Iconic Macho Man Randy Savage Cream of the Crop Sweater History

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

In the world of professional wrestling, few attires stand out as much as that of "Macho Man" Randy Savage. With his flashy robes, colorful bandanas, oversized sunglasses and distinctive gravelly voice, Savage had a unique look and charisma that made him one of the most popular wrestlers of all time.

The Birth of a Catchphrase

During his time in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in the late 1980s, Savage adopted a new catchphrase that perfectly encapsulated his swaggering style: "Oooh yeah, dig it!" These words were typically followed by Savage referring to himself as the "cream of the crop."

This phrase became closely linked to Savage in promos and matches, where he would often shout "Cream of the crop!" while flexing his impressive physique to showcase that he was, in fact, the best in the business.

Immortalized on a Sweater

At some point in 1987 or 1988, the "Cream of the Crop" moniker made its way onto one of Savage's most iconic fashion statements – a bold black and white sweater featuring his catchphrase in a striking font across the chest.

This sweater perfectly complemented his flashy persona, with the cream of the crop wording proudly announcing his excellence to the world. It became a visual representation of Savage's supreme confidence and talent.

The Sweater Transcends Wrestling

While Savage only wore the "Cream of the Crop" sweater a handful of times on television, photos of him in the top became legendary in the wrestling world. They embodied the peak of Savage's early WWF career.

Eventually, the iconic sweater took on a life outside of wrestling circles. The bold text and blocky font tapped into a postmodern nostalgia for retro fashion. The sweater became a statement piece in DJ and artist communities centered around house music and hip hop.

Collaborations Keep Sweaters Relevant

Over the years, Savage's famous sweater has been the focus of many successful collaborations and limited reissues. Brands like Undefeated and PWT worked with Savage's estate to offer updated versions that retain the retro flair.

In 2022, current wrestling company AEW released a special version as a collaboration between Savage's brother, Lanny Poffo, and rising wrestler Max Caster. The reissue featured bright neon colors that modernized the look while paying homage to the original.

Sweater Triggers Nostalgia for Golden Era Wrestling

For longtime wrestling fans, the "Cream of the Crop" sweater represents the pinnacle of an era dominated by flashy characters and an emphasis on storytelling over pure technical wrestling. It stirs up nostalgia for 1980s wrestling when Savage was at the top of his game.

Younger fans may not recall Macho Man's glory days, but they still recognize the sweater as a symbol of old school swagger. Vintage Savage apparel has become symbolic of the golden age of wrestling entertainment.

The Enduring Pop Culture Relevance of Randy Savage

While Randy Savage sadly passed away in 2011 at the age of 58, his enormous contributions to wrestling have not been forgotten. Many consider him one of the most charismatic and athletically gifted wrestlers to ever set foot in the ring.

Just as it encapsulated Savage's talent and magnetism back in the late 1980s, the "Cream of the Crop" sweater still generates interest and nostalgia over 30 years later. It remains intricately linked to Macho Man's legacy as one of wrestling's all-time greats.

For both longtime fans and younger generations, this iconic top will always represent Randy Savage's brilliance and pop culture impact. The bold text forever marks him as a cream of the crop performer, both in and out of the ring.

FAQs

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

It's not entirely clear, but most reports indicate Savage first wore the iconic sweater sometime in 1987 or 1988 during his early days in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).

Where can I buy an authentic "Cream of the Crop" sweater?

Unfortunately original Randy Savage sweaters from the 1980s are very rare and hard to find. However, there have been several collaborations and reissues over the years, like versions from Undefeated, PWT, and AEW's 2022 retro version.

What makes the sweater such an iconic symbol?

The bold "Cream of the Crop" text, retro font, and cool color scheme perfectly matched Macho Man's flamboyant persona and talent. It also stirred nostalgia for the golden era of pro wrestling entertainment.

Who has worn the famous sweater besides Randy Savage?

While Macho Man made it legendary, the sweater has also been worn by rapper Jay Z, NBA player LeBron James, and various celebrities and influencers seeking to channel its old school swagger.