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The Orlando Magic WrestleMania

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Jan 29, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; General overall view of Camping World Stadium exterior and Lake Lorna Doone before the 2017 Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; General overall view of Camping World Stadium exterior and Lake Lorna Doone before the 2017 Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Anfernee Hardaway is ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage

By Bill Johnson

Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway like Randy “Macho Man” Savage found a way to make his lasting mark despite being in the shadow of a larger than life figure.

There is no way Penny Hardaway or Randy Savage should still be so popular considering they performed in the shadow of all-time greats. Hulk Hogan and Shaquille O’Neal cast large shadows.  But the fact Penny and the Macho Man excelled in those situations is a testament to their greatness

Hulk Hogan was the biggest wrestler ever.  He is the only wrestler to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated. Hogan was the face of the franchise, but he did not have the “coolness” of the Macho Man.

Macho Man had Elizabeth, and he had a personality that people are attracted to. He was a heel, meaning people were supposed to hate him, but he would still get cheers.

Randy Savage’s popularity did not reach that of Hulk Hogan. But he was not supposed to. He did not appear to crave the popularity. Savage’s popularity was organic, which is why he remains relevant after his death. Randy Savage was ahead of his time.

He may be more known today for his Slim Jim ads.  People may not know him as a wrestler, but most are familiar with his voice screaming, “Snap into a Slim Jim.”

Hardaway is like the Macho Man in the fact he had the “coolness” factor over O’Neal. That may be surprising considering O’Neal’s personality. But it was all the shoes. Shaq was signed to Reebok while Penny was with Nike. Nike was cooler.

Nike’s marketing campaign of Chris Rock as Lil’ Penny is still reaping benefits today. Those Nike commercials helped Chris Rock become the iconic comedian that we know today.  So, it is no wonder Hardaway’s sneakers continue to be in high demand to this day. He is still a major player in the sneaker industry, despite not having the NBA career many expected

Injuries prevented Hardaway from making his mark, on the court, but that has not stopped him.

Hardaway has been able to adjust and excel in his post-basketball endeavors. His latest undertaking is as a coach of Memphis East High School in Memphis, Tenn., where his team finished the season with their second state be and number two national ranking

Both the Macho Man and Penny Hardaway are testaments to the fact you do not have to seek the attention to be a success and a fan favorite. When you are good at something the attention will find you. No matter whose shadow is casting the shade