Ryan Blaney might be on the ropes after Las Vegas, but the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion isn’t backing down. Instead, he’s finding motivation from an unlikely source, a professional wrestling icon.
But how does a WWE legend relate to the NASCAR Cup Series and Blaney?
Which WWE Legend Is Ryan Blaney Turning to for Motivation?
Blaney’s title chase took a serious hit in Las Vegas, where he finished last after cutting a tire and crashing out early. The result dropped him to the bottom of the playoff standings, 31 points below the cutline with only Talladega and Martinsville left to make something happen before the Championship 4 is set.
‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage’s sage words are on Ryan Blaney’s mind ahead of Talladega https://t.co/uRFzNVnTo7
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 16, 2025
After Las Vegas, Blaney is in a tough position, and more so for a driver who’s become known for his consistency and clutch performances under pressure. Still, the No. 12 driver isn’t sulking. If anything, he’s leaning into the challenge and into the showmanship of one of wrestling’s most famous personalities – “Macho Man” Randy Savage.
“Unjustifiably in a position I’d rather not be in, but the cream will rise to the top,” Blaney said this week, quoting one of Savage’s most famous lines.
The words, equal parts defiance and determination, perfectly capture where the Team Penske driver stands heading into Sunday’s playoff race at Talladega Superspeedway.
Blaney explained that Savage’s line, “the cream will rise to the top,” has always been one of his favorites, symbolizing perseverance when things look bleak. “That is what we can use for this weekend,” he said. “I thought that was a perfect comparison to my situation. Thank you, Mr. Savage.”
The quote, one of Blaney’s favorites from the late wrestling legend, captures his belief that hard work and talent eventually shine through the toughest moments, a fitting mantra heading into one of NASCAR’s most challenging tracks.
In a sport that thrives on emotion, storytelling, and comebacks, the connection makes sense. Savage was known for his charisma, unpredictability, and ability to perform when it mattered most, traits Blaney hopes to channel as he looks to pull off one of the playoffs’ great turnarounds.
Blaney, who captured the 2023 Cup title in dramatic fashion, is now fighting to make the Championship 4 for the third straight year. To do it, he’ll likely need a win or a top finish at Talladega to keep his hopes of a final four alive. But surviving 500 miles at NASCAR’s wildest circuit will be no easy feat.