Andre The Giant (WF006)

ANDRE THE GIANT (WF006)

After MOST UNUSUAL MATCHES came another profile tape, this one centered around Andre The Giant. What can you say about the 8^th wonder of the world that already hasn’t been said? He was a legend in the business and the only real larger than life superstar in pre-Hulkamania WWF after Bruno Sammartino retired. By the time VHS and Betamax became popular, Hulk Hogan had become the number 1 star with Roddy Piper and Andre not far behind. Apparently the major domo’s felt that Andre was number 2 and the second profile tape would be about him. Cue the opening 1985 brass montage before we’re inexplicably taken into a middle of a tag match. Andre and “Chief” Jay Strongbow is taking on former WWF champion Stan “The Man” Stasiak and Blackjack Lanza. Alfred Hays narrates the action which includes Vince McMahon on commentary. Andre beats up both men as we cut to Hays in the studio with a guy sitting behind him falling asleep, no joke. Alfred shills Andre and tells a personal story of how he was wrestling in France one day. The promoter told him to pick up a 17 year old rookie for that night’s show and Alfred said sure, then marveled at the sight of Andre at nearly 7 feet tall and 300 pounds. If only they could have cured his “giantism” like they did with Big Show many years later. On to the first match.

 

Match 1

Andre The Giant vs Moondog Rex

Commentator: Alfred Hays

   August 1^st, 1981 in the Philadelphia Spectrum saw Andre (in the red trunks) take on one half of the Moondogs. Alfred continues to ramble on about Andre’s clothes being custom made in Japan by the time the bell rings. Andre backs Rex to the corner where he sticks his body through the ropes, only for Andre to kick him in the buttocks. Referee Dick Woehrle admonishes Andre as Hays continues to ramble about Andre having to wear a pocket watch as a wrist watch. Couldn’t they have kept Alfred in the studio talking about this BEFORE cutting to the match? Andre ties up and pelts Rex with a forearm to the chest as Alfred rambles that Andre likes children, animals, owns a horse farm and is a bachelor. Andre drops Rex with another forearm then picks him up OFF THE GROUND by his ripped jeans. Andre uses an amateur wrestling headlock that gets a two count as Alfred says Andre has an eye for the ladies, Freddie Blassie confirmed that in his book. Rex pulls Andre’s hair to get free as Alfred says Andre is a great card player (true) and a connoisseur of fine wine (also true). Rex gets the upperhand with several headbutts to the mid-section. Rex goes for a whip but isn’t strong enough to move Andre so the giant reverses it, sending Rex into the corner and down. Andre pelts Rex with two forearms to the chest, sends him off the ropes and delivers the giant boot. Andre executes a giant splash then covers for 1…2…3 and this one’s history. Andre makes short work of Moondog Rex in slightly under 2 minutes. Gary Michael Cappetta is two seconds off on the official time but announces Andre the winner. Alfred goes over the replay and we cut there. Short and sweet, just the way I like it.

 

Time of match: 1:47

Winner: Andre The Giant by pinfall

 

We move right along into the next match

 

