André the Giant's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of André the Giant. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

André the Giant, born André René Roussimoff, was a French professional wrestler and actor renowned for his immense size, a consequence of gigantism. Billed as "the Eighth Wonder of the World," he became a global wrestling icon, captivating audiences with his formidable presence and in-ring prowess. Beyond wrestling, he appeared in films and television, further solidifying his status as a pop-culture figure. His unique physique and captivating personality made him one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in the history of professional wrestling.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1974: Highest Paid Wrestler

In 1974, André the Giant was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the then-highest-paid wrestler in history, earning approximately $400,000 annually.

November 1981: Victory Over Killer Khan

On 14 November 1981, André the Giant decisively defeated Killer Khan in a "Mongolian stretcher match" at the Philadelphia Spectrum.

1981: Disqualification Win Against Stan Hansen

In 1981, André the Giant won by disqualification against Stan Hansen in Japan.

March 1985: Body Slam Challenge at WrestleMania I

On 31 March 1985, at the first WrestleMania, André the Giant slammed Big John Studd to win the match and a $15,000 prize. He then threw the cash to the fans before Studd's manager, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, took the bag.

April 1986: Battle Royal Victory at WrestleMania 2

On 7 April 1986, at WrestleMania 2, André the Giant won a twenty-man battle royal featuring NFL stars and wrestlers, last eliminating Bret Hart to win the contest.

February 1988: André wins the WWF World Heavyweight Championship

In February 1988, after Ted DiBiase failed to persuade Hulk Hogan to sell him the WWF World Heavyweight Championship, DiBiase turned to André the Giant. On February 5, 1988, on The Main Event, André, acting as DiBiase's hired gun, defeated Hogan for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship in a controversial match where a replacement referee, Earl Hebner, made a fast three-count while Hogan's shoulder was off the mat.

December 1989: Colossal Connection wins WWF Tag Team Championship

In December 1989, André the Giant teamed with Haku to form the Colossal Connection, managed by Bobby Heenan. On December 13, 1989, The Colossal Connection defeated Demolition to win the WWF Tag Team Championship at a television taping.

1993: WWF Hall of Fame Induction

Following his death in 1993, André the Giant was the inaugural inductee into the newly created WWF Hall of Fame.

2025: Equivalent Salary in 2025

In 1974, André the Giant earned approximately $400,000 annually, which is equivalent to $2,611,000 in 2025.

April 17, 2026: WrestleMania III inducted at WWE Hall of Fame

On April 17, 2026, André the Giant's daughter, Robin Christensen, appeared alongside Nick Hogan at the WWE Hall of Fame, when their respective fathers' WrestleMania III match was inducted as an Immortal Moment.

2026: Immortal Moment Induction

Posthumously in 2026, André the Giant's WrestleMania III match with Hulk Hogan was inducted into the Immortal Moments category of the WWF Hall of Fame.