Who is the Real Super Macho Man | Retro Mysteries

[@TheMarioManiac]

They can only be the real Super Macho Man if they say “release the bogus”

[@thekornwulf]

Now that you point this out, I'm convinced. The side by side photos are practically identical.

[@avega2792]

Holy shit, Super Macho Billy Man Graham!

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Yep lol!!!!

[@MrLukeStump]

I totally agree@@GenerationGapGaming

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Thanks Luke!!!!

[@angelperez7891]

There is one other possibity besides Billy Graham - David Prowse, who is best known for his role in Star Wars as Darth Vader.

[@ronlivingstone1634]

I imagine super macho mans name as Rob Dezonia

[@HunterPBrown]

As a huge wrestling fan... Dang... Good job on the research, it never once crossed my mind.

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Thanks Hunter. Glad you enjoyed it man.

[@jamess9138]

I always knew who superstar billy Graham was and I never put two and two together. Also you are 100% correct on soda popinski

[@billtux]

I really enjoyed this video. Thanks for sharing your research.

[@GenerationGapGaming]

No problem Bill. Always great to hear from you dude!

[@billtux]

@@GenerationGapGaming I also enjoy the story about Glass Joe's single victory. I have a few of your videos queued up and will be watching them soon. I am really looking forward to the one about Rygar. See you over in the comments section on that video soon 😀

[@benrichardson5798]

@@GenerationGapGaming Hey pal, I just found out that Super Machoman was called "Super Body Bill" ("Bill", uh? Sounds familiar...) in the japanese version of Super Punch Out arcade. Take a listen at 3:07: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnqvYpqKia2IhdU

[@scottdehaan5864]

@@benrichardson5798 WOW! Good call! Never noticed that. Thanks for sharing!

[@benrichardson5798]

@@scottdehaan5864 You're welcome!

[@michaelreyes7641]

Yes he is and you're so very right with machoman and soda popinski exact sprite swaps of each other

[@breal1183]

Love this. I still watch 84-87 WWF now as much as l did back in the day!! You nailed it. Superstar Billy Graham, with Savage's name over it!! Mr. Sandman was my all-time favorite!! Love your videos thank you!!

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Thanks for the kind words. Did you hear that NBC is bringing back Saturday Day Night's Main Event this weekend? I can't wait lol

[@popularfranchisecollection4207]

Hey, this is a fantastic and super reasonable theory! You’ve inspired me to look into inspirations for other Punch Out fighters, and I’d like to share them if you don’t mind: Great Tiger - Tiger Jeet Singh Bear Hugger - Terrible Ted (bear) + Haystacks Calhoun Don’t know if you’d be willing to further analyze these possibilities, but I’d thought you’d like them.

[@QuestionBlockGaming]

That's some awesome research! Absolutely love the video! I doubt anyone else has put that kind of research into character inspirations! (Also, that's a super unfair place to put mullet boy! hah!)

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Awesome man! Really glad you enjoyed it and I appreciate the kind words. Lol at least you found mullet boy. I want to make you earn it 😂

[@CardShopReality]

I agree with your analysis, THUMBS UP we love the channel here at The Card Shop in Bastrop, Louisiana! Keep up the great work!

[@johnnypea5447]

Could be! Hilbilly Jim is Bear hugger, Now you got me thinking King Hippo, is based of King Kong Bundy. Ohhh time to watch some Captain N...great video brother.

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Thanks JP. Great point about Hillbilly Jim too!

[@jrvbamafan1]

It's funny because being a huge wrestling fan as a kid, when this popped up right before you said his name, I swear I thought I'll bet its superstar Billy Graham. I actually noticed the similarity as a kid. Your videos are gold and always put a smile on my face. I hope your sub count keeps rising. Good stuff man

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Well your comment put a smile on my face dude. Thanks for taking time to comment and strong work on guessing it was Superstar Bill Graham.

[@b.brown404]

This makes a lot of sense now!

[@GenerationGapGaming]

thanks for taking time to comment Bernard!

