WrestleMania III: Hulk Hogan vs. André the Giant: The Body Slam Heard Around the World
- Khelandaaz
- Dec 23, 2024
- 4 min read
On March 29, 1987, in front of over 93,000 screaming fans, WrestleMania III, packed into the Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan, two of the biggest names in wrestling history, Hulk Hogan and. André the Giant faced off in what would become one of the most iconic moments in WWE (then WWF) history.
Hulk Hogan, the larger-than-life hero, defended his WWF Championship against the undefeated behemoth, André the Giant. What followed was a match that transcended wrestling and became a part of pop culture, a match highlighted by Hulk Hogan lifting the 520-pound André and body-slamming him to the mat.
Known as "The Body Slam Heard Around the World," this moment remains etched in the memories of wrestling fans.
What made this moment so impactful, and why does it still resonate with audiences over three decades later? Let’s explore the match, its build-up, and its lasting legacy on WWE and sports entertainment.
Hulkamania Meets the Undefeated Giant
In the months leading up to WrestleMania III, tensions had been building between Hogan and André. The storyline, as crafted by the WWF, was masterful. André had been undefeated for over 15 years, dominating opponents with ease, while Hulk Hogan, riding the wave of "Hulkamania," was arguably the most popular figure in professional wrestling.
The drama escalated when André, once a friend and ally to Hogan, turned against him under the guidance of the villainous manager, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan.
This betrayal set the stage for their epic clash at WrestleMania III, where André would challenge Hogan for the WWF Championship. The stakes were high: Hogan was determined to defend his title and his honor, while André was out to prove that he was the true giant of professional wrestling.
The Body Slam That Changed Wrestling
On the night of WrestleMania III, the atmosphere was electric. Over 93,000 fans filled the Silverdome, setting a world indoor attendance record that stood for years.
The event was larger than life, featuring a star-studded card, but all eyes were on the main event: Hulk Hogan vs. André the Giant.
When the match began, the sheer size of André dwarfed Hogan. Standing at 7'4" and weighing 520 pounds, André appeared invincible. Hogan, though muscular and powerful, seemed to be no match for the Giant’s size and strength.
Throughout the match, André dominated Hogan, tossing him around the ring with ease. Every time Hogan tried to mount an offence, André would cut him down, and the crowd began to worry that Hulkamania might be over.
Then came the moment that would change everything. Hogan, fueled by the energy of the crowd and his own indomitable spirit, managed to lift André off his feet and body-slam him to the mat. The Pontiac Silverdome erupted in cheers as Hogan defied all expectations by accomplishing what no one else had ever done.
Hogan followed the body slam with his signature leg drop, pinning André and retaining his WWF Championship. The moment became legendary, not just for wrestling fans but for the wider sports and entertainment world.
Hogan’s body slam became a symbol of overcoming impossible odds and solidified his status as a pop culture icon.
WrestleMania Goes Mainstream
WrestleMania III wasn’t just another wrestling event; it was a cultural phenomenon. The match between Hogan and André captured the imaginations of fans and non-fans alike.
It was covered in mainstream media, and Hogan’s victory was seen as a larger metaphor for good triumphing over evil, or the underdog defying the odds.
This match helped catapult the WWF into the mainstream, increasing its popularity and paving the way for future WrestleMania events to become even bigger spectacles.
The success of WrestleMania III, and specifically Hogan’s victory, played a crucial role in the WWF's expansion during the late 1980s and early 1990s, helping to establish Vince McMahon’s wrestling empire as a dominant force in sports entertainment.
Hogan’s victory over André helped legitimize wrestling as a global entertainment product, drawing fans not just to the in-ring action but to the larger-than-life characters and storylines that the WWF had perfected.
Wrestling’s Defining Moment
The match between Hulk Hogan and André the Giant has become the stuff of legend. To this day, it remains one of the most replayed and talked-about moments in WWE history.
Hogan’s body slam is more than just a wrestling move; it’s a symbol of overcoming insurmountable odds, a key reason why Hulk Hogan became the face of professional wrestling for decades.
For André, this match was both the peak and the final stage of his career. Though he would continue wrestling for a few more years, his physical health was declining, and he would never again reach the heights of WrestleMania III.
Hogan, on the other hand, continued his ascent, becoming one of the biggest stars in entertainment during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The legacy of this match lives on, not just in WWE’s official programming, but in documentaries, interviews, and pop culture references. André’s mystique as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" and Hogan’s image as the ultimate good guy facing off against an unbeatable opponent helped make professional wrestling a global sensation.
Comments