Austin Idol pays tribute to Savage and Ric Rude, says Hogan could use a friend

The legendary Austin Idol has wrestled the 'who's who' of pro-wrestling throughout his illustrious career. The flamboyant wrestler is perhaps most remembered for his legendary feud against Jerry Lawler during the mid 80's. However, Idol would also have memorable feuds against other wrestling legends like Randy "Macho Man" Savage, Ric Flair, Ric Rude, Pedro Morales, Harley Race and more. On Friday, Fight Sports Examiner spoke with Austin Idol about a wide array of topics that will definitely keep long-time wrestling fans entertained.

Two weeks have gone by and the wrestling world is still feeling the loss of Randy "Macho Man" Savage. Idol had the opportunity to wrestle against Savage early in Randy's career during 1983 and 1984. The two had some memorable encounters in the Memphis territory specifically in the CWA promotion which was owned by Jerry Jarrett and Jerry Lawler. Idol shared his thoughts on the passing of Savage:

"Randy was a great athlete, very intense on all levels, and was a true pleasure for Austin Idol to work with. We had a mutual understanding from the get go and our common goal was to make $$$! There were no ego problems, henceforth our matches were filled with excitement, high flying (On His Part), and risk taking moves. Randy was a good guy who left us way too soon. Life is a blink of the eye. One blink your alive, the next blink, you're gone.....Don't Blink!!"

Randy Savage wasn't the only young star that Idol encountered early in their careers. Austin helped get Rick Rude "over" in the Memphis region during the same time period. Idol was instrumental in developing Rude into a star.

"Cowboy Bill Watts wanted to deploy Rude and asked Jerry Jarrett if he would take him. Jerry obliged and at first blush made up his mind Rude would never draw money. I looked at him and his girl Angel and had other thoughts. I said to Jerry, "Let me have him, I have an idea"? Jerry was funny because he honestly believed it would be impossible for anyone to draw money with this awkward somewhat skinny but, muscular kid." said Idol.

"I laid out a program that lasted about 5 or 6 weeks where Rude and I never touched, just built up our angle with interviews. The angle culminated when I gave his girl a passionate kiss on TV with her falling for The "Universal Heartthrob" and Rude losing it and ambushing me due to his raging envy. We drew money all over the territory even when Lawler wasn't on the card. The Idol delivered again and proved the boss wrong. As for Jerry Jarrett, he was thrilled to be wrong and still make money!"

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