[@b.brown404]

@@GenerationGapGaming Anytime, I love the channel!

[@Bratty-Bonnie]

You really out did yourself on this one. Your research skills are dam near flawless. I thought I was one of only kids that struggled with the confusing of Randy Savage and the world circuit champion of the WVBA. It’s very humbling to learn new info about a game I thought I knew everything about. I don’t give complements often, but when I do I’m sincere. Also very impressed with your Tyson tips video. Explaining how to use what I call a “feather tap” in order to do a quick dodge was well explained. Finally I wanna say thanks for putting a Roddy Piper clip in this video, he’s my favorite wrestler of all times. The style you carry yourself in your videos is genuine and it hasn’t went unnoticed. Keep up the good work.

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Thanks so much man. Feather tap sounds cooler than quick dodge. Has more finesse to it. I always loved Roddy too. He was a great wrestler, commentator and actor. He could do it all and the crows always went crazy when he came out.

[@infinitechase5479]

I think you nailed it. But one thing I wonder about is if his tornado punch didn't happen to be inspired by Kerry Von Erich's discus punch. He had a similar impressive build, same simple ring gear and was quite well known in the 80s. I've also see him do multiple discus punches back to back to back much like how Super Macho Man does. Might just be a coincidence but I was watching an old Kerry Von Erich match and saw him do it 4 times in a row and it prompted me to look up Super Macho Man to see if he might've been inspired by Kerry a little bit.

[@kdogg7882]

Makes total sense to me. Good work! I never knew any of this back in the day.

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Thanks man! Glad you agree. Appreciate you taking time to comment.

[@reagandow850]

I just realized I missed your video on Bo Jackson. I know what I’m watching next!! I hope all is well with you and your family Tyler.

[@GenerationGapGaming]

No problem dude. Hope you like it man. We are doing well and I hope you are too Reagan.

[@arcticdon2454]

Late to this video so I know I’m likely not going to be first but mullet boy is at 4:27 on the hat Also great video again dude. This one really touches home for me cause I grew up playing this and my brother and I still play this game and it’s sequels. Strong work brother!!!! Ooohhhh yeeeeeaaaa!!!

[@GenerationGapGaming]

You nailed mullet boy once again but you are not the first this time lol. "You're the cream of the crop!"

[@arcticdon2454]

GenerationGapGaming the cream rises to the top ohhh yeeaaa!!!!

[@edje4377]

Your channel brings tears thinking about greatest and pioneering gaming. then it seemed to be so much about the simple aspect of merely having fun by way of strategic brain challenges.of course I agree with the super macho man spot on real inspiration

[@BeerBourbonandGames]

Strong research and well presented video as always! I love the bonus info at the end you found that seals it!

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Thanks man. My jaw about hit the floor when I came across his kung fu gimmick looking just like Soda Popinski.

[@BeerBourbonandGames]

@@GenerationGapGaming its funny how that stuff happens. Is soda billed as the same height?

[@camilowish]

I was like... Oh yeah, it could be, "could" being the key word... Until I saw the Soda Popinski part... No doubt left in me. You earned your like and subscribe dude!

[@therealfreshc]

Definitely my new fav gaming channel ! Appreciate the gems 💎 and perspective!

[@glennwright8355]

Great video! There’s no way it’s not based on him and the plot twist of soda popinski/vodka drunkinski was awesome it’s perfect!

[@drloko4013]

If Billy Graham is both Super Macho Man and Vodka Drunkinsky, that means when we play Punch-Out, we're fighting the same guy at two different times in his life. So Punch-Out has a time travel backstory. Now my head hurts.

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Now my head hurts too Dave lol.

[@PAeer]

Good call! I have thought he was based on Superstar Billy Graham since I was a kid. Cool to see all this great research backing it up.

[@DiabolikalRA]

Never thought about this. I think you're right. Awesome job man 🤘

[@jakotheclown4471]

Still playing this in 2019...retro games 4ever!! God bless emulators!!

