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'''Lanny Poffo''' (born [[December 28]], [[1954]] in [[Calgary]], [[Alberta]]), better known by his [[ring name]] '''"Leaping" Lanny Poffo''' is a Canadian-American [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]. Poffo was born in [[Calgary]], [[Canada]], to [[Angelo Poffo]], an [[Italian American]] [[Catholic]], and Judy, a [[American Jews|Jewish American]].<ref>[http://www.sptimes.com/News/122701/Floridian/A_wrestling_dynasty.shtml Floridian: A wrestling dynasty<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> He is also the brother of wrestling legend [[Randy Savage|"Macho Man" Randy Savage]]. Poffo grew up in [[Downers Grove, Illinois]]. He holds both Canadian and American citizenship.
'''Lanny Poffo''' (born [[December 28]], [[1954]] in [[Calgary]], [[Alberta]]), better known by his [[ring name]] '''"Leaping" Lanny Poffo''' is a Canadian-American [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]. Poffo was born in [[Calgary]], [[Canada]], to [[Angelo Poffo]], an [[Italian American]] [[Catholic]], and Judy, a [[American Jews|Jewish American]].<ref>[http://www.sptimes.com/News/122701/Floridian/A_wrestling_dynasty.shtml Floridian: A wrestling dynasty<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> He is also the brother of wrestling legend [[Randy Savage|"Macho Man" Randy Savage]].


==Career==
===Lanny Poffo===
His Wrestling career started in 1973 upon graduation from Downers Grove High School North. He went on to wrestle in many territories until joining the roster of the WWF (WWE) in 1985.
===Early career===
He began wrestling in the [[National Wrestling Alliance|NWA]] territories in the 1970s before becoming a star in his father's promotion, [[International Championship Wrestling]], where he held the promotion's title. Over the course of his regional career, Poffo both tag teamed and [[feud (professional wrestling)|feuded]] with older brother Randy. Upon the ICW's folding in 1984, he joined Randy in the [[Continental Wrestling Association|CWA]] before traveling with him again to the [[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation]] in June 1985. The brother angle was never worked in the WWF and the relationship was never mentioned on-air.


Billed as Leaping Lanny Poffo, because of his acrobatic abilities, he did very well until the booker, George Scott was replaced by Pat Patterson. Without George Scott's protection, Lanny was used as enhancement talent until 1989, when he got his big break as The Genius.
While Lanny never attained the popularity of his brother in the WWF, he still managed to find a niche for himself as a minor fan favorite. As '''Leaping Lanny Poffo, the Wrestling Poet''' he would bring frisbees to the ring, read a short ode written on one of them that he himself had penned, and throw the frisbees into the crowd. Each poem typically ridiculed the [[heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] that he was about to wrestle against, or angered the heel by building [[heat (professional wrestling)|heat]] for the [[face (professional wrestling)|face]] that the heel was feuding with at the time. Despite wrestling as a [[job (professional wrestling)|jobber]], he was arguably in the "Jobber To The Stars" category as he was usually allowed to get in a fair amount of offense in his matches, and won some matches on occasion. Poffo wrestled a high-flyer style at a time when big, heavy wrestlers still dominated the promotion. He was one of the first wrestlers in North America to utilize the [[moonsault]] in their arsenal, though the announcers referred to it at the time as a "leaping backflip". He made some publicity in late 1986 and early 1987 by competing in a series of [[Battle royal (professional wrestling) #Bunkhouse Stampede|Bunkhouse Battle Royals]] in full knight's armor, though he was eliminated quickly.


Lanny's victory over Hulk Hogan on NBC's Saturday Night's Main Event propelled him to wrestling immortality. His appearance on Live with Regis Philbin Philbin was hilarious. His partnership with Mr. Perfect (Curt Hennig) was very successful. Box office records were broken during that partnership, including Los Angles Sports Arena.
In April 1989, Poffo was re-introduced as a heel wrestler and became '''The Genius''', adopting a highly intelligent, sniffy persona and wearing an academic cap and gown to the ring. He officially turned heel at the Boston Garden on March 18, 1989 still known as Leaping Lanny, he berated Hulk Hogan and stuck up for Randy Savage in his poem. This was a mere two weeks before Wrestlemania V. His poems now ridiculed the face wrestlers, and he now behaved in an even more effeminate manner to infuriate the crowd. During the match, the Genius would construct a mathematical equation that would tilt the balance of the match in his favor. In addition, the Genius also served as a manager (and occasional tag team partner) for [[Curt Hennig|Mr. Perfect]].


