Relive Andre The Giant’s Greatest Moments Before The Premiere of His HBO Doc

The term “legend” is used loosely in wrestling folklore. The sport historically revels in the uncertainty that accompanies exaggeration, half-truths, and flat-out deception. It’s all part of the game. Pro-wrestling fans willingly suspend their disbelief in deference to the storytelling. So while words like “legend” might be used to extol the newest commodity as the “next big thing,” no wrestler truly encapsulates the textbook definition of the term more than Andre the Giant.

Dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” André René Roussimoff was a literal giant who walked among the faux big men who inhabited the pro-wrestling scene. A spectacle that needed to be seen to be believed, Andre’s unearthly size and innate charisma turned the French goliath into a global box office draw. HBO’s new documentary about the man behind the mass, which premieres tomorrow night, is a peek behind the seven foot, 500-plus pound curtain into the extraordinary life of a true legend of the squared circle. Wrestling fans in need of a quick fix of Andre the Giant 101 should head on over to the WWE Network and peruse their Andre the Giant Collection, which features 40-plus videos highlighting Andre’s most memorable in-ring moments.

The whole collection is worth a watch, but if you’re pressed for time, here are a few of our favorites.

Keeping Hulkamania Down — WrestleMania IV

WrestleMania III receives the acclaim, but Andre and Hulk Hogan also met in the Heavyweight Championship Tournament a year later at WrestleMania IV. Hulk, Andre, and The Million Dollar Man’s feud was the impetus for the tournament (more on that later), but the two rivals couldn’t control their hatred as a double disqualification finish eliminated them both. With Hulk and Andre out of the picture, Macho Man defeated The Million Dollar Man in the finals to capture the title.

The bout doesn’t match the hype of WrestleMania III, but Andre’s pre-match interview with Bob Uecker lives on in promo infamy.

A Two-Headed Beast

Say it ain’t so, Andre. In one of the most shocking moments in WWE history, Andre aligned himself with pro-wrestling’s equivalent of the devil, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, and turned his back on the fans by ripping off Hulk Hogan’s crucifix and challenging his former friend to a match at WrestleMania III.

That showdown led to the now famous contract signing between Hulk and Andre.

“If you wanted a title shot, all you had to do was ask me. I would have gave you anything, man. Andre, you were bigger than the world title to me.”

Fee-Fi-Phobia

What’s the one way to defeat a giant? In regards to Andre the answer was… snakes.

The Hulk/Andre feud is an integral part of wrestling history, but the Andre/Jake the Snake rivalry is a ton of fun. Andre’s comedic chops aren’t a surprise to anyone who’s seen The Princess Bride, but the big man’s physical comedy during this feud was a joy to watch.

Money Talks

In the first episode of The Main Event, Hulk and Andre met in the much-anticipated rematch of their WrestleMania III encounter. In one of the most memorable angles of all-time, Andre defeated Hogan after an evil twin referee counted three on The Hulkster, despite the champ’s shoulder clearly being off the mat. Andre then sold the title to The Million Dollar Man because, as Ted DiBiase’s legendary theme song states, “everybody’s got a price.”

President Jack Tunney, however, was not a fan of the chicanery. Tunney stripped DiBiase of the belt and held a tournament to crown a new champion at WrestleMania IV. Andre still holds the dubious honor of having the shortest WWE Title reign in history.

The Burning Will Inside

It’s the most iconic moment in professional wrestling history. Hulk slams Andre in front of a record 93,173 thousand fans (although that number is hotly-debated) and the rest, as they say, is history.

It was a true passing the torch moment and one that defines professional wrestling iconography.

Andre the Giant premieres Tuesday, April 10th at 10:00 p.m. on HBO.

Where to stream Andre the Giant