[@MrChicagoIllinois]

Me too !! NES, SNES and Sega !

[@7thangelad586]

I love this channel because you put so much effort and energy into the research! I always thought he looked like an older, more muscular version of the bad guy ninja leader Snyder from 3 Ninjas 😂

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Lol! I have never watched 3 Ninjas fully, but I know what you are talking about. Thanks for kind words about the channel dude. Always great to hear from you.

[@UR_LOCAL_KK]

That's crazy. I used to wonder who the Maco man really was too when I was a kid. I did not think this was a thing. Great video.

[@rickjames2.0]

Soda Popinski looks more like Ox Baker who is also a wrestler from the 70's.

[@RockandrollNegro]

Ox tor sure had an early eighties NJPW run under a couple of names.

[@metalmacabre9991]

Agreed but not too many people know of ox, and he's right american wrestlers would go to japan and wrestle there as well, it was huge in japan during the mid 70s throughout the 80s, and graham was just that, a superstar.

[@frankielinkgaming4215]

Love this video. Now this opens up a whole new pandoras box ... I'm guessing many more Arcade Punch-out and Super Punch-out characters are based off of real life people as well. Mr. Sandman (Apollo Creed- Mohammed Ali???) I think Sandman Deserves a video as well... food for thought

[@joshuariddensdale2126]

I've wondered the same thing. Like, are such iconic characters as Bald Bull and Mr. Sandman based on real people? Personally, the Bruiser brothers appear to be modeled after George Foreman.

[@dwn060clownman]

I always thought he was supposed to be Ric Flair.

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Now I love me some Ric Flair, but I think he has too much hair to be SMM lol. Also his physique isn't as chiseled as SMM. Thanks for commenting man and I hope you enjoyed the video.

[@ThatDawg21]

@@GenerationGapGaming I think you're right about superstar Billy Graham besides Ric Flair is from the north Carolina. Although pre plane crash Ric Flair was actually buff.

[@cmag6581]

@@GenerationGapGaming Love Ric Flair, but this is for sure the SUPERSTAR!

[@puuxexil]

He's missing one thing...... WOOOOOO!

[@ElFino013]

That scene of Macho buying the jewelery feels like something Ric would do.

[@EastsideShowSCP]

I never considered Billy Graham being a basis for the Super Macho Man boxer in Punch Out! Now I can't unsee the similarities

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Cool. Glad I could steer you to my side lol.

[@sgtlegacy7]

I agree! Has to be the "Superstar" great video as always👍

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Thanks so much! Glad you agree with me dude.

[@reaganb.sprinkle187]

Like so many others, I had always been under the impression that Super Macho Man was simply a "tribute" character of sorts... a fusion of popular (and more obvious) pro wrestling "superstars" of the time, and a personification of the pomp and circumstance of the pro wrestling spectacle itself. (I obviously didn't describe this belief in these terms as a pre-teen. Words that exceeded four letters were a bit of struggle, really. Grunts. Groans. Mumbles. Grumbles...) Your theory is well beyond plausible; I think you're absolutely correct!! Your videos are extraordinarily enjoyable, and a terrific combination of established fact and reasonable theory. Simply put... 'Nice work!!

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Great comment man! I really appreciate you taking time to share and it's really nice of you.

[@GXSCChater]

Great Video, Glad I ran into this, I always thought the same thing too. Good catch on the Soda Popniski.

[@NickWeissMusic]

I think it’s got some Nick Bockwinkel in there too, he was billed from CA, had a cocky attitude, pretty boy hair, and was well known for Japanese touring as well. But the Soda Popinsky thing is quite compelling, I think you’re right on the main influence.

[@bredenis5]

Man, you were rocking that Legion of Doom Halloween costume! That’s awesome brother.

[@sportsjefe]

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh what a rush!

[@jamied3425]

Great job on the research I think you nailed it 100 percent! It was nice to see all the old school WWF footage as well. I dont think younger people will ever understand the impact that Hulkamania had on the world at the time!!

