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Accomplishments: Andre the Giant was born Andre Rene Roussimoff in Grenoble, France. He was born with a disease called acromegaly, which makes bones grow at an accelerated rate, and continue to grow passed physical maturity. Andre, who was always big, obviously used his size to get into professional wrestling. He was known at first as Monster Eiffel Tower, or Monster Roussimoff. He was noticed by a fellow wrestler by the name of Edouard Carpentier, who brought Andre to North America, where he wrestled in Canada under the name Jean Ferre. Andre, who was inspired by the movie King Kong, acquired the name "The 8th Wonder of the World". Vince McMahon Sr. was quick to hear about Andre. In 1972 Andre was signed by Vince McMahon Sr., and the World Wrestling Federation. Andre's first opponent was named Buddy Wolfe. Andre wrestled him in New York's Madison Square Garden, and make easy work of him. Before long, Andre became very popular, even getting a feature written about him in Sports Illustrated. In 1987, at WrestleMania III, Andre the Giant, along with Hulk Hogan, drew 93,000 plus to Detroit's Pontiac Silver Dome, where Andre passed the torch to Hulk Hogan. Hogan bodyslammed Andre, which was unheard of. WrestleMania III wasn't the only WrestleMania that Andre would take part of. Andre actually took part in six WrestleManias. He wrestled Hulk Hogan, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, "Big" John Studd, and even took part in a battle royal (and won), at different WrestleManias. Not long after WrestleMania III, on a Saturday Night Main Event, Andre defeated Hulk Hogan for the WWF World Heavyweight Title, even though under very controversial circumstances. Andre was quick to forfeit the title to Ted DiBiase, thus making the title vacant by then WWF President Jack Tunney. Even though one of the most popular professional wrestlers, Andre also starred in quite a few movies. In 1975 Andre played the role of "Big Foot" in the Six Million Dollar Man. Also, in Andre's favorite role, he played "Fezzik", who was a friendly giant, in Rob Reiner's movie, The Princess Bride. It is said that his character in that movie, was a lot like himself. Andre held many titles, including the WWF World Heavyweight Title, the WWF Tag Team Titles, along with the NWA, and IWA Tag Team Titles. Although Andre was huge, and a very scary individual, he was as gentle as can be. He was indeed the "8th Wonder of the World", and one of the most popular, and well known wrestlers of all time, but he was gentle, and cared about everyone he stepped into the ring with. He could have easily injured someone with his tremendous size and strength, but Andre went that extra mile to make sure everyone was safe. Andre the Giant will always be remember in professional wrestling. He was a giant...he was The Giant, and he could have very easily destroyed every competitor that he stepped into the ring with. Andre is definitely a legend, and should be remembered for centuries to come. Written by: Matt Lytle |
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