Iconic "Cream of the Crop" Sweater of Macho Man Randy Savage

The Iconic "Cream of the Crop" Sweater of Macho Man Randy Savage

In the colorful world of professional wrestling in the 1980s and 90s, few performers made as dramatic an impact as "Macho Man" Randy Savage. With his flamboyant personality, signature raspy voice, and high-flying in-ring style, Savage captured the imagination of wrestling fans everywhere during his heyday in promotions like the WWF and WCW.

The Distinctive Look of Macho Man

One of the most iconic parts of Savage's persona was his flashy, over-the-top sense of style. With his neon-colored trunks, distinctive headband, ever-present sunglasses, and colorful robes, Savage cut a figure like no other in sports entertainment.

And one particular article of clothing that has become forever associated with Randy Savage is the famous "Cream of the Crop" sweater he wore frequently in promos and backstage segments.

Origin of the Sweater

The sweater first debuted in late 1987 when Savage was feuding with Hulk Hogan over the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. In a memorable interview segment, Savage referred to himself as the "cream rising to the top" and the "cream of the crop" as he boasted of his supremacy in the World Wrestling Federation.

To drive the dairy-themed metaphor home, Savage wore a knit sweater which featured cartoon images of various cream-based food items like cookies & cream ice cream, cream corn, and cream pies.

The Sweater Becomes Iconic

Over the next several years in the WWF, Randy Savage continued to wear his "Cream of the Crop" sweater for various promos and vignettes. The sheer ridiculousness and unabashed campiness of the sweater seemed to perfectly match the Macho Man's loud, overblown persona.

Whether he was challenging The Ultimate Warrior for the WWF World Championship or teaming up with Hulk Hogan as the Mega Powers, that weird sweater often completed Savage's eclectic look. Unsurprisingly, it fast became one of the most iconic symbols of Randy Savage's popularity.

Homage and Tributes

Even decades after Savage's active wrestling career ended, his famous sweater continues to be part of his lasting legacy in pop culture. There is perhaps no greater homage than rapper Jay Z wearing an exact replica of the "Cream of the Crop" sweater in his iconic video for "So Appalled."

The sweater also shows up frequently in all sorts of Macho Man tributes and pieces of Savage memorabilia. Funko produced a Randy Savage action figure sporting the Cream sweater as part of their WWE toy line. And specialty apparel companies like Barber Shop Window continue to churn out faithful reproductions so fans can dress like the Macho King.

Where is the Sweater Now?

So where is the original iconic "Cream of the Crop" sweater today? Unfortunately the current whereabouts are unknown. Many of Savage's flamboyant wrestling outfits were custom made for him by his wife Elizabeth. So it is unlikely that original sweater still exists in a collector's closet somewhere.

But that hasn't stopped replica versions from remaining a popular piece of nostalgic wrestling merchandise. And it hasn't diminished its reputation as one of the most legendary pieces of Macho Man Randy Savage history and lore.

FAQs

When did Randy Savage first wear the "Cream of the Crop" sweater?

Savage first wore the sweater in late 1987 during his feud with Hulk Hogan over the WWF Championship. He coined the "cream of the crop" phrase to describe his supremacy in the World Wrestling Federation.

What was pictured on the sweater?

The knit sweater featured colorful cartoon images of various cream-based foods like ice cream, cream corn, and cream pies.

Did Savage wear it again after that initial 1987 promo?

Yes, Savage wore the sweater numerous times over the next several years in WWF programming. It became one of his trademark looks alongside his sunglasses and colorful robes.

Who paid tribute to the iconic sweater?

Rapper Jay Z wore an exact replica in his music video for "So Appalled." Funko and apparel companies have also produced version as memorabilia for wrestling fans.