When I was much younger, I was an avid pro wrestling fan and one of my earliest favorite performers was none other than Andre the Giant. Not only was he physically larger than life, but he had a giant personality and charisma too. One of my first wrestling memories was watching a Piper's Pit segment.
The two biggest stars and soon to be former friends were facing off. Moments after this photo was taken, Andre would rip off Hulk's tank top and crucifix setting up a title match at Wrestlemania III. Andre lost that night, 'passing the torch' to Hogan in the process. However, about a year later in February 1988, Andre would 'win' his only World Title.
It was quite a controversial victory, but the title reign was official nonetheless. He didn't last much longer in the ring due to health problems and less than 5 years later he would be gone. Twenty-six years on, we have these iconic images and great memories of the legendary giant. That's not all though. As a kid, I also remember him this way:
To this day, The Princess Bride is still one of my favorite movies. These days, I get to watch it with my daughters. Thanks for the memories, Andre. My childhood wouldn't have been the same without you.
I sure did like Andre the Giant. It's weird to think that he's been gone for over half my life.
ReplyDeleteGreat article Tim! Princess Bride is a fantastic movie and WrestleMania III is still a legendary show. I think I might have to watch that soon as a tribute.
ReplyDeleteNever was a wrestling fan and as such, I didn't realize for an embarrassingly long time that he wasn't just that big guy from Princess Bride (one of my all time favorite movies). RIP Andre.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I loved Andre the Giant even though I never got all that into wrestling. Just seemed like a cool dude and genuinely good guy.
ReplyDeleteGood post and nice little tribute to one of my favorites growing up. The Princess Bride is reason #1 as to why I still have a VCR player. (I should really upgrade my copy.)
ReplyDeleteLoved the "Giant". Wrestling was a lot different back in the 70's and 80's
ReplyDeleteAnybody want a peanut?
ReplyDeleteI remember that Pipers Pit and WrestleMania III, I would love to see how he would do now.
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