WWE Legend Lanny Poffo died at the age of 68 on Thursday, and the pro wrestling world is paying tribute. Poffo’s cause of death is still unknown, but he was recently in New Jersey for a virtual signing and appeared to be in good health.
WWE issued a statement on Poffo’s death via their website.
“WWE is saddened to learn that Lanny Poffo, best known to sports-entertainment fans as The Genius, passed away at 68 years of age. The son of Angelo Poffo and younger brother of WWE Hall of Famer ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage, Lanny Poffo had a style all his own. Arriving in WWE in 1985 alongside his brother, ‘Leaping’ Lanny Poffo was one of the first high-flyers in WWE. While he achieved some success as a fan favorite reading his own poetry and throwing Frisbees to the crowd, he reached new heights as The Genius while managing Mr. Perfect.WWE extends its condolences to Poffo’s family, friends and fans,” WWE wrote.
Poffo, who appeared on the January 8, 2020 edition of Dynamite, was also honored by AEW.
“AEW joins the wrestling world in mourning the passing of Lanny Poffo. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and his fans,” AEW tweeted.
Poffo made his NWA debut as a rookie in 1974 and went on to win several titles in NWA promotions. The promotion also paid tribute to Poffo.
“The National Wrestling Alliance is saddened to hear about the passing of Lanny Poffo. Our thoughts are with his friends, family and fans,” they wrote.
WWE’s Adam Pearce paid tribute to Poffo and former AWA star “Sodbuster” Kenny Jay, who died this week at the age of 85.
“Godspeed, Lanny Poffo and Kenny Jay. I’m grateful that I had the pleasure of encountering both of you gentlemen along my journey, and that you were both nothing but kind and professional, positive and full of thoughtful guidance. Rest well, sirs. And thank you forever. [folded hands emoji],” Pearce wrote.
Brian Gewirtz, a former WWE writer and Seven Bucks Producer, paid tribute to Poffo and recalled some of his WWE moments.
“I can’t even describe how incredible it was watching The Genius beat Hulk Hogan by count-out on SNME. Brock beating Taker level of ‘Holy Shit’ for me as a teenager. His interplay with Howard Finkel in those pre match poems was sheer perfection too. Thank you and RIP Lanny Poffo,” Gewirtz wrote.
Poffo debuted in 1974 and was known to fans as The Genius or Leaping Lanny. He was Randy Savage’s younger brother and the son of WCW Hall of Famer Angelo Poffo. Poffo worked for the AWA, the NWA, WWE, Mid-South Wrestling, and WCW, among other organizations.
More Poffo tributes from MCW, CCW, Frankie Kazarian, Tommy Dreamer, Virgil, Bobby Fulton, and others are listed below:
AEW joins the wrestling world in mourning the passing of Lanny Poffo. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and his fans. pic.twitter.com/uUWPWT6LIV
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) February 2, 2023
The National Wrestling Alliance is saddened to hear about the passing of Lanny Poffo. Our thoughts are with his friends, family and fans. pic.twitter.com/xjNEAuILBR
— NWA (@nwa) February 2, 2023
We are saddened and disheartened by the news that wrestling legend, “The Genius” Lanny Poffo has passed away.
He made his impact in CCW in-ring, as our first ever color commentator for CCW Alive, and most importantly as a teacher and a friend.
You are loved Lanny. RIP ❤️ pic.twitter.com/sHO9194L0Q
— Coastal Championship Wrestling (@CCWAliveTV) February 2, 2023
The entire #MCWProWrestling family would like to sends it thoughts, prayers and condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the legendary “Leaping” Lanny Poffo. pic.twitter.com/0cCS38Ya5Z
— MCW Pro Wrestling (@MCWWrestling) February 2, 2023
With a very, very heavy heart, I've been asked to let everyone know about the passing of our friend and colleague Lanny Poffo, The Genius.
RIP Lanny pic.twitter.com/4ve4J2HSHT
— Hacksaw Jim Duggan (@RealHacksawJim) February 2, 2023
I can’t even describe how incredible it was watching The Genius beat Hulk Hogan by count-out on SNME. Brock beating Taker level of “Holy Shit” for me as a teenager.
His interplay with Howard Finkel in those pre match poems was sheer perfection too. Thank you and RIP Lanny Poffo https://t.co/nraSJ82x9M
— Brian Gewirtz (@bfg728) February 2, 2023
I once participated in a celebrity golf tournament w/ Lanny Poffo and by the end of the day I remember saying to myself… “This guy gets it.”
