Andre The Giant
He’s the biggest of the big men in terms of legendary status. You can ask any professional wrestling who is billed 6 foot 10 inches and taller—they’re going to talk about the influence Andre The Giant had on their careers.
Andre was billed at 7 foot 5 inches and 525 pounds. Billed being the key word as in relative comparison to other big men we have seen since, it’s obvious Andre wasn’t as tall as advertised. This doesn’t take away from him though. He was the original. Wrestling fans hadn’t seen someone like him. So you could say he was 7 foot 5, who was going to dispute it? Who was going to try and take a tape measure at Andre and contradict his billing? Nobody.
His career began in 1963 in France. As the 60s went on, Andre was making his mark all through Europe. He would eventually find his way to the United States, working for Vince McMahon Sr. in 1973.
Andre would be a top star for the McMahon’s for nearly the next 20 years. There is no doubt the most memorable and historic moment came in 1987 at WrestleMania 3. It was the body slam heard around the world. It was the passing of the torch seen around the world.
Hulk Hogan would slam Andre The Giant and beat him in front of a record 93,000 in attendance and many more watching on television.
This was the last big moment for Andre. He would perform for WWF over the next few years in less prestigious booking spots until his passing in 1993.
