The 8th Wonder of the World, Andre The Giant

Andre "The Giant" is the true catalyst to the overall success of WrestleManiaIII. The reality is before Hulk Hogan took the business to heights it had never reached before; Andre "The Giant" was Vince McMahon Sr's biggest draw at the "WWWF" throughout the 70's and early 80's.

Andre "The Giant" had been coined the 8th Wonder of the World plus was the company's leading babyface leading into "The Golden Era." Andre went 15 years undefeated under McMahon Sr's direction, and remained the company's biggest attraction during that period in ticket sales and merchandising. However, Andre never held the World Heavyweight Championship in those 15 years of driving the business' success?

Not long before WrestleManiaI is when Vince McMahon Jr. took over his Father's business (and the name changed to the WWF). Vince McMahon Jr. and Hulk Hogan certainly transcended the company to the level it is at today, but if it weren't for his Father's Giant then Hulk Hogan and "Jr." wouldn't have had the heel needed to match the success achieved at WrestleManiaIII. WrestleManiaIII claimed a record attendance of 93,172 fans. This was the largest indoor attendance record regarding all live sporting events in North America (until 2010's NBA all-star game that achieved 108,713 fans). The larger than life record was held for 23 years...

WrestleManiaIII's main event was Hulk Hogan vs. Andre "The Giant" for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. What reminded me about Andre's epic influence and contribution to the sport was ESPN's 30 for 30: The "real" Rocky. Rocky III portrayed a match between Rocky "Sylvester Stallone" and Thunderlips "Hulk Hogan." The match in the movie was identical to a real match that took place under Vince McMahon Sr's WWWF! The match was Andre "The Giant" vs. Chuck Wepner (A.K.A. the "real" Rocky). This example gives us legitimate insight to Vince McMahon Sr's creativity and networking pull. If it weren't for McMahon Sr's idea; Pro Boxing vs. Pro Wrestling - Hulk Hogan wouldn't have had a script to work off of in his first major motion picture.

Hulk Hogan defeated Andre "The Giant" at WrestleManiaIII, retained the title and went on to carrying the company throughout the 80's as the new baby face of the company. In my opinion, Andre's 15 year undefeated record was something that demanded championship acknowledgement. Andre went on to later defeat Hulk Hogan at a "Main Event" show weeks proceeding WrestleManiaIII. He held the WWF World Heavyweight Championship 1 time. Shortly after his win, Andre sold his title to the Million Dollar Man; Ted DiBiase. The WWF declared the title shift invalid and subsequently vacated the title.

Take a ride "Back to the Future" with me... we are now approaching WrestleManiaXXX (just a week away). The WWE will showcase a "Andre 'The Giant' memorial battle royal." This match will include 30 WWE Superstars competing for a massive golden Andre "The Giant" trophy. I feel like this is being done in remembrance of Andre's epic contribution to the company (and rightfully so). Check out the video to your right.... WWF had awarded Hogan and Andre both a trophy a couple of weeks prior to this confrontation in Piper's Pit. Hogan's trophy was larger than Andre's trophy. Again, Hulk Hogan's contribution to the company until that point was nowhere near Andre's? Listen to the crowd...  the Giant has grown angry in disappointment of his 15 year record career being insulted... respect Andre. Respect.

Don't miss WrestleManiaXXX's battle royal in your favorite Giant's remembrance. Let's not forget "The Princess Bride" where Andre played a significant role as a villain was far better than any movie Hulkamania has run wild in. RIP Andre "The Giant" we miss you!