Remembering Lanny Poffo (1954-2023)

 When the Great Muta (Keiji Muto) arrived in the US in 1989, NWA-WCW viewers were led to believe the Japanese star had introduced the moonsault to American wrestling. That's not really true.

"Leaping" Lanny Poffo, later known as the vile Genius, actually introduced the moonsault, as well as a senton bomb off the top rope, prior to or after arriving in the then-World Wrestling Federation in 1985. Unlike his more famous brother, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Poffo never became a true main event wrestler during two tours of duty with the then-WWF. Instead, he remained a lower-or-mid-card wrestler, even after adopting the persona of The Genius, which began in 1989.

The cap & gown ring attire was inspired by Poffo's father, Angelo, who wore a similar outfit to the ring years earlier

In recent times, Poffo has turned up doing infomercials, among other things, his best years in wrestling long behind him. He passed away on February 2 at 68.

From Wrestling Challenge, circa the spring of 1990, here's Poffo, as The Genius.

It is said that Savage had wanted to bring his brother to WCW to become a modern day Gorgeous George, complete with bleached hair. Lanny had the mannerisms down, but he was never booked for television, and Savage eventually gave the Gorgeous George name to then-girlfriend Stephanie Bellars, who spent about a year or two in WCW.

Rest in peace, Lanny.