10 Best Heel Turns In Wrestling History

2. Andre The Giant Turns On Hulk Hogan

During the Golden Age of wrestling in the 1980s, Hulkamania was running wild and the WWF was reaching unprecedented heights with the Hulkster as their main attraction. The first two WrestleManias were a huge success and Vince McMahon needed a new opponent for Hogan for the third. For nearly fifteen years, Andre the Giant was one of the most beloved heroes in wrestling.

A massive human being with amazing strength, Andre was a crowd favorite and was a box-office attraction for many, many years. In 1987, however, Andre's health had taken a turn for the worse and there were many who believed the end of his career was inevitable. Vince believed that Andre deserved one last shot in the main event and, with WrestleMania III promising to be the biggest event in WWF history, the Giant would get a shot at Hulk Hogan.

On an episode of Piper's Pit, Hogan was presented a trophy to celebrate him being WWE Champion for three years and Andre celebrated with him. The next week, Andre was also presented with a (smaller) trophy recognizing him as the "only undefeated man in wrestling". Hogan came out to congratulate his friend, but ended up stealing the spotlight and Andre shook his head, taking his leave.

Everything came to a head a short time later on Piper's Pit, when Andre brought out his new manager, Bobby Heenan. When Hogan questioned his friend's choice of representation, Andre responded by challenging him to a WWE Title match and ripping Hulk's t-shirt and crucifix from Hogan's chest, two of the most heelish things you can ever do to a man. How can Hogan say his prayers without his crucifix?

At WrestleMania III, before a claimed crowd of over 93,000 fans (actually 78,000) in Detroit, Hulk Hogan vanquished his foe and bodyslammed Andre. It was arguably the most famous wrestling moment ever, and it would not have been possible without an Andre the Giant heel turn.