The world of professional wrestling is full of legendary moments, but few can rival the iconic clash at WrestleMania III between Hulk Hogan and André the Giant. This event, held on March 29, 1987, in front of a record-breaking crowd at the Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan, has been etched into the annals of wrestling history. One moment, in particular, stands out: Hulk Hogan lifting and body-slamming André the Giant. Fans and historians alike often wonder: how heavy was André the Giant at that moment?
Born André René Roussimoff, André the Giant was known for his colossal size, a result of acromegaly, a disorder causing excessive growth hormone production. By the time of WrestleMania III, André was billed at an astounding 7 feet 4 inches tall. His weight was often a topic of speculation, as it fluctuated throughout his career due to his condition and lifestyle.
For WrestleMania III, André the Giant was billed at 520 pounds (236 kilograms). This staggering figure added to the mystique and challenge that faced Hulk Hogan, whose own impressive physique and strength were put to the ultimate test. The billing weight is significant because professional wrestling often involves exaggeration for dramatic effect, yet even with potential embellishments, André’s size was undeniably massive.
The body slam was not only a physical feat but a symbolic passing of the torch. André had been the unstoppable force in wrestling for years, and Hulk Hogan was the rising star. When Hogan hoisted André off his feet and slammed him to the mat, it wasn’t just a demonstration of strength; it was a moment that signaled a new era in professional wrestling.
Wrestling insiders have shared various stories about this moment. Hogan himself has recounted in interviews that André’s weight and condition were such that he was genuinely concerned about the execution of the slam. There are also accounts of André’s cooperation in the move, subtly assisting Hogan by pushing off slightly to aid in the lift. Nonetheless, the sheer effort required to lift a man of André’s size was enormous.
Hulk Hogan’s body slam of André the Giant remains one of the most replayed and celebrated moments in wrestling history. It wasn’t just a demonstration of physical prowess but a pivotal point in the sport’s storytelling. The visual of Hogan lifting the 520-pound giant encapsulated the triumph of heroism and strength, a storyline that resonated deeply with fans.
André the Giant’s billed weight of 520 pounds at WrestleMania III highlights the extraordinary nature of Hulk Hogan’s feat. This moment, blending athleticism and entertainment, stands as a testament to the spectacle of professional wrestling. As fans reflect on that night, they are reminded of the larger-than-life characters and the unforgettable moments that define the world of wrestling.
