One day, I was sitting and pondering-probably in my favorite chair at my kitchen table; the place I refer to as my command center-what book should I review next? I created this website as a project to highlight basketball related books. I thought, Gee, I would really like to review books beyond basketball. Stuff I’m just interested in. Then, it hit me. This is my website. So guess what?
I present to you my review of Jon Finkel’s book, Macho Man: The Untamed, Unbelievable Life of Randy Savage.
We live in the era of “The Podcast.” It truly is a revolution. I love podcasts. I listen to, and watch on YouTube, a variety of them. I love how you can find podcasts relating to almost any niche topic imaginable, with a litany of personalities to listen to and learn from. Theo Von did a couple of episodes with Rick Flair and Hulk Hogan, respectively. I thought they were the best interviews with either guy I’ve ever heard.
Theo Von and the Hulkster, BROTHER! https://t.co/VssDDFMttH
— Chris@TrueBallerBooks🏀 (@TrueBallerBooks) August 22, 2024
Theo Von and Rick Flair Woooooo!https://t.co/zhGyqk4M9e
— Chris@TrueBallerBooks🏀 (@TrueBallerBooks) August 22, 2024
When I was watching both of those podcast interviews, I thought to myself, Man, I wish Macho was still here.
Well, we might not have the Macho Man with us any more, so a dream podcast episode sadly won’t happen.
But, if we can’t get a Theo Von podcast with the Macho Man, we can get the next best thing…A Jon Finkel biography on the Macho Man.
Ooooooh yeahhhhh!
Macho Man: The Untamed, Unbelievable Life of Randy Savage is a sweaty, loud, sequins-glistening inside look at the life of one of every 10 year old boy in 1987’s greatest heroes: The Macho Man Randy Savage.
Jon Finkel did a marvelous job with this effort. His research was extensive and thorough, including interviews and dozens of sources and references. His approach was reverential, fun, and honest.
If you are going to read this book, chances are you are already a fan of the Macho Man. You may already be familiar with his big matches, rivalries, and evolution of style. Finkel covers all of it, however….
You think you know…But you don’t know NOTHIN’! (Macho Man voice)
What really struck me, as I was reading this book, was the level of commitment and discipline that Randy personified all through out his journey. Going from his dream to play professional baseball as a young man all the way to his Spider Man/Slim Jim days; he was all-in. If he failed, it wasn’t going to be because he did not put in the time and effort necessary to succeed. He was a true work horse. On the road, from town to town, hotel to hotel, gym to gym…relentless in his pursuit to craft himself into a top draw.
Us fans are so used to seeing the end product of years and years of a wrestler’s fine tuning their craft, that it’s very easy for us to ignore not just the physical work and time on the road put in, but the artistic interaction with the audience. The road, and the live audiences that went with it, was a testing ground. Every night was a new interaction. A new attempt that could end in failure just as much as success.
That’s where the Macho Man was born.
He might not be here anymore to tell us about it, but John Finkel’s book can make you feel like he is.
Thanks Mach.
