Andre the Giant was the most successful touring attraction in the history of modern wrestling. Before the WWEs globalisation of the industry, Andre would be brought in to various territories around America and around the world as a special guest to see off a particular heel who had been creating havoc in the promotion. He was also the master of Battle Royals, given his immense size. He was a modern day equivalent of a circus or freak show attraction. People would come to witness the giant in person. He was a babyface without comparison. In the WWF, Andre had never been pinned (although he had lost two matches elsewhere in Mexico and Japan) but had never received a World title match. On an episode of Pipers Pit in January 1987, Andres friend and ally Hulk Hogan received an award for being champion for three years (despite only being champion for two years and a month, his reign had spanned three different calendar years). Andre congratulated Hogan on his achievement. The following week, again on Pipers Pit, Andre received a smaller trophy for being the only undefeated wrestler in history. Hogan congratulated Andre but the spotlight clearly fell on Hogan. Obviously annoyed, Andre left the set. A meeting designed as a peace summit was scheduled for Pipers Pit on February 7th 1987. Hogan came out first, followed by Andre. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKu13G91AlU However, Andre was shockingly accompanied by notorious heel manager Bobby Heenan. Heenan accused Hogan of befriending Andre simply to avoid having to defend his title against him. Andre, through his thick French accent, challenged Hogan to a title match, then ripped Hogans shirt and tore his crucifix off from around his neck. Hogan, and the wrestling world, was stunned. Andre had aligned himself with Heenan and had challenged Hogan for the main event of WrestleMania III. This angle led to the main event of the most highly attended WrestleMania of all time. Hogan vs Andre was a feud that lasted well over a year and well and truly put Hogan, and the WWF, on the map globally, as they put on arguably the greatest spectacle of all time.
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.