Match 2

$50,000 dollar 18 Man Battle Royal

Commentator: Gorilla Monsoon and Alfred Hays

 March 11, 1984 in the Brendan Byrne Arena in East Rutherford, NJ saw this battle royal and the tape cuts most of the intros. The participants are Sgt Slaughter, Adrian Adonis, Dick Murdoch,  Big John Studd, Jimmy Snuka, Andre the Giant, Pat Patterson, Hulk Hogan, Salvatore Bellomo, Paul Orndorff, Tiger Chung Lee, Iron Sheik, Alexis Smirnoff, Mil Mascaras, Victor Rivera, Les Thornton, The Hangman and Tito Santana. Which of these is not like the others? Well Mascaras was imported from Mexico while Smirnoff is actually Canadian wrestler Michael “Justice” Dubois (not his real name but nobody cares anyway) doing a Russian sympathizer gimmick. Thornton came over from the Georgia Championship Wrestling purchase (for about 5 minutes) and The Hangman is As with every battle royal, describing all the action is impossible but I’ll point out things here and there. Iron Sheik bails to the outside to avoid Sgt Slaughter as Andre knocks Adonis + Murdoch’s heads together. Bellomo nearly dumps Hogan out while Tiger Chung Lee attacks Slaughter. Andre headbutts Studd then nails Chung Lee. Hogan bites Studd as Mascaras puts Adonis in a headlock. Slaughter and Sheik go at it as Orndorff nearly goes out. Patterson nails Bellomo as Andre attacks Murdoch in the corner. Patterson dumps Bellomo and Orndorff tries to get rid of Patterson, but Pat rakes the eyes. Patterson almost gets Orndorff but Tiger Chung Lee makes the save. Mascaras and Smirnoff circle each other as Andre tries to get rid of Studd. Patterson nearly has Murdoch gone as Hogan holds Orndorff..who’s holding Slaughter for Sheik to take a few shots on. The Hangman delivers an axehandle to the back of Tiger Chung Lee. Adonis clocks Hangman and has him halfway out as Murdoch goes to work on the Hulkster. Andre chops Rivera as Slaughter backs Sheik to the ropes with right hands. Sheik bails to the outside and Slaughter stupidly jumps over the top rope to attack him, eliminating himself. Sheik gets back in and spits at Slaughter as the refs shoo him away. Andre then pounds on Sheik then Smirnoff jumps on Andre’s back. Snuka goes after Orndorff as Hogan and Studd go at it. Sheik breaks free from Andre to grab Hogan for Studd to wail on. Andre squashes Smirnoff in the corner before eating a knee. Murdoch dumps Rivera as Mascaras saves Hogan from Studd. Adonis and Sheik team up to get rid of Snuka. Hogan has Studd in a fireman’s carry but Smirnoff nails him. Santana and Orndorff go at it. We have 13 men in the ring and I’ve counted 4 eliminations so Thornton must have gone out and everyone completely missed it. Tito and Paul continue to trade punches as the North/South Connection try to eliminate Andre. Orndorff ducks a charge and Tito is gone  Andre escapes the jam as from the outside Hogan slugs Studd. Hogan drags Studd out and atomic drops him on the floor. The camera misses it but someone dumps Orndorff then Andre gets rid of Mascaras. Sheik holds Hangman for Murdoch to pound on as Orndorff gets bent out of shape on the floor. Hulk gets rid of Sheik then rakes the eyes of Smirnoff. Adonis dumps The Hangman as Hogan as Studd on the apron. Adonis and Tiger Chung Lee comes over and Hogan nails all 3 of them. Studd bails to the floor and Hogan reaches over to grab him allowing Chung Lee and Adonis to tip him halfway out. Studd assists the two and Hulkster is gone. The announcer says Studd is gone too as they brawl on the floor. Adonis attacks Andre, Smirnoff takes a breather and Patterson goes after Chung Lee. Hogan and Studd continue to go at it on the outside as Studd rolls back in the ring. Hogan follows and they continue to brawl in the ring. Studd bails and the ref gets him out of there while Murdoch attacks Hogan. Hogan finally makes his exit as Chung Lee and Murdoch have Patterson down while Smirnoff and Adonis attack Andre. Patterson gets rid of Chung Lee then attacks Murdoch. Pat rams Murdoch and Smirnoff’s heads together which causes Dick to nearly fall over the top. Patterson tries to eliminate him but Adonis sees it, runs over and clotheslines Patterson over the top and out. We’re down to the final four: Murdoch, Adonis, Andre and Smirnoff. Who doesn’t belong here? The 3 heels overpower Andre and Adonis nails him with a second rope axehandle. Andre crumples to the mat as the 3 stomp away. Murdoch tells the others to get rid of him and they all bring Andre to his feet. Alfred Hays doesn’t think they can do it but they back him into the ropes. They try to get rid of him but Andre refuses to go over. The tag champs hold Andre but Smirnoff runs into a giant boot. Murdoch and Adonis are rammed into each other then Andre atomic drops Smirnoff over the top. Murdoch jumps on Andre’s back and the giant lowers his shoulders to send Dick flying out of the ring. We’re down to just Adonis and Andre and Adrian foolishly rushes the giant. Adrian lands some forearms to the chest as Monsoon says Adonis has two chances to win, slim and none. Adonis backs Andre into the corner as Murdoch cheers him on but Andre overpowers Adrian. Andre sends Adrian too the other corner but he Flair flips over the top and out, this one’s over. As if we wouldn’t have guessed, Andre wins it. Nice showing by Adonis and Murdoch, the tag team champions at the time, but Andre rarely loses battle royals. He wins 50 grand to boot.