In WrestleMania 6 in Toronto, Canada, Brutus the Barber Beefcake cut Lanny's hair to the delight of the crowd.
On the [[Saturday Night's Main Event results#Saturday Night's Main Event XXIV|November 25, 1989 edition]] of ''[[WWE Saturday Night's Main Event|WWF Saturday Night's Main Event]]'', The Genius beat [[WWE Championship|WWF Champion]] [[Hulk Hogan]] by countout due to Mr. Perfect hitting Hogan with the championship belt. Later in the show, Mr. Perfect and Poffo took a hammer to the belt, shattering it to pieces. It is said that this destroyed belt became the first [[WWE Hardcore Championship|WWF Hardcore Championship]] belt. Later, The Genius was the manager of the [[Beverly Brothers]] ([[Mike Enos]] and [[Wayne Bloom]]). It was in this capacity that Poffo last appeared in the WWF, at [[Survivor Series (1992)|Survivor Series 1992]].


Outside of the ring, Lanny is in great demand as a children's author and motivational speaker. He is an advocate for clean living.
===World Championship Wrestling (1995-1999)===
Poffo signed a [[World Championship Wrestling|WCW]] contract in 1995, but he was rarely used. In his autobiography, Chris Jericho commented that he only saw Lanny Poffo work once and probably received the same paycheck as Chris who worked 22 dates a month. He sat at home and collected a paycheck for four years. Although it is rumored that Poffo did in fact work WCW events as WCW's mascot, Wild Cat Willie, Poffo disputes this claim in an online interview.<ref>[http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=19570 Wrestling Observer - headlines<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


In 2006 Lanny starred in the horror film Curse of the Wolf. The film was winner of "Best Horror Feature" 2006 at the Great Lakes Film Festival
In a later shoot interview, Poffo clarified the details of his WCW tenure. He explained that he was contacted by his brother (Randy Savage) with the guarantee of a WCW contract. Savage, who had recently purchased the Gorgeous George gimmick, offered the character to Poffo, feeling that his brother would generate some great heat with the character. Poffo signed the contract and then began a strict training regimen (as well as bleaching his hair blonde) in preparation for his return to the ring.


Lanny has written poems for the Jerry Lewis Telethon, the Special Olympics, the Fraternal Order of Police and the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame.
However, as Poffo recalls, the phone simply never rang. Despite being under contract, he was never contacted with any bookings. Poffo's own calls to the office went unreturned, and he was simply never used by WCW.


A published poet, In 2004 one of his books LIMERICKS FROM THE HEART (and LUNGS!) was nominated for a Newbery Medal. The purpose of the book is to dissuade young people from the allure of tobacco.
==Life after wrestling==
Outside of wrestling, Poffo has released a collection of [[poems]] and [[limericks]], most of which were related to drug and [[alcohol]] awareness, directed toward young children. Poffo is a staunch anti-smoker and has released a book of limericks entitled ''Limericks from the Heart and Lungs!''. He is also a certified credit counselor. He was last seen on television in [[infomercial]]s as an endorser of [[Tony Little]]'s Gazelle Freestyle exercise machine. Lanny Poffo was a part of Wrestle Reunion in [[Tampa, Florida]] on January 28-30, 2005. Poffo defeated "The Royal Stud" Adam Windsor at that event. He also wrestled in Canada as part of the Supershow in [[Pembrooke Ontario|Pembroke]] and [[Hawkesbury, Ontario|Hawkesbury]] Ontario Canada.


Lanny is a member of the Abraham Lincoln Society
[[Randy Savage#Bad terms with WWE|Unlike his brother]], Poffo is on good terms with WWE, having written a poem for WWE.com in 2007 for the "Battle of the Billionaires" at [[WrestleMania 23]] between [[Vince McMahon]] and [[Donald Trump]].

==Personal life==
Lanny has a daughter named Magen with his ex-wife.<ref>[http://www.wrestlingepicenter.com/articles/135642136.shtml Lanny is so very proud of his daughter, Magen Poffo, for being a non-smoker at nearly age 21, turning 21 on May 29. "That's one thing my ex-wife and I can agree on and feel proud of as we, at least, have raised a child that is a non-smoker]</ref>


==In wrestling==
==In wrestling==
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:*[[NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Championship#Title History|1 time]])<ref>[http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/nwa/midam-h.html NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Title history] At wrestling-titles.com</ref>
:*[[NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Championship#Title History|1 time]])<ref>[http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/nwa/midam-h.html NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Title history] At wrestling-titles.com</ref>
:*[[NWA Mid-America Tag Team Championship]] ([[NWA Mid-America Tag Team Championship#Title History|1 time]]) - with [[Bobby Eaton]]<ref>[http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/nwa/midam-t.html NWA Mid-America Tag Team Title history] At wrestling-titles.com</ref>
:*[[NWA Mid-America Tag Team Championship]] ([[NWA Mid-America Tag Team Championship#Title History|1 time]]) - with [[Bobby Eaton]]<ref>[http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/nwa/midam-t.html NWA Mid-America Tag Team Title history] At wrestling-titles.com</ref>

*'''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''
:*PWI ranked him # '''426''' of the 500 best singles wrestlers during the "PWI Years" in 2003.


