Wrestlemania Countdown: Hulk Hogan VS Andre The Giant

The wrestling staff of Back Sports Page have carefully selected what they believe to be the top 41 matches in WrestleMania history. Presented in chronological order, this series will detail the backstory, match review, and aftermath of each match, along with how the outcomes shaped the careers of those involved.

WrestleMania III – Hulk Hogan vs. André the Giant

Backstory: WrestleMania III, held on March 29, 1987, at the Pontiac Silverdome in front of a reported 93,173 fans, was the event that truly put WWF on the map as a pop culture phenomenon. While WrestleMania I and II built a foundation, it was this event — driven by the larger-than-life showdown between Hulk Hogan and André the Giant — that solidified WrestleMania as the must-see spectacle it is today. The main event featured Hogan defending his WWF Championship against André the Giant in what became one of the most iconic matches in wrestling history.

André, previously an undefeated force in professional wrestling, had shockingly aligned himself with Bobby “The Brain” Heenan and turned heel, challenging his longtime friend Hogan. The emotional weight behind the match was immense, as fans believed Hogan’s reign was in serious jeopardy against the seemingly unbeatable Giant. The match build-up gave fans two unforgettable moments: the intense pre-match stare-down and Hogan’s legendary body slam on André, both of which became defining images of WrestleMania lore.

Match Review: While the match itself wasn’t technically flawless, it was an unforgettable spectacle. The crowd erupted during the iconic stare-down as Hogan and André faced off. Throughout the match, Hogan struggled against André’s overwhelming size and power. The turning point came when Hogan miraculously lifted André off his feet and delivered the unforgettable body slam before finishing him off with his signature leg drop to retain the WWF Championship. The moment the crowd roared as Hogan slammed the Giant has since become one of the most replayed moments in wrestling history.

Aftermath: The impact of this match was massive for both participants:

• Hulk Hogan‘s victory solidified him as the ultimate hero in professional wrestling. The win over André elevated Hogan’s already iconic status and ensured his dominance as WWF’s top star for years to come.
• André the Giant, despite his loss, continued to be a major presence in the WWF. Shortly after, André went on to win the WWF Championship in controversial fashion at The Main Event in 1988, only to surrender the title to Ted DiBiase. His rivalry with Hogan continued, culminating in their rematch at WrestleMania IV.

This match, with its unforgettable moments and larger-than-life atmosphere, is remembered as the match that cemented WrestleMania as the premier event in professional wrestling and remains one of the most legendary moments in sports entertainment history.