 

Time of match: 11:19

Winner: Andre the Giant

 

 We move right along into the next match

 

Match 3

Andre the Giant vs Black Gordman and The Great Goliath in a handicap match

Commentators: Chavo and Gene (not Okerlund)

   We head back to November 12, 1979 as Andre takes on 2 international stars from Mexico. Andre shakes the hand of the ring announcer before the announcer leaves. Alfred overdubs the announce team I don’t recognize claiming the front row is vacant out of fear Andre would toss people out of the ring onto fans. Apparently guard rails weren’t invented until 1980. The bell rings as the two gentlemen try to shake Andre’s hand…only to be grabbed by the giant and lugged around. Goliath rolls out of the ring leaving Gordman alone, but he bails too. The two regroup and Goliath gets in the ring. You would think Andre would have better competition than 45 year old Great Goliath and 43 year old Gordman but whatever. Goliath goes for a tie up but Andre just shoves him across the ring. Goliath falls out of the ring into the first row of seats (good call Alfred). Goliath complains to the ref that Andre pulled his hair for cheap heat (Goliath as the Okerlund haircut) then tags in his partner. Gordman tries to slam Andre but the big fella just laughs. Andre picks Gordman up in a gorilla press but sets him on the top turnbuckle, what a guy. Gordman begs off and Andre pats him on the cheek them slaps him off. Andre turns to give Goliath shit as Gordman begs off in the corner. Gordman attempts body punches but one overhand slap by Andre has Gordman tagging in Goliath. Goliath executes a go-behind but Andre smiles at the crowd and butt bumps Goliath who runs and throws himself out of the ring. It was supposed to be a bump but they were too far to the right so Goliath had to literally run and throw himself out. The announcer goes WOOOO as Goliath crashes into the first row of seats. Andre stalks Goliath back inside and Goliath goes for the left leg. Gordman gets in and goes for the right leg and together they bring Andre down. They go for a wishbone but Andre brings his legs in and causes the two to crash into each other. Gordman recovers and pounds on Andre but eventually eats a headbutt. Andre whips Gordman into the corner where he jumps and catches himself. Andre brings him down then squeezes his head. Andre whips Gordman into the corner but misses a charge. The big guy’s down as Gordman reaches for something in his boot.  Gordman nails Andre with a foreign object as the ref shoos away an interfering Goliath. Gordman continues to pound on Andre as the announcer known as “Gene” calls the other “Chavo”. The announcer “Chavo” actually sounds like Eddie Guerrero a little bit so I’m going to make a longshot guess that the commentator is none other than Chavo Guerrero Sr (maybe someone can confirm this). Goliath interferes to kick Andre in the ass (literally). Gene says Gordman is holding a spike and indeed the man tries to spike Andre with it. Andre delivers a go-behind and rolls Gordman into a body scissors. Goliath interferes and Andre snapmares him then scissors him too! Andre scissors the two as the ref asks if they want to give it up. Goliath shakes his head no while Gordman looks like he’s saying yes. Eventually the two Mexicans break free but Andre sends him off the ropes and monkey flips both of them with each foot. Gordman gets up, hits Andre with the spike and covers for 1.,.no, Andre pushes him off. Andre gets up and nails Gordman with a forearm to the back then headbutts Goliath. Andre butt bumps Gordman then delivers a giant boot to Goliath. Andre press slams Gordman onto Goliath then sits on both of them for 1..2….3 and Andre wins it. We cut right then and there, not a bad showing by Andre. Most fans remember Andre as the lumbering giant from the 80’s but before his giantism caught up with him, he was much more mobile in the 70’s.

 

Time of match: 6:52

Winner: Andre the Giant by pinfall

 

Moving right along to the next match.

 

Match 4

Andre the Giant vs “Unpredictable” Johnny Rodz, Jack Evans and Joe “Butcher” Nova in a 3 on 1 Handicap Match

Commentator: Vince McMahon

  Oh boy, another handicap match! March 24, 1984 saw Andre (in blue trunks this time) taking on 3 jobbers. My dad used to say “The only thing predictable about Rodz is he always loses, I’ve never seen him win a match.” The only noteworthy thing Jack Evans did was he was one of the masked “Mr. X’s). The 3 men try to corner Andre but Andre grabs all 3 and crams them all into the corner for some giant football style. Andre sends Rodz into the corner then nails Nova with a forearm to the chest. Evans tries a right hand but eats an overhand slap to the chest. Andre delivers a knee lift to Johnny then spanks Nova (ewwww). Vince makes note of the size difference between Andre and referee Dick Woehrle. Andre stomps on Johnny’s hand then backs down Nova. Andre headbutts Nova then executes a body scissors on Evans. As with the previous match, Andre grabs Rodz and puts him in the scissors too. The two break free and Andre kicks them both off the ropes into a double monkey flip. Nova makes the cover but only gets 2 despite the others trying to hold him on top. They all pile on top but Andre tosses all three men off him, taking out Woehrle as well. Andre drops an elbow to the leg of Nova as Vince calls him “Andre the friendly smiling giant”. He wasn’t so friendly or smiling at Wrestlemania 3 thankfully. Andre delivers a jumping knee to the head of Rodz and scares away Evans. Andre grabs Evans  and atomic drops him. Andre delivers a forearm to the chest of Nova in the corner but Rodz jumps on his back. Andre tries to corner Rodz but Nova climbs up to the top rope for support. Evans pounds away at Andre but Andre kicks him away. He throws Nova off the top then has Johnny land face first on the mat. Andre stalks the three men then grabs a hold of Evans. Andre headbutts him over the top rope to the floor. The two go for a side attack but Andre ducks and Rodz/Nova crash into each other. Andre picks up Rodz and tosses him ontop of Nova. Andre sits on them for 1…2..nope. Andre notices Evans and gets up to grab him. He piles Evans on top of the others then sits for 1…2…3 and Andre wins it.

 

Time of match: 4:08

Winner: Andre the Giant by pinfall

 

We go right into the next match

 

Match 5

Andre the Giant (with Arnold Skaaland) vs Gorilla Monsoon (with The Grand Wizard) in a boxing match

Commentator: Alfred Hays

  How’s this for a rarity, Monsoon BOXING Andre. September 23, 1977 in Puerto Rico saw boxing legend “Jersey” Joe Walcott referee this fight. Walcott was best known for knocking out Ezzard Charles to become the oldest heavyweight champion in boxing history (until George Foreman 40 years later). This was right after a rainstorm because the ring is saturated (but not soaked). Andre catches Gorilla with a left jab as the bell tolls. Andre backs Gorilla into the corner with some more jabs. Monsoon tries to go inside but Andre pummels him. A big right hand staggers Monsoon into the far corner. Monsoon lands some jabs and a right hook. Monsoon gets inside then hits Andre in the ass a few times. A right hook staggers Andre and Monsoon continues to unload with rights. Andre rallies with left and rights that stagger Monsoon then hits a series of left jabs. A right hook has Monsoon staggers as the bell rings to end the first round. Round 2 begins with Monsoon leading with the jab then rocks the giant with right crosses. A big right hook drops Andre for 1…2……3…4….5 nope, Andre is up. Monsoon nails Andre with a few right crosses and a hook that staggers him into the corner. Monsoon then delivers a knee to the forehead that should be a disqualification in a real boxing fight but Walcott just laughs. Andre retaliates by headbutting Monsoon to the mat. Wizard jumps up to protest but Walcott tells him to get lost. Andre sits on Monsoon as Walcott admonishes him. Monsoon gets to his feet and eats a right then a left hook. A third hook drops Monsoon. Monsoon takes the standing 8 count then covers up in the corner. Andre tries to slug Monsoon but he’s well defensed as the bell rings. Round 3 begins with Monsoon unloading on Andre with right hooks. A series of right crosses and a double axehandle floors Andre but Walcott doesn’t count because that wasn’t a legal blow. Monsoon pounds on Andre in the ropes and Walcott tries to separate only to be pushed away. Monsoon slugs Andre away as Walcott pushes Monsoon away for a brief moment. Andre regains his senseless then blasts Monsoon with a right cross that drops him flat on his back. Walcott counts 1..2…3…4…5….6….7..8….9..10 and Andre wins by knockout. Alfred laughs on commentary as Arnie Skaaland (I think) jumps in the ring and into Andre’s arms. We cut to outside the ring where Andre knocks Monsoon into a giant puddle as Hays laughs again. Andre then chases Wizard away as we cut. Well that was entertaining. Monsoon becomes part of a trivia question as the only man ever to wrestle Muhammad Ali and box Andre the Giant.

 

Time of fight: 3^rd round

Winner: Andre the Giant by knockout

 

 Vince McMahon has Andre and “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka in the locker-room for an interview. Andre and Snuka will be taking on The Wild Samoans. Snuka says Andre is the greatest in the world and the Samoans are “something else”. Andre “Tonight will be the night of history in wrestling. We’re going to do something never seen before.” No idea what he’s talking about but that’s ok, onto the match.

 

Match 6

Andre the Giant and “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka (with Buddy Rogers) vs The Wild Samoans (Afa and Sika) with Lou Albano

Commentator: Vince McMahon and Gorilla Monsoon

  February 18, 1983 in Madison Square Garden sees Andre and Snuka against the Samoans. Andre (in the red tights) consorts with Jimmy and its gonna be Snuka starting it off with Afa. Monsoon speculates that this is the first time Jimmy and Andre have teamed up (is that the history Andre was talking about?). Vince speculates a victory here by the Samoans will make them number one contenders for the tag team championships. Afa backs Snuka over to where Sika helps the double team. Afa sends Snuka off and Jimmy eats a chop. Sika tags in and chops the Superfly then chokes him on the top ropes. A thrust to the throat drops Jimmy to the second ropes where Afa chokes him then delivers a headbutt