If Triple H's recent marital woes awakened a sense of deja vu, it may be the result of witnessing similar events a little more than a decade ago. In the mid-to-late 80s, the twists, turns and tribulations of the relationship between "Macho Man" Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth unfolded in front of a live audience, just as th eone between Triple H and Stephanie did a few months ago.
But that's not all these two mat Superstar have in common. Both men began their careers here as wildly hated rule-breakers, only to capture the hearst of sports-entertainment fans while paving a path to greatness. Sixteen years ago, Savage was arguably the most hated man in the business. Despite his beautiful valet, fans abhorred the wild-maned grappler from Sarasota, Florida, and jeered him mercilessly. But as time went on, the masses grew to accept his uncouth style and outlandish attire, and embraced him as a hero. Eventually, Savage worked his way to the top, capturing two World Championships and headlining two Wrestlemanias. In WCW, Savage's success continued, leading him to four championship reigns there.
Like Savage, fans initially despised Triple H for his snobbish behavior and condescending manner. Yet, Triple H was also able to prove himself in the ring and earn their respect. Over the past few years, "The Game" found himself in countless abttles with top Superstars like The Rock and Mankind, and while he has won and lost his share of encounters, his relentless attitude in the ring brought him to a level reached by few in the industry. Despite suffering a career-threatebing injury last year, Triple H was able to pick up where he left off by returning to the ring in peak shape and once again working his was to the top.
"MACHO MAN" RANDY SAVAGE
Strengths
The "Macho Man" is a second-generation athlete. He was trained by his father, the great Angelo Poffo, who instilled in him the fundamentals of the sport, and also taught him to use any tactic necessary to win. It was Savage's rule-breaking style that first got him noticed. But as time passed, his ground technique and high-risk style meshed as he soared to new heights.
Weaknesses
A quick temper was one of Savage's main flaws. Often distracted by events outside the ring, Savage would quickly lose focus and leap to the arena floor either to protect his lady ot mouth off to a grating fan. Quite frequently, bringing th elovely Miss Elizabeth to ringside with him backfired on him, as his mind would be on everything but his opponent. This would leave him vulnerable and momentarily defenseless to attacks
Key Wins
Without a doubt, the biggest win of Savage's career came in the main event of Wrestlemania IV in 1988. After th eworld title was declared vacant by then-president Jack Tunney, a tournament was created to crown a new champion. During one extraordinary evening, Savage defeated "The Natural" Butch Reed, Greg "The Hammer" Valentine and finally "The Million Dollar Man" Ted Dibiase to capture the title.
Key Losses
At Wrestlemania III in 1987, Savage battld Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat in a classic that both fans and Superstars consider one of the greatest mathes in sports-entertainment history. Despite a strong effeort and sevral near-falls, Savage fell short and lost his title to Steamboat before 93,000 screaming fans. At Wrestlemania V two years later, Savage defended the World Chamiopnship against Hulk Hogan. Once again, he fell short as the Hulkster ended his year-long reign as champion.
Finishing Moves
When the "Macho Man" feels it is time to end a contest, he leaves his semi-conscious opponent on the mat, races to the corner and purches himself high atop the turnbuckle. After initially crouching, Savage stands up straight to better measure the distance he needs to cover. He then points to the heavens in a circular motion and soars across the ring, delivering a stiff elbow to the chest. As his opponent lies gasping for breath, Savage hooks their leg and awaits the inevitable three-count.
Strategy
In order to defeat Triple H. Savage would need to isolate "The Game's: lower body and go to work on his legs. Not only wuold his game plan prevent the "Cerebral Assassin" from applying the Pedigree, but it would also increase Savage's chances of nailing his flying elbow. If unable to outwrestle Triple H, Savage would likely resort to his old tricks and pull a pair of knucks from his tights. One punch later, Savage would be heading toward the top rope and preparing to deliver the elbow of doom.
Strengths
Not only does Triple H posses sheer physical strength, he is extremely intelligent, with an unparalleled knowledge of the business. Trained by the legendary Killer Kowalski, the "Cerebral Assassin" learned the ins and outs of sports-entertainment from a man who has seen and heard it all.
Weaknesses
Although he hasn't shown any signs of weakness or fatigue following quadriceps surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation last year, "The Game's" enemies constantly look to exploit his injury by focusing on the leg. Their belief is that his surgically repaired muscle may not be as strong as it once was.
Key Wins
Upon returning from a nine-month absense, Triple H looked to prove to the world that he was better than ever. Not only did he win this year's Royal Rumble and the No. 1 contender's spot, he also won his fifth World Championship by defeating Chris Jericho for the Undisputed title at Wrestlemania X8. At Judgment Day, Triple H unpended Jericho once again in a high-stakes Hell in a Cell match.
Key Losses
Earlier this year at Backlash, Triple H encountered his first major setback since his amazing return. After the Undertaker interfered in the match and laid out "The Game" with a steel chair, the legnedary Hollywood Hulk Hogan covered him for the victory. Another major loss on Triple H's resume occurred at Wrestlemania X-Seven when he suffered a defeat at the hands of the Undertaker.
Finishing Move
When the "Cerebral Assassin" has an opponent in a weakened state, he stradles them, locks their arms behind their back, picks them up off the ground and drops to his knees, sending them face-first into the canvas. The Pedigree forces the mass of Triple H's body onto a rival's head as he crashes into the ground. It is an utterly devastating effect, similar to a knockout blow from a heavyweight boxer.
Strategy
It's common knowledge that Randy Savage was a crafty competitor. In order to insure victory, Triple H would have to stoop a little lower than the "Macho Man." Thumbs to the eyes, low blows and even biting might help Triple H anger Savage enough to push him over the edge and give "The Game" the advantage. However, when it comes to sheer strebgth, the scales clearly tip in favor of Triple H. If he were able to punish Savage long enough, the chances of him going airbourne would decrease. A grounded Savage would be one mistake away from the pedigree.
Though their styles share many similarities, it's difficult to pick a sure victor between these two legendary athletes. Since many feel Triple H is just beginning to hit his peak, competeing against the "Macho Man" in his prime would be a worthy test to ascertain how tough he really is. While Savage didn't compete in any Hell in a Cell matches, he was known for taking risks in standard cage matches, often attempting dare-devil flying elbows from the 15-foot-high structure. For two men known to follow thier own rules, a cage match would likely be the perfect way to determine who was the better man between the ropes.
Four years later at Wrestlemania VIII, Savage defeated "Nature Boy" Ric Flair to begin his second title reign as World Champion. At the 1995 edition of WCW's World War III, Savage outlasted 59 other competitors in a battle royal to win the vacant WCW Championship.
Triple H
Following in the footsteps of his idol Ric Flair, Triple H uses a variety of knee-lifts nad heavy blows to wear down an opponent. But perhaps his greatest asset is his brawling ability, which has earned him numerous big victories in Stret Fights and Hell in a Cell contests.
Another key Hell in a Cell victory came at the 2000 No Way Out, when triple H sent former World Champion Mick Foley through the top of the cage and through the canvas, officially retiring the hardcore legend.
FINAL ANALYSIS