In 1988, after the success of his WrestleMania and Survivor Series pay-per-views, Vince McMahon decided to capitalize on The Mega Powers‘ popularity and create the first SummerSlam event. It was sold on the colossal main event of The Mega Powers vs. The Mega Bucks (Andre & DiBiase). Savage and Hogan would be victorious and end 1988 on top of the world. However, friction between The Mega Powers started to form, and got worse when Hogan accidentally eliminated Savage from the 1989 Royal Rumble match. On February 3rd 1989, on Saturday Night’s Main Event, everything would come crashing down. During a tag match, a kayfabe injury to Ms. Elizabeth led Hogan to carry her back to the locker room area, temporarily abandoning Savage. Macho Man would repay the favor and abandon Hogan later in the match to go check on Elizabeth. It led to a back stage segment where Savage accused Hogan of having “lustful eyes” for Elizabeth, and clocked him in the head with the championship belt, officially turning back heel. It resulted in a match being set for WrestleMania V between the former Mega Powers. Unfortunately for Savage, Vince McMahon would go back to the well and book Hogan to beat him at the show and end his time as champion. The Macho Man‘s first WWF title reign is truly the stuff of legends. It lasted a whopping 371 days, and saw him be both a beloved babyface and a hated heel champion. Many talented performers can only thrive as either or. Savage could effortlessly flip a switch and be an elite heel or babyface on command. It was a true testament to his amazing versatility as a performer.
