‘The Genius’ Lanny Poffo dead at 68: WWE in mourning as legend and brother of Randy Savage dies

WRESTLING legend Lanny Poffo, brother of “Macho Man” Randy Savage, has died aged 68.

The sad news was shared via Instagram by WWE icon “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan on Thursday.

3

3

Sharing several snaps of Poffo, he wrote: “It is with a very, very heavy heart that I have been asked to inform everyone of the passing of our friend and colleague Lanny Poffo, The Genius. RIP Lanny.”

Poffo, was known as “Leaping Lanny” and “The Genius” during his time in WWE.

His epic wrestling began in the 1970s while working in the American Territories.

But he went mainstream when Vince McMahon signed him to WWE in 1985, and he became the manager for some of the company’s top villain characters.

Poffo remained with WWE until 1992 and later joined and worked for rival promotion World Championship Wrestling between 1995 and 1999.

He remained active in the industry well into his 60’s, with Cagematch claiming his last match was in January 2020 for Survival Championship Wrestling in Rensselaer, New York.

No cause of death has been announced yet.

Wrestling legend Bobby Fulton tweeted after discovering the news: “Very sorry to hear of the death of Lanny Poffo! Great guy and friend! Prayers for his family, friends and fans!”

One fan tweeted, “In an era of bodybuilders specializing in punches and kicks and screaming threats, the guys who did things differently certainly stood out. Leaping Lanny Poffo was one of those guys I remember best.

“I’ve always wanted to catch one of those frisbees with the poem on them. REST IN PEACE.”

While pro wrestling host Phil Strum said: “I’m really sorry to hear of the death of Lanny Poffo.

“He was really nice to me in our interactions, had a fun personality and was very loving to his family. “

Meanwhile, another fan wrote: “Damn I just heard the news of the death of Lanny Poffo aka ‘The Genius’ from the old WWF days, I’m sure his brother Randy is waiting for him there outside the Pearl Gates. REST IN PEACE.”

His brother “Macho Man” Randy Savage was one of the most famous wrestling stars in the world alongside the likes of Hulk Hogan and Andre The Giant.

Savage, real name Randall Poffo, was a multiple world champion but sadly passed away in May 2011 at the age of 58.

He suffered a heart attack while driving with his wife in Seminole, Fla., and became unresponsive before losing control of his Jeep Wrangler and crashing into a tree.

The fan favorite was cremated and had his family direct his ashes to be placed under his favorite tree on his property in Largo, Florida.

Poffo later revealed that ten days before Savage’s death, he asked him to bury his dog’s ashes in the same spot.

When Poffo asked why, “Macho” explained that he wanted him to remember this spot as he also wanted his ashes to be buried there.

In addition to wrestling, Poffo was also an author and has published two books, including the anti-smoking book Limericks from the Heart and Lungs!.

According to IMDb, he also enjoyed several acting roles in films such as Curse of the Wolf, Ninja: Prophecy of Death, and Alien Danger 2! With Raven Van Slender.”

3