Lanny Poffo Then and Now

Lanny Poffo Then

Lanny Poffo, born on December 28, 1954, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, was the younger brother of the iconic professional wrestler “Macho Man” Randy Savage. 

His family background was rich and diverse: his father, Angelo Poffo, was an Italian-American Catholic, while his mother, Judy Sverdlin Poffo, was of Jewish-American heritage, with roots in Belarus and Lithuania. 

The Poffo family moved from Canada to Downers Grove, Illinois, where Lanny and Randy were raised. 

Lanny followed in his brother’s footsteps into the world of professional wrestling, making a name for himself with his unique persona and skills in the ring.

Lanny Poffo Wrestling Career

Poffo began his wrestling career in 1974, debuting in the All-South Wrestling Alliance where he quickly made a mark by teaming with his father, Angelo Poffo. 

The duo won the NWA World Tag Team Championship, holding the title until 1975. 

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Lanny continued to build his career through various promotions, including Big Time Wrestling, where he had a notable match against Lou Thesz and Mighty Igor.

In 1978, Poffo became the first AGPW International Heavyweight Champion and had a series of matches against his brother, Randy Savage. 

He later joined his father’s International Championship Wrestling (ICW), where he and Savage dominated the ICW Heavyweight Championship scene.

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Lanny Poffo debuted in the WWF in 1985 as “Leaping” Lanny Poffo, performing a high-flying style and engaging in matches primarily as enhancement talent. 

He gained recognition for his innovative moves like the moonsault and Senton Bomb. 

In 1989, he reinvented himself as “The Genius,” a pompous and intellectual heel who feuded with notable wrestlers like Brutus Beefcake and Koko B. Ware. 

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His tenure in the WWF saw him manage The Beverly Brothers and compete in various matches, though his career trajectory eventually saw him moving down the card.

After leaving the WWF in 1992, Poffo wrestled in various promotions including World Wrestling Superstars and the International Championship Wrestling Alliance. 

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He briefly signed with WCW in 1995 but was largely inactive, with his contract never leading to significant appearances.

Poffo made a return to wrestling in 2005, participating in Wrestle Reunion and defeating “The Royal Stud” Adam Windsor. 

Despite his lengthy hiatus, he remains a respected figure in professional wrestling history.

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Lanny Poffo Wrestling Competition

• All-South Wrestling Alliance
• Big Time Wrestling (BTW)
• St. Louis Wrestling Club
• Jim Crockett’s Mid Atlantic Championship Wrestling (MACW)
• Atlantic Grand Prix Wrestling (AGPW)
• NWA Pacific Northwest Wrestling
• International Championship Wrestling (ICW)
• Mid South Wrestling
• Continental Wrestling Association (CWA)
• World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
• World Wrestling Superstars
• International Championship Wrestling Alliance
• Anvil Promotions
• World Championship Wrestling (WCW)

Lanny Poffo’s Wife and Children

Lanny Poffo, known for his wrestling career under the ring names “The Genius” and “Leaping Lanny,” was married and had a daughter named Meghan. 

His family life, though less publicized compared to his wrestling career, was an important part of his personal story. 

Meghan Poffo, his daughter, has been a significant part of his life, and through her, Lanny became a grandfather. 

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The next generation of the Poffo family continues to carry forward his legacy, reflecting the personal side of a man whose professional persona was larger than life.

Poffo’s family connections provided him with joy and fulfillment outside the wrestling ring. 

While he was known for his athletic prowess and flamboyant persona in the world of professional wrestling, his role as a father and grandfather was deeply meaningful to him. 

The presence of grandchildren in his life added another layer of satisfaction and pride, allowing him to share his experiences and wisdom with the newer generations of his family.

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Lanny Poffo Now

Lanny Poffo, the celebrated wrestler known for his athletic prowess and distinctive ring persona, passed away on February 2, 2023, in New York City at the age of 68. 

The news of his death was confirmed by Jim Duggan, a longtime personal friend of the Poffo family, who shared the somber update with the public. 

The wrestling community and fans alike were deeply affected by the loss of such a significant figure in the sport.

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The cause of Poffo’s death was reported by wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer as heart failure, a condition that had unfortunately claimed the life of the legendary performer. 

Poffo’s passing marked the end of an era for many wrestling enthusiasts who had followed his career with admiration. 

Despite the sorrow surrounding his death, his legacy endures through the impact he made in professional wrestling and the memories cherished by those who knew him.

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Today, Lanny Poffo is remembered for his contributions to the sport and the personal connections he fostered with fans and colleagues. 

His influence on the wrestling world, coupled with the affection of his family and friends, ensures that his memory continues to live on.

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