Andre the Giant

Biography

Andre Roussimoff, known by his ring name Andre the Giant, was born in Grenoble, France, on May 19, 1946. A true giant, his remarkable height of 7’4″ (although often billed as 7’5″) and weight of 520 pounds were due to a condition called acromegaly, a hormonal disorder that results in an excess of growth hormone.
He made his wrestling debut in France at the age of 17, but his journey towards global fame began when he moved to North America in 1971, following stints in Japan and the UK. In North America, he wrestled under the banner of the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), which later became the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and is now known as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

Career History and Evolution

Starting as a spectacle due to his incredible size, Andre soon showed the world that he was more than just his physical attributes. He displayed remarkable agility for his size and a comprehensive skill set. His popularity soared in the 1970s and 1980s, making him one of the most beloved and recognized wrestlers in the world.
Andre’s career saw an evolutionary shift in the mid-80s, turning from a beloved hero to a dreaded villain. This transition climaxed in a feud with Hulk Hogan, culminating in their legendary match at WrestleMania III in 1987.

Titles Won and Biggest Matches

Andre the Giant’s most significant title win was the WWF World Heavyweight Championship, which he won in 1988. However, his most enduring legacy might be his undefeated streak that lasted for nearly 15 years, only ending when he was bested by Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania III. This match, played out in front of 93,173 spectators at the Pontiac Silverdome, is considered one of the greatest and most influential events in professional wrestling history.

Biggest Rivalries and Tag Team Partners

Throughout his career, Andre had several big rivalries. His most iconic feud was undoubtedly with Hulk Hogan. Other notable rivalries included his battles with Big John Studd, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, and Killer Khan.
In terms of tag team partners, Andre paired up with several wrestlers over his career. Notably, he teamed with Dusty Rhodes and Haku, the latter becoming his partner when they formed “The Colossal Connection” in 1989, which won the WWF Tag Team Championship.

Family Life

Despite his larger-than-life persona in the ring, Andre was known to be a private person outside of it. He had one daughter, Robin Christensen Roussimoff, born in 1979.

Finishing Moves, Clothing, and Entrance Music

Andre’s finishing move was the simple yet devastating “Elbow Drop,” where he would drop a massive elbow onto a prone opponent.
In terms of attire, Andre was famous for his one-strap singlet, which became iconic in the wrestling world. His entrance music in the later part of his career was “The Eighth Wonder,” a tune that perfectly encapsulated his titanic status in wrestling.

Legacy

Andre the Giant passed away on January 27, 1993, but his impact on the world of professional wrestling remains unmatched. He was the inaugural inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1993, a testament to his enduring influence. His career serves as a benchmark for aspiring wrestlers worldwide, cementing his status as a true icon in the sport.