RIP Lanny Poffo
— Mr. Stone (@MrStoneWWE) February 2, 2023
Rest in paradise, Lanny Poffo. So many great memories. We lost a genius today.
The wrestling world mourns. https://t.co/yoG5Z8rx3k
— Ricky Morton (@RealRickyMorton) February 2, 2023
Sad to hear of Lanny Poffo's passing. Lanny was a joy to have in the ROH locker room and at the broadcast table in 2019. He was amazed by the athleticism & charisma of today's athletes & complimentary of today's product.
We kept up via text over the years – may he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/LoYmXkDE7x
— Ian Riccaboni (@IanRiccaboni) February 2, 2023
It has been reported
Lanny Poffo has passed away
I always enjoyed his work in ring & that he had poem for us all#TheGenius pic.twitter.com/Fr6RS6okPN— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) February 2, 2023
I’m very sorry to hear the passing of Lanny Poffo! Great guy and friend! Prayers for his family, friends and fans! pic.twitter.com/KlsVrA88LK
— Bobby Fulton (@TheBobbyFulton) February 2, 2023
Lanny Poffo doesn’t get the credit he deserves for his innovation in between the ropes. A tremendous athlete who was ahead of his time and in the Golden Era of Wrestling became an unforgettable character as “The Genius.”
God Speed to the Poffo Family. #RIPLANNYPOFFO https://t.co/c2u0EmoX6c
— Skizzyler (@TheJohnSkyler) February 2, 2023
My good friend Lanny Poffo passed away .. I had more matches with him than anyone else in the business in my career .. He was so health conscious … Lanny , Randy , Angelo , and Judy basically taught me the wrestling business.. He will definitely b missed.. May he rest in peace?? pic.twitter.com/pMlD0tBE1l
— Rip Rogers (@Hustler2754) February 2, 2023
Everyone at cafe de rene is devastated at the news that Lanny poffo has passed away, René and lannys family have been friends for years, and it's tragic hearing this ,
We send our condolences to lannys family and friends .#riplanny #ripgenius pic.twitter.com/ifT7R47V3e— Café De René With René Duprée (@Cafederene) February 2, 2023
Godspeed, Lanny Poffo and Kenny Jay. I’m grateful that I had the pleasure of encountering both of you gentlemen along my journey, and that you were both nothing but kind and professional, positive and full of thoughtful guidance. Rest well, sirs. And thank you forever. ?
— Adam Pearce (@ScrapDaddyAP) February 2, 2023
Awww man. What a great guy! I had the pleasure of doing a movie with Lanny called "Curse Of The Wolf" and he was such a pleasure to be around. Rest In Peace Lanny Poffo!! https://t.co/4DJ5jGW0Nc
— Brian Heffron aka The Blue Meanie (@BlueMeanieBWO) February 2, 2023
RIP to my friend Lanny Poffo. Read this for a small peak in to the type of man Lanny was. ?https://t.co/Bcocl0EZ6O
— Frankie Kazarian (@FrankieKazarian) February 2, 2023
RIP Lanny Poffo. Godspeed my friend. pic.twitter.com/2w0enx0srC
— Frankie Kazarian (@FrankieKazarian) February 2, 2023
LANNY POFFO MY BROTHER. I LOVE YOU FOREVER. GIVE NIKOLAI RANDY AND ELIZABETH HUG FOR ME
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) February 2, 2023
Just heard that Lanny Poffo passed away suddenly this morning. No cause was given. I’ve known Lanny/Randy/Angelo from my 1st year in the business. Great guys, great family. RIP Genius. @WSI_YouTube @SKWrestling_ @RickUcchino @TruHeelSP3
— ??. ????? (@DirtyDMantell) February 2, 2023
Lanny Poffo. The genius. Man. I am so sorry brother. Love you and Randy more than you ever will know. RIP pic.twitter.com/hAJozrZ5ck
— Virgil (@TheRealVirgil) February 2, 2023
Beyond gutted to hear of the passing of Lanny Poffo. Was such a wealth of knowledge and a pleasure to talk to. Rest in Peace! #TheGenius pic.twitter.com/Y3kTFdonlN
— ⭐⭐Rodriguez ????⭐⭐ (@RRWWE) February 2, 2023
