Lanny Poffo, also known as “Leaping” Lanny Poffo and the Genius, was a Canadian-American professional wrestler, motivational speaker, poet, and actor. He was the younger brother of the late WWE Hall of Famer “Macho Man” Randy Savage and the son of wrestling icon Angelo Poffo. He died on February 2, 2023, at the age of 68. But what was Lanny Poffo’s cause of death? Here is what we know so far.
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Lanny Poffo’s Death Announcement
Lanny Poffo’s death was announced by his close friend and fellow WWE legend “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan on social media. Duggan wrote on Twitter: “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.”
Duggan did not reveal any details about how or where Poffo died, but he later confirmed that Poffo had suffered a heart attack Many people were surprised by Poffo’s sudden death, as he had no known illness before his passing. The wrestling community was shocked and saddened by the news, and many former colleagues and fans paid tribute to Poffo on social media.
Lanny Poffo’s Wrestling Career
Lanny Poffo was a second-generation professional wrestler who made his debut in 1974. He wrestled in various promotions affiliated with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), such as All-South Wrestling Alliance, Big Time Wrestling, St. Louis Wrestling Club, and Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling. He also teamed up with his father Angelo and his brother Randy in several matches
In 1985, he joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), where he became known as “Leaping” Lanny Poffo. He was a fan favorite who would recite poems before his matches and throw frisbees to the audience. He later changed his persona to “The Genius”, a villainous character who wore a graduation cap and gown and would mock his opponents with sarcastic rhymes. He also managed other wrestlers such as Mr. Perfect, The Beverly Brothers, and The Barbarian
Poffo left the WWF in 1992 and wrestled in independent circuits until his retirement in 2020. He also appeared in several documentaries and podcasts about wrestling history and culture. He was inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016 along with his brother Randy and his father Angelo
Lanny Poffo’s Family Legacy
Lanny Poffo was part of a wrestling dynasty that spanned three generations. His father Angelo Poffo was a wrestler and promoter who held several championships in the NWA territories. He also founded the International Championship Wrestling (ICW) promotion in 1978, where he featured his sons Lanny and Randy as the main stars
His brother Randy Savage was one of the most popular and influential wrestlers of all time. He joined the WWF in 1985 and quickly rose to fame as “Macho Man”, a charismatic and flamboyant performer who had memorable feuds with Hulk Hogan, Ricky Steamboat, Ted DiBiase, Jake Roberts, Ric Flair, and Ultimate Warrior. He won two WWF Championships and four WCW World Championships during his career. He also appeared in movies and TV shows such as Spider-Man (2002), Baywatch, and King of the Hill. He died in 2011 after suffering a heart attack while driving his Jeep in Florida. He was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015 by Lanny Poffo.
Lanny Poffo is survived by his wife Denise, his son Michael, his daughter-in-law Jessica, and his grandson Dominic. He will be remembered as a talented and versatile wrestler who entertained millions of fans with his poetry and intelligence.
Conclusion
Lanny Poffo cause of death was a heart attack that took him away from his family and friends at the age of 68. He was a legendary wrestler who followed his father’s footsteps and created his own legacy in the industry. He was also a loving brother who honored his brother Randy’s memory after his death. He will be missed by many who admired him for his skills and personality.
