On a recent edition of his “The Hacksaw Hour” podcast, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan recalled leaving WWE for WCW in 1994 on the advice of “Macho Man” Randy Savage.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On Savage advising him to make the jump: “I was going to ride that horse to the end, brother. Advice Macho gave me: ‘Never take yourself out of the game.’ I took that to heart… I would have stayed there as long as possible, unless they started to abuse me obviously — start jobbing me all the time, just really abusing me.”
On his run with WWE: “It ran its course, it was a great run and obviously, that was to this day the Golden Age of WWF because by then a lot of guys were starting to move on, it was a new group coming in.”
In the world of professional wrestling, there are many iconic figures who have left a lasting impact on the industry. One such figure is “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, who recently shared some insights about his career on his podcast, “The Hacksaw Hour.” In a particular episode, Duggan recalled his decision to leave WWE (then known as WWF) for WCW in 1994, and how the advice of fellow wrestler “Macho Man” Randy Savage played a crucial role in that decision.
Duggan revealed that he was initially committed to staying with WWE for as long as possible. However, Savage, known for his wisdom and experience in the wrestling business, advised Duggan to never take himself out of the game. This advice resonated with Duggan, and he took it to heart.
The decision to leave WWE was not an easy one for Duggan. He had enjoyed a successful run with the company and had become a beloved fan favorite. However, he believed that his time with WWE had run its course. Duggan acknowledged that the era he was a part of, often referred to as the Golden Age of WWF, was coming to an end. Many wrestlers from that era were moving on, and a new generation was taking over.
Duggan’s departure from WWE marked a significant turning point in his career. He joined WCW, which was then emerging as a major competitor to WWE. In WCW, Duggan continued to entertain fans with his charismatic personality and unique wrestling style. He became a prominent figure in the company and had memorable feuds and matches with other WCW superstars.
Looking back on his decision to leave WWE, Duggan expressed gratitude for the opportunities he had in both companies. He acknowledged that while his time with WWE was special, joining WCW allowed him to explore new avenues and continue doing what he loved.
The podcast episode featuring Duggan’s recollections provides fans with a glimpse into the mindset of a professional wrestler during a pivotal moment in his career. It highlights the importance of seeking advice from experienced individuals and making decisions based on personal growth and opportunities.
“Hacksaw” Jim Duggan’s journey from WWE to WCW is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the wrestling industry. It showcases the choices wrestlers have to make to stay relevant and continue their passion for entertaining audiences. Duggan’s decision to leave WWE and embrace new challenges ultimately contributed to his enduring legacy as one of wrestling’s most beloved personalities.