Born weighing a massive 13 pounds (6 kilograms), André René Roussimoff was destined to stand out from the crowd. By the time he reached his twelfth birthday, the French youth already towered over his teachers at 6 feet 3 inches (191 centimeters) tall.
A condition known as acromegaly fueled his relentless growth, ultimately pushing his colossal frame to a billed height of 7 feet 4 inches (224 centimeters) and a weight of 520 pounds (236 kilograms). This is the true story of how a farmhand from the French countryside transformed into the most recognized professional wrestler on the planet, dominating opponents across the globe before stepping into the ring for the most famous body slam in sports entertainment history.
From the Farm to the Ring
Growing up in rural France, Roussimoff worked on his family’s farm and later at an engine factory. Dissatisfied with manual labor, the 18-year-old moved to Paris in 1964. He worked as a furniture mover during the day to pay his living expenses and trained in professional wrestling at night.
A local promoter recognized the immense earning potential of his size. Roussimoff made his television debut in 1966 and soon began wrestling in Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, and North America.
The Unbeatable Special Attraction
In 1973, promoter Vincent J. McMahon signed Roussimoff to the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF). McMahon branded him “André the Giant” and marketed him as an immovable monster.
To keep the giant from becoming overexposed in a single market, McMahon established a travel-intensive schedule that lent André to different wrestling associations around the world. For 15 years, André maintained an unprecedented undefeated streak within the WWF. He never lost a match by pinfall or submission inside a WWF ring during this extensive period.
The Ultimate Betrayal
For over a decade, André the Giant wrestled as a fan favorite. That changed in early 1987 when he aligned with villainous manager Bobby Heenan. During a television interview, André confronted his longtime friend, WWF World Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan.
André challenged Hogan to a championship match and ripped the shirt and crucifix right off Hogan’s chest. This shocking confrontation set the stage for a monumental main event at WrestleMania III.
The Body Slam Heard Around the World
On March 29, 1987, André the Giant faced Hulk Hogan in front of a record-breaking indoor crowd at the Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan. André was suffering from severe joint and bone pain due to his immense size. He wore a custom brace underneath his wrestling singlet to support his back following a recent surgery.
During the climax of the match, Hogan managed to lift the 520-pound (236-kilogram) giant and body-slammed him to the canvas. Hogan then hit his signature leg drop and pinned André, ending the giant’s 15-year undefeated streak in the WWF.