<small><sup>1</sup>The ICW United States Tag Team Championship is referred to as the ICW World Tag Team Championship in some publications.</small>
<small><sup>1</sup>The ICW United States Tag Team Championship is referred to as the ICW World Tag Team Championship in some publications.</small>
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Portal|Professional wrestling|break=yes}}
{{Portal|Professional wrestling|break=yes}}
*[http://www.lannypoffo.com Official website]
*[http://www.leapinglannypoffo.com Official website]
*[http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling3/johnnymik/Lanny Interview with Insane Wrestling]
*[http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling3/johnnymik/Lanny Interview with Insane Wrestling]
*[http://www.myvirtualbc.com/audiointerviews/thegenius.mp3 2008 Audio Interview with The Genius Leaping Lanny Poffo]
*[http://www.myvirtualbc.com/audiointerviews/thegenius.mp3 2008 Audio Interview with The Genius Leaping Lanny Poffo]

Revision as of 18:11, 25 May 2009

Lanny Poffo
Born (1954-12-28) December 28, 1954 (age 69)
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)The Genius
"Leaping" Lanny Poffo
Billed height6 ft (183 cm)2
Billed weight228 lb (103 kg)
Billed fromDowners Grove, Illinois
Debut1973

Lanny Poffo (born December 28, 1954 in Calgary, Alberta), better known by his ring name "Leaping" Lanny Poffo is a Canadian-American professional wrestler. Poffo was born in Calgary, Canada, to Angelo Poffo, an Italian American Catholic, and Judy, a Jewish American.[1] He is also the brother of wrestling legend "Macho Man" Randy Savage.

Lanny Poffo

His Wrestling career started in 1973 upon graduation from Downers Grove High School North. He went on to wrestle in many territories until joining the roster of the WWF (WWE) in 1985.

Billed as Leaping Lanny Poffo, because of his acrobatic abilities, he did very well until the booker, George Scott was replaced by Pat Patterson. Without George Scott's protection, Lanny was used as enhancement talent until 1989, when he got his big break as The Genius.

Lanny's victory over Hulk Hogan on NBC's Saturday Night's Main Event propelled him to wrestling immortality. His appearance on Live with Regis Philbin Philbin was hilarious. His partnership with Mr. Perfect (Curt Hennig) was very successful. Box office records were broken during that partnership, including Los Angles Sports Arena.

In WrestleMania 6 in Toronto, Canada, Brutus the Barber Beefcake cut Lanny's hair to the delight of the crowd.

Outside of the ring, Lanny is in great demand as a children's author and motivational speaker. He is an advocate for clean living.

In 2006 Lanny starred in the horror film Curse of the Wolf. The film was winner of "Best Horror Feature" 2006 at the Great Lakes Film Festival

Lanny has written poems for the Jerry Lewis Telethon, the Special Olympics, the Fraternal Order of Police and the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame.

A published poet, In 2004 one of his books LIMERICKS FROM THE HEART (and LUNGS!) was nominated for a Newbery Medal. The purpose of the book is to dissuade young people from the allure of tobacco.

Lanny is a member of the Abraham Lincoln Society

In wrestling

  • Finishing and signature moves

Championships and accomplishments

  • Atlantic Grand Prix Wrestling
  • AGPW International Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[2]

1The ICW United States Tag Team Championship is referred to as the ICW World Tag Team Championship in some publications.

Footnotes

  1. ^ Floridian: A wrestling dynasty
  2. ^ AGPW International Heavyweight Title history At wrestling-titles.com
  3. ^ NWA Gulf Coast Tag Team Title history At wrestling-titles.com
  4. ^ ICW Southeastern Heavyweight Title history At wrestling-titles.com
  5. ^ ICW World Tag Team Title history At wrestling-titles.com
  6. ^ ICW World Heavyweight Title history At wrestling-titles.com
  7. ^ NWA World Tag Team Title (Detroit) history At wrestling-titles.com
  8. ^ NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Title history At wrestling-titles.com
  9. ^ NWA Mid-America Tag Team Title history At wrestling-titles.com
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