Challenges Faced by André the Giant: Obstacles and Turning Points

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 24, 2026

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped André the Giant's life and career.

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

1970: Japanese Debut and IWA World Tag Team Championship

In 1970, André the Giant made his Japanese debut for the International Wrestling Enterprise (IWA), billed as "Monster Roussimoff". He became the IWA World Tag Team Champion alongside Michael Nador and was diagnosed with acromegaly during his time in Japan.

1971: Loss to Adnan Al-Kaissie

In 1971, André the Giant suffered a loss to Adnan Al-Kaissie in Baghdad, Iraq.

1972: Losses to Don Leo Jonathan and Killer Kowalski

In 1972, André the Giant suffered pinfall losses to Don Leo Jonathan in Montreal and Killer Kowalski in Quebec City.

1974: Draws and Loss to The Sheik

In 1974, André the Giant had two draws and a countout loss to The Sheik in Toronto after a fireball incident.

1975: Knockout Loss to Jerry Lawler

In 1975, André the Giant suffered a knockout loss to Jerry Lawler in Memphis.

1977: Count Out Loss to Jerry Lawler

In 1977, André the Giant had a count out loss to Jerry Lawler in Louisville.

1978: Loss to Ronnie Garvin

In 1978, André the Giant lost to Ronnie Garvin in Knoxville.

May 1981: Feud with Killer Khan

In May 1981, during a match in Rochester, New York, Killer Khan supposedly snapped André the Giant's ankle. In reality, he had broken his ankle getting out of bed the morning before the match. This injury was worked into their feud storyline.

1984: Loss to Kamala and Canek

In 1984, André the Giant suffered a countout loss to Kamala in Toronto and a loss to Canek in Mexico.

1986: Feud with Studd and King Kong Bundy and formation of The Machines

In 1986, André the Giant continued his feud with Studd and King Kong Bundy after WrestleMania 2. He requested a leave of absence due to health issues from acromegaly and a tour of Japan. A storyline was created where Bobby Heenan challenged André and a partner to face Studd and Bundy. When André didn't appear, he was suspended by WWF president Jack Tunney. Upon his return in the summer of 1986, André wrestled under a mask as "Giant Machine" in The Machines stable, with the gimmick copied from "Super Strong Machine". Heenan, Studd, and Bundy complained, and Tunney stated that if it was proven André was the Giant Machine, he would be fired. Eventually, the Giant Machine disappeared, and André was reinstated. Heenan approved of the reinstatement, foreshadowing André's heel turn.

1986: Submission Loss to Antonio Inoki

In 1986, André the Giant suffered a submission loss to Antonio Inoki in Japan.

1987: 1987 Surgery Dosage

There is an urban legend surrounding André the Giant's 1987 surgery in which his size made it impossible for the anesthesiologist to estimate a dosage via standard methods; consequently, his alcohol tolerance was used as a guideline instead.