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Hulkamania was a game changer for sure. He was everywhere! Thanks for the kind words about the video Jamie.

[@masterrserch3971]

Yeah, I'm a big big wrestling fan, and I think I'm a couple years older than you, Tyler, so while Billy Graham was still a little before my time, I remember seeing old tapes or reruns and seeing him, so I knew SMM was pretty much a SBG rip off... but great video, I didn't realize how friggin closely associated these 2 were! I'm gonna have to send this to my brother and cousin, 2 huge Mike Tyson's PunchOut fans (and admittedly better at that game than me!)

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Dude I was shocked with similarities too once I researched. It was so fun to make this video. Thanks again for your great comments man.

[@masterrserch3971]

@@GenerationGapGaming yeah u went the extra step, as usual lol... and thank YOU for putting out QUALITY videos, over quantity. I really dig your channel... And again, next time you're in NYC, lemme know, we'll grab a beer or something...or hit RICK'S lol

[@GenerationGapGaming]

I will man!

[@bb-gc2tx]

we prob same age im 47 i too kmew second saw smm that it was superstar billy graham. he was the man back in the day if he was 5-7 years younger he would of been huge in the 80s he might of been the guy vince mcmahon made a huge star and not hogan

[@_Liv2BHappy_]

RIP Superstar Billy Graham!

[@Kowalth]

Great research! This is EXACTLY what I was looking for!

[@jonathanturbide2232]

I really love your theory, but about the place they are being billed from: Superstar was always billed from Arizona, not California. I still think you're right though, but Superstar was never billed from California. 💪

[@chrismabe7575]

Excellent video once again. I can totally see this.

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Thanks Chris! Appreciate the awesome feedback my man.

[@edr777]

Great video and I think you're spot on with your research and analysis. I've been wondering about this for decades!

[@joshuariddensdale2126]

You do make some good points, even right down to the Soda Popinski connection. Superstar Billy Graham was before my time, but yes, I too think that he's the inspiration for Super Macho Man.

[@MrAz-hv9zf]

Wow, that was definitely billy graham. Good job!

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Appreciate it man! Thanks for the great feedback.

[@frogmaster930]

The first time my brothers and I saw Super Macho Man, we knew it was Superstar Billy Graham. His posing gives it away.

[@kturcotte6608]

Awesome video! Totally agree with your research, thanks for putting in the work!

[@GenerationGapGaming]

You are most welcome my friend. Thanks for taking time to give some awesome feedback. Much appreciated.

[@uniqueone2731]

I think you are correct sir. I really enjoy your channel. Thank you for all your hard work you put in to your channel.

[@GenerationGapGaming]

My pleasure and thanks for the kind comment

[@montgomeryward9952]

Most definitely correct on this one 👌

[@davesworld7688]

I think you might be spot on The likeness of both Super Macho Man & Soda Popinski are very close to Billy. Good call man!

[@agentallstar7]

My dad met Hogan ,Lawler, Andre and others at a bar.Andre pounded beer more than anyone who ever lived most likely.My dad said he would just casually gulp a whole beer in it's Stein and that the glass looked like a notmal person holding a baby sippy cup.Good video man

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Wow dude I would have loved to see these guys in real life. Thanks for sharing Justin.

[@agentallstar7]

GenerationGapGaming my pleasure bud,he hot Jerry the Kings autograph on a napkin from that day and I have no idea what happened to it lol

[@Darkmoon75]

I think it's certainly a good enough theory. I never realized there may have been a real life inspiration for Super Macho Man until I saw your video. Nice work on the research.

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed it and took time to comment.

[@kevinthibo5443]

Billy Graham is from Paradise Valley Arizona

[@jonathanturbide2232]

Yep exactly, he was never billed from California. Always from Arizona.

[@sourlemon5081]

I loved wrestling when I was a kid and so this was awesome to watch. I learned a lot about Billy Graham, and I think you're right. Especially about the last part with his return to wrestling looking like soda popinski. Great video and thanks for all you do, man.

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Thanks for the kind words Sour Lemon. You're most welcome.

[@EURIPODES]

OMFG You did it! Of course you know that with investigative journalism super skills like this they'll never let you work at IGN or Kotaku. :)

[@amazonviking]

Well sir you made a solid compelling case. Never gave it much of a thought but I'm a believer.

[@travisrodesiler7744]

Awesome video man! Great work.

[@HonestUAWElectrician]

Superstar was billed from Paradise Valley, Arizona most of his career.

[@danscramstad5427]

Amazing break down !! Love this video. Great research and explanation. Now I wanna watch old wrestling and play Punch out lol

[@kfarrel6]

Very good Detective Work, was a big wrestling fan in the late 80’s early 90’s so wouldn’t have caught this

[@GenerationGapGaming]

thanks man! I had a blast making this video.

[@scottdehaan5864]

WOW! Years ago I put together that Super Macho Man was based off of Superstar Billy Graham, but I never even gave one thought as to whom Soda/Vodka was based on. Good call! Makes perfect sense!

[@justinmelendez3760]

I never thought about it. But I think you're absolutely right

[@ralphieparker6588]

Great channel Tyler! Really hope you keep putting out solid 8 bit material. I'm an 80's gamer, and was big into wrestling at the time. I think the Super Macho gimick goes back past Billy Graham. There was an original Nature Boy Buddy Rogers that could have contributed, but also a 50's Bugs Bunny cartoon, Bunny Hugged, had like a spitting image of Super Macho in it...he was called Ravishing Ronald. Think this type of character is stereotyped from long ago. Keep up the great videos!!!

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Thanks Ralphie! I will definitely have to check out that Bugs Bunny cartoon. I'm excited to see what that guy looks like. Thanks for sharing!

[@ralphieparker6588]

I just saw that cartoon again & have to call myself out... to be fair it was more an inspiration for 80's WWF Adrian Adonis if you know that character....not that there's anything wrong with that. Must have been my child view at the time...

[@jondough7777777]

You nailed it man! Agree with you

[@mcgannahanskyjellyfetti1663]

What about King Hippo and King Kong Bundy? 🤔

[@harleyfenner1926]

Nintendo sure as hell didn't use King Kong Bundy as any sort of inspiration for King Hippo. I think Nintendo tells us all just where they got inspiration to create King Hippo from in his name. The only thing King Hippo resembles is a hippopotamus, that's just my opinion though. Lol

[@angelperez7891]

@@harleyfenner1926 Actually King Hippo is Eric Esch, best known as "Butterbean."

[@harleyfenner1926]

@@angelperez7891 No, actually King Hippo is a fictional character in Nintendo's Punch-Out series of games. Butterbean is a real person and a former Toughman competitor who also had a few official boxing matches. If I am not mistaken, Butterbean won the Toughman tournament a time or two. King Hippo can't even win the Major Circuit championship from Bald Bull. Lol

[@capnblackleg]

Man, your videos are so good, you really deserve so many more subs. Thanks for all you do!

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Thanks so much my friend. Wonderful comment that motivates me to make more videos for sure.

[@YokozunaNumber1]

I've been a WWF fan all my life (hence my screen name), but I never once saw Superstar Billy Graham with the "Soda Popinski" look. Before you even mentioned Popinski, I said to myself: "He was Popinski too?" Man, I certainly got an education on WWF and "Punch-Out" today.

[@HourADayGamer]

Mulletboy 4:27 on the guys hat next to Superstar Billy!!!! Does that make 2 in a row now for me? Great video about another iconic character!

[@HourADayGamer]

I appreciate the shoutout too man! Thanks!

[@GenerationGapGaming]

No problem dude. You earned it!!

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Yep man that is two in a row!!!!

[@kagemaru259]

I could NEVER beat this guy in the original MTPO, but he was a cake walk in every other game as long as the Spin Punch didn't connect. And pro wrestling (puroresu) is HUGE in Japan, especially at the time this game was made, so it makes a lot of sense that some of these guys were modeled after wrestlers. I can see Piston Honda being based on Antonio Inoki and Great Tiger on Tiger Jeet Singh.

[@nicholasvertucci165]

What's funny is that he actually resembles Randy Savage's father, Lanny Poffo.

[@brianreed1859]

Absolutely agree. Excellent work

[@NYKgjl10]

I always thought Super Macho Man character was influence by Thunder Lips, played by Hogan in Rocky 3, but Billy Graham's character matches the criteria for sure.

[@KarcamoGaming]

holy crap im a prowrestler myself and a big fan of superstar billy graham and never realized this. thanks man!

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Wow dude! Glad I was able to shed some light on this for you. Where do you wrestle and what is your ring name?

[@sargondp69]

This is information you need!

[@livingwiththemagic5992]

I never thought about this but everything you say makes sense and you've convinced me that Super Macho Man is Billy Graham!

[@dfortaeGameReviews]

Interesting video and correlation! I think you're probably right!

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Thanks man. I tried to make a strong case lol

[@jeremytheloner]

Great video and great analysis!

[@BlackLaval]

Awesome video, man!

[@hollisbayesmiller]

Holy shit! You are absolutely correct. I can't give this video enough likes.

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Great comment Hollis! Really appreciate it man.

[@WarlockX4]

Mind blown my friend. I never connected the dots. Great video!

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Thanks man! I had a few jaw dropping moments researching this video myself.

[@OGM3409]

Super Star Billy Graham...well I'll be and totally fits! And then the Soda Popinski reference....my mind is blown. 😮👏👏 Great video today.

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Thanks again Mauro. Dude my jaw almost hit the floor when I realized the Soda Popinski connection. It was an awesome find for sure.

[@NESADDICT]

Getting ready to finally check this out! Dude great research, you must have nailed it!

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Thanks man! I tried give make a strong case for Superstar.

[@ErikTheCueist]

not to mention, having a boxer fight a wrestler was semi common in the 80s. This reminds me of rocky 3 when Stallon fights Hulk Hogan

[@cal88usa]

You hit this on the head of the nail. You are 💯 and 10 % correct.

[@fiberones2822]

Wowzerz. Makes sense to me dude. Great video.

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Thanks 🙏

[@canaanwilliams122]

I always thought it was known this was Superstar Billy Graham

[@estebancruz6194]

I agree with you. He looks just like him & the rest makes sense. I always thought he was based on the macho man from the 80s because of the name. I cant get enough of Punch Out. That music always brings back the memories.

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Glad you agree man. Thanks for taking time to comment Esteban!

[@baronvg]

Lol the Soda Popinski part BLEW MY MIND!!!!

[@drummerman31]

Hilarious and very cool! A perfect match! Billy Graham was an absolute beast back in his hayday.

[@autobahn4610]

This completes my childhood! 😁 U earned a sub sir!👌

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Thanks man! Welcome to G3!

[@teddybouka]

You think way to much about this stuff and thank you for doing so, great video

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Lol. I thought you were gonna leave a nasty comment there for a minute. Thanks!

[@GiuseppeRedscarf]

I think you've made a very strong case. I'm convinced.

[@darrickcato9499]

He's either Superstar, or Classy Freddie Blassie

[@villain5873]

Everything you said makes so much sense. He gotta be based on Superstar Billy Graham.

[@ThinkGarza]

You do such a great job with these videos. Keep it going!

[@jesseespinoza9445]

Thank you. I always thought this since day one. I had never seen a match back then but I had seen pictures of Billy Graham. Super Macho Man is an uncanny look alike. He was definitely inspired by Graham.

[@markm4033]

Wow! I think you got it man! I agree with your research. Cool video. 😎

[@GenerationGapGaming]

Yes! Thanks Mark! I tried to make a strong case for you.

[@markm4033]

@@GenerationGapGaming I never heard of that one wrestler, and you convinced me. Keep up the good work man, and keep on gaming!