Lanny Poffo made his debut in 1974, losing to Wayne Cowan in the opening match of a All-South Wrestling Alliance card held in Atlanta, GA on April 16th. The young rookie remained in the promotion for several months, defeating Cowan in a rematch and also gaining a win over The Great Fuji. At a card on July 9th, 1974 in Atlanta he teamed with his father Angelo Poffo for the first time, defeating the veteran team The Royal Kangaroos

Lanny Poffo is the son of Veteran In Ring Wrestling Legend and Promoter Angelo Poffo and is the younger brother of Randy "MACHO MAN" Savage.