As a pro-wrestling news reporter, let’s take you behind the curtain today. The wrestling world is abuzz about the stir former wrestler Kevin Nash has caused by shedding some light on the much-debated Slim Jim endorsement deal with Macho Man Randy Savage. This unraveling narrative involves the wrestling giants WWE, WCW, and some of the biggest names in the industry, offering a new perspective on a known story.
On a recent edition of the ‘Kliq This’ podcast, commentator Sean Oliver shared with Nash that Savage’s brother, Lanny Poffo, had attributed one reason behind Vince McMahon’s displeasure with Savage to the controversial Slim Jim sponsorship deal. This lucrative arrangement moved with Savage from WWE to rival WCW, a shift that sent shockwaves through the pro wrestling landscape.
Contrary to common belief, Nash, ambiguously known as Big Daddy Cool, confessed to playing a pivotal role in steering this sponsorship towards Savage when he was holding the prestigious WWE Championship title. He recalled filming a Slim Jim commercial and advising the WWE management during closing discussions, saying, “Man, I’m not the guy. This is synonymous with Randy. You should stick with Randy.”
Savage did more than stick with the Macho Man persona; he owned it. So when he made the move to WCW, the Slim Jim deal naturally followed. This transfer of endorsement rights was so significant that Eric Bischoff, a former WCW executive, revealed that Savage’s debut WCW contract had been paid entirely by Slim Jim.
In response to Oliver’s reveal about the Slim Jim deal, instigating tension between McMahon and Savage, Nash commented, “Oops, I thought I was doing Mach [Savage] a favor.” This intriguing disclosure defines the complexities and tight rope balancing acts of the wrestling business.
On a more recent note, WWE seems to have salvaged its ties with Slim Jim. This year’s SummerSlam event featured a Slim Jim-branded battle royal, victoriously claimed by LA Knight. Reports are in that Slim Jim was thoroughly impressed with Knight’s participation in the match, earmarking a continued association with WWE. Thus, an old controversy may have given birth to a new opportunity all in the name of pro-wrestling.
