10 Best WWE Stars To Compete In A Wrestling World Cup
8. France Andre The Giant
There have been many French Canadians in the WWE over the years, like Rick Martel and Dino Bravo in the 80s, to Sylvan Grenier in the last decade, but only one Frenchman who has ever made it onto the main roster. And yet, if there were one hundred Frenchmen in the WWE, there is one man who would literally and figuratively stand head and shoulders above them all: Andre the Giant. Born in Grenoble, a French city nestled in the Alps. Andre was huge from the beginning. In one of the most bizarre random meetings of all time, he was driven to school as a teenager by the playwright Samuel Beckett as a favour while Andres father was building a cottage for Beckett to live in, all because Andre was too big to fit onto the school bus. As a teenager, he was taught to wrestle by a promoter who realised that a man of Andres size would draw crowds far and wide. He wrestled across Europe under the name of Jean Ferre before venturing out to Japan in 1970, and into North America two years later. Wherever he went, he was an instant sensation. Men of Andres size just didnt come along every day. In 1973, he made his first appearance in the WWWF. Andre made a great living by touring the world. In the era of territorial wrestling, he would be brought into regional promotions as a special attraction, quite often when a heel was on the rampage and the local babyface would bring Andre in to take matters into control and quell the villainous threat. He was universally adored by fans everywhere. In 1987, Vince McMahon had a stroke of genius. Andre, the beloved babyface, turned heel on Hulk Hogan. It was shocking. Andre had been a hero for literally decades, and had never been pinned or submitted inside a WWF ring. Led by Bobby Heenan, he challenged Hogan to a match for the WWF World title and arguably the most famous wrestling match of all time was set up: Hogan vs Andre at WrestleMania III. A reported 93.000 fans filled the Pontiac Silverdome in Detroit to witness history. Andre lost, but it didnt matter. He had sealed his place in history. His death in 1993 was the catalyst that set up the WWE Hall of Fame. For years, Andre was the only member, but like the man himself, it grew into something huge and history-making.
Dean Ayass is a well known name to British wrestling fans. A commentator, manager, booker and ring announcer who has been involved in the business since 1993, Dean's insight into the business is second to none.
