10 Most Shocking Pro Wrestling Title Changes Of The 1980s

By Ronnie Valliere / June 1, 2020

The 1980s were a much different time for the pro wrestling industry. Champions having lengthy title reigns was the norm and not the exception. Fans in that era expected their champions to hold the gold for more than a few months and up to several years.

During that decade, pro wrestling information and spoilers were also much harder to find. The best way to get the scoop was to be a loyal viewer and to break open the piggy bank a couple of times a month to buy a good wrestling magazine. Championship matches were more exciting and unpredictable without the onslaught of information and spoilers offered by today’s internet.

From a booking standpoint, the 1980s had many wrestlers who were seemingly indestructible. Champions such as Hulk Hogan, The Ultimate Warrior, Bob Backlund, The Road Warriors, and Demolition rarely lost, so when they did it was a big deal and an even bigger deal when they lost the strap around their waist.

These factors were leading causes for the 1980s having some of pro wrestling’s most shocking title changes in history.

10. Andre The Giant Dethrones Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan was a dominant WWE Champion with his reign having no end in sight. Heading into his early 1988 showdown with Andre the Giant on The Main Event, Hogan was in the middle of a four-year stint and was just about a year removed from a huge win over Andre at WrestleMania III. Andre was well past his prime, so no one expected him to defeat Hogan. He had been dealing with a number of injuries that severely limited his in ring abilities.

However, Andre shocked the pro wrestling world by beating Hogan with the help of ‘Million Dollar Man’ Ted DiBiase and ‘evil twin’ ref Earl Hebner. He wasn't champion for very long. Following the win, Andre surrendered the title to DiBiase who was later stripped by WWE. At WrestleMania IV, Randy Savage would win a tournament for the vacant championship.