Wrestling Legends of the 1980s: The Fascinating Stories Behind the Superstars (2 of 6)

Andre the Giant

Andre René Roussimoff, better known to you and me as Andre the Giant, suffered from acromegaly, which accounted for his massive size. But sadly, it was also the cause of constant pain. Refusing treatment to continue wrestling, he wore a back brace under his signature one-strap singlet to disguise it. Even after spinal surgery, his mobility was limited, but his commitment to fans never wavered. Nor was his commitment to drinking, apparently. According to Hulk Hogan, Andre once consumed more than 100 beers in 45 minutes at an airport lounge.

Hulk Hogan

At the peak of Hulkamania, Hogan became the first professional wrestler to make the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1985. He had been fresh off winning the WWF World Heavyweight Championship, and his appearance symbolized wrestling’s arrival in mainstream sports culture whereas it had previously been perceived as something akin to a circus act. Years later, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson would also make the cover, although well after his wrestling prime. Sadly, Hogan passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy that shaped professional wrestling for generations. His death marks the end of an era for fans who grew up idolizing the red-and-yellow icon.