"Macho Man" Randy Savage dies in car accident

Macho Man Randy Savage -- one of the greatest wrestlers of all-time -- died today in a car accident in Tampa, Florida ... TMZ has learned.

TMZ spoke with Randy's brother, Lanny Poffo, who tells us the wrestling legend suffered a heart attack while he was behind the wheel around 10 AM ... and lost control of his vehicle.

Earlier this month, Savage celebrated his 1-year anniversary with his new wife Lynn.

Savage was 58.

Macho Man began wrestling in the WWF in 1985 and became a superstar with his trademark catchphrase "Ooooooh Yeaahhhhh."

UPDATE: Florida Highway Patrol tells TMZ ... Savage was driving his 2009 Jeep Wrangler on a when he veered across a concrete median ... through oncoming traffic ... and "collided head-on with a tree."

Savage was transported to Largo Medical center, where he died from his injuries.

I was really into wrestling as a kid

Did you watch Haystacks Calhoun, the Iron Sheikh, the Graham Brothers ("Dr. Jerry Graham, noted tree surgeon")and, dare I ask, Antonino Rocca?

Yep. Not to forget Killer Kowalski, Johnny Valentine, Bruno Sammartino and Baba the Giant.

Rocca was one of my favorites.

Randy Savage was part of the later, "new breed" of pro wrestler. Steroided to the max, and more theatrical and over-the-top than even Gorgeous George. I still get a little bit nostalgic for the "old days," I have to admit.

Us old timers have mentioned some of their early day favorites. Also to mention, Ricky Starr, probably weighed 200 lbs., but very athletic. And of course a real blue collar guy Arnold Skaalund; alway won the bout against a nobody, but always got beat by the big names.

Any of you old timers remember "Classy" Freddie Blassie? I read his autobiography a few years ago. He's remember mostly now for his years as THE PREMIER heel manager, but he was quite the wrestler, in his own right. He was legitimately insane!

During Blassie's career, he'd been stabbed, had acid thrown on his back. At one point, he filed his teeth into points. He was so feared in Japan, it has been reported that he gave many viewers heart attacks, and some even died!

Probably the greatest heel in wrestling history, and certainly one of the most respected pros ever in the business. Certainly a HUGE influence on every heel character that has laced up a pair of boots.