That was one VERY instense man... and it wasn't an act. I've spent a little time with him in the 90's at a couple expo events. Both times I was so preplexed, I walked away shakin my head in wonder.
Yeah I feel bad saying this, but I am surprised he made it to his 50's. Don't want to make assumptions here, but he looked like he was a serious coke head. The guy was always on the edge, but a great entertainer indeed.
After WCW and Gorgeous George left him and did some porn he became very angry and isolated from friends of many years.He held grudges and many many reached out to him to try repair their frienships etc... Someone mentioned Elizabeth as she also was one he harboured ill feelings towards as he felt her dating Larry(Luger) was betraying him(even though they had been over).He did abuse recs as I am sure no one is surprised.
Now just wait as AAS is going to start getting the blame Not high levels of stress and anger,recs etc...
Give it a few days, the main stream media will be screaming steroids! I know someone personally that is in the wrestling business and coke, alcohol, and pain killer abuse is very common. I don't know about Savage for sure, but wouldn't be surprised. Great entertainer regardless, whether in the ring or at the broadcast table. Oh Yeaah!
I worked at a gym in CT while in highschool and the owner had a very close relationship with the first Ultimate Warrior and Macho Man and most of the others that were prominent in the late 80's.
They were all freaks and all engaged in abuse of steroids, coke and whatever they could get their hands on.