40 Greatest Stories Wrestling Ever Told

One huge finger point was all we needed to get wheels in motion for the biggest match WrestleMania III could've whipped up. Andre The Giant turned heel by challenging his good pal Hulk Hogan to a title match on the grand stage, and it was clear to everyone watching on Piper's Pit that Bobby Heenan had corrupted the 'big friendly giant's' mind by making him prioritise selfish goals over friendship.

Hogan, stood there aghast with his jaw agape, couldn't believe what was happening. Typically for Hulk, his self-aggrandising comments and own (welcomed by fans) selfishness had caused someone else to get sick and tired of standing in the shadows. Andre didn't like that he'd been handed a smaller trophy than Hogan for his own achievements (15 years unbeaten was apparently less-than compared to Hulk's multi-year WWF Title reign).

So, Andre took matters into his own frying pan-sized hands by making the challenge then ripping Hogan's crucifix pendent from his chest. The stage was set for 'Mania III, and Gorilla Monsoon added to the moment by remarking: "Look at the disdain on Andre's face". He'd grown to hate someone he'd previously championed as the future.

Hulk's puppy dog eyes would only hang around so long. By WrestleMania, he was ready to put the big giant down and stick it to Heenan once more. Andre's disgusted facial expressions, Piper's reaction to the turn on a timeless talk show and then the face-to-face itself inside the ring? All of it was world class and a lesson in simple storytelling.

Kinda unfortunate that Andre couldn't remember what the WWF Title was called, but that's a minor gripe.