years old, its footage is well-produced and appears in surprisingly pristine condition. Another terrific asset is Poffo’s low-key, articulate narration, which is reminiscent of an impartial TV news anchor.
Garvin’s brutally effective ground game limits Savage’s patented aerial tactics to one missed flying elbow drop. Forced to play mostly defense, a bloodied “Macho Man” is unexpectedly dominated by Garvin. Sporadic local cheers invariably favoring the champion help convey that Savage is the underdog against this formidable rival. Ultimately, the winning maneuver: a makeshift piledriver off the second turnbuckle (presumably, a planned spot) is well-played.
As opposed to their eventual WWF tenure – where their family connection isn’t acknowledged, Poffo’s commentary briefly (if not reluctantly) mentions at the end that he and Savage are brothers. It is a nice set-up explaining his intervention to end a 2-on-1 beatdown against a defenseless “Macho Man.” From a supposedly low-rent regional promotion, this no-nonsense title showdown is impressive work.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
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