10 Wrestlers We Had To Love Before We Could Hate

2. André The Giant

What's the one thing that separates André The Giant from every other monster heel Hulk Hogan faced during his heyday? Is it the sheer physical stature of André? Was it simply that Hulk's formula was so successful he could work anyone but The Giant happened to be respected?

No and no.

The real victory for André vs. Hogan at WrestleMania III and beyond came from fan knowledge of The Giant before he ripped Hulk's crucifix from his neck and challenged him for the "World World Wrestling Federation" Title. Before that feud, André was a happy, smiley, lovable big man who had carved a rep for himself as friendly for well over a decade.

Fans were so accustomed to seeing André smile that they forgot to fear him. Their love for this uniquely impressive performer was so strong that it made his heel turn all the more upsetting. To fans in the '80s, it was hurtful to imagine their colossus would turn his back on them and gun for another beloved mega-star, and that move led to disdain.