50 Fascinating Facts About WWE in The 1980s
3. Why Andre Changed From Trunks To That Singlet
Andre debuted his iconic single strap black singlet at WrestleMania III. This wasn't some inspired aesthetic change carefully designed to add a new wrinkle to the Giant's game. No, he did that because he needed to wear a back brace, and his old trunks wouldn’t have covered that part of his body. The singlet’s material hid the brace on his lower spine from fans.
That's really, really sad.
Andre's health had degenerated to the point he needed the extra support or he just wouldn't have been able to show up at all. He was having real problems even getting from A to B, so the special ring carts the WWF introduced for 'Mania III were essential too. Without them, The Giant might not have been able to walk the lengthy aisle way to the ring, step over the ropes and start his business with Hulk.
Vince McMahon and his WWF troops took as many precautions as they possibly could to get the match in the ring. That's something McMahon later spoke about to Netflix - he knew it was important to get Andre and Hulk nose to nose at least. Then, if all The Giant could do was take an awkward slam and leg drop, so be it.
His back had to be screaming throughout the 12 minute match. Re-watch the thing now and you'll see several moments where Andre literally needed the ropes to haul his massive frame back up. He was a shell of his former self, and looked every bit the faded warrior who had little left to offer physically.