How did Lanny Poffo die? Ex-WWE star and late Randy Savage's brother, 68, won NWA tag-team titles with dad
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Former WWE (then WWF) wrestler and manager Lanny Poffo has died at the age of 68. WWE legend and Hall of Famer 'Hacksaw' Jim Duggan wrote on social media, "With a very, very heavy heart, I've been asked to let everyone know about the passing of our friend and colleague Lanny Poffo, The Genius. RIP Lanny."
Although Poffo never achieved the fame that he should have got, he found his greatest success while serving as the manager for "Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig. Lanny Poffo was the real-life younger brother of another iconic wrestling legend, the late "Macho Man" Randy Savage. Known as "The Genius" and also as "Leaping", Lanny Poffo made his wrestling debut in 1974 and went on to win the NWA tag-team titles with his father, Angelo Poffo. It was in the mid-1980s when Poffo got his big break in his wrestling career when joined the then-WWF.
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The Illinois native later turned heel after making his debut in the biggest wrestling company as a babyface and frequently insulted fans through poetry. "LANNY POFFO MY BROTHER," began a tweet by former wrestler, the Iron Sheik. The tweet further read, "I LOVE YOU FOREVER. GIVE [the late] NIKOLAI [Volkoff,] RANDY [Savage,] AND ELIZABETH [Hulette] HUG FOR ME."
With a very, very heavy heart, I've been asked to let everyone know about the passing of our friend and colleague Lanny Poffo, The Genius.
— Hacksaw Jim Duggan (@RealHacksawJim) February 2, 2023
RIP Lanny pic.twitter.com/4ve4J2HSHT
LANNY POFFO MY BROTHER. I LOVE YOU FOREVER. GIVE NIKOLAI RANDY AND ELIZABETH HUG FOR ME
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) February 2, 2023
"Lanny Poffo. The genius. Man. I am so sorry brother," tweeted another wrestler, Virgil. "Love you and Randy more than you ever will know. RIP." Poffo is also considered one of the pioneers in the wrestling industry who helped to popularize the sport from just being a regional spectacle to making a global sensation along with the likes of Andre The Giant, Hulk Hogan, and Ric Flair. He would serve as a manager for the Beverly Brothers as they beat the beloved tag-team pair, The Bushwackers.
Lanny Poffo. The genius. Man. I am so sorry brother. Love you and Randy more than you ever will know. RIP pic.twitter.com/hAJozrZ5ck
— Virgil (@TheRealVirgil) February 2, 2023
Although he never got the chance the be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, he inducted his late brother in 2015. Before retiring from wrestling Poffo made frequent shifts from the WWF, WCW, and various independent circuits.
How did Lanny Poffo die?
The official cause of death of Lanny Poffo has not been revealed as of yet. The 68-year-old's death was first revealed by WWE Hall of Famer 'Hacksaw' Jim Duggan via social media.
What did Poffo do after his retirement from wrestling?
Poffo has published two books outside wrestling. One is a collection of poems and limericks, most of which were related to drug and alcohol awareness, directed toward young children. Poffo was a vocal opponent of tobacco smoking and also published an anti-smoking book of limericks entitled 'Limericks from the Heart and Lungs!' He also became involved in podcasting and was a frequent participant at various wrestling events and conventions.