3. Randy Savage (1987-1989)
By 1986, Randy “Macho Man” Savage had dominated the Intercontinental class of the WWF. His in-ring skills and charisma had elevated him in the eyes of the fans and company officials, and his win in the 1987 King of the Ring Tournament solidified his status as up-and-coming main eventer.
His de-facto face turn occurred when he embarked on a mission to take the Intercontinental Title from the Honky Tonk Man. Honky Tonk was so reviled by the fans that Macho Man’s decision to oppose him (coupled with less abuse and more adulation of Miss Elizabeth) quickly made him a sympathetic hero. The Hart Foundation attacked Savage in concert with the Honky Tonk Man, and when Hulk Hogan made the save it was official- Savage had been elevated to main event status. The two formed the Mega-Powers, Savage won the WWF Championship the following WrestleMania, and enjoyed a continuous 2 year push the likes of which had rarely been seen in pro wrestling.
The list seems highly wwe-centric although the only WCW push that immediately comes to mind is the one you included
I immediately thought of Goldberg and I have also thought that Ryback has been a poor imitation of Goldberg since his repackage.
I’d like to the the “pushes gone wrong” list you teased in the intro!
Forgot how they pushed Sheamus to the moon out of ECW.
I thought this was a WWE article until number 1 … I expected to see Yokozuna at the top spot since he was pushed to kill Hulkamania
anyway
The Sting/Crow Push
The DDP Push
The Booker T push
all come to mind for me
The Hardy Solo Push as well
Good post