May 20, 2011 | 1:53 pm

Famed Jewish pro wrestler, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, killed in car accident

Posted by JewishJournal.com

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"Macho Man" Randy Savage in the summer of 1986

“Macho Man” Randy Savage died this morning in a car accident in Tampa Bay, Fl.  Reuters reports that the Savage, who has had a long career in pro wrestling, “appeared to have lost control of his 2009 Jeep Wrangler for unknown reasons at 9:25 a.m. local time, crash investigators said.”  He was 58.

Born Randy Poffo, Savage grew up in Columbus, Oh. to an Italian American father and Jewish mother.  His father, Angelo Poffo at one time held the world record for sit ups and was a professional wrestler in the 50s and 60s, according to Wikipedia. 

As a second generation wrestler, Savage entered the ring in 1973 and grew to fame as an established professional wrestler under the name “Macho Man Randy Savage.”  He has been affiliated with the World Wrestling Federation (Now WWE), World Championship Wrestling and a short stint with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling.

Savage was known for performing the following moves on opponents, according to his Wikipedia page:

Diving elbow drop, alternating jabs to the opponent’s chest and head, atomic drop, diving crossbody, diving double axe handle-sometimes to an opponent outside the ring, hair-pull hangman, high knee smash, jumping knee drop, lariat takedown, piledriver, scoop slam, snapmare, various elbow strikes and a vertical suplex.

WWE released a statement regarding Savage’s death:

“Our sincerest condolences go out to his family and friends. We wish a speedy recovery to his wife Lynn. Poffo will be greatly missed by WWE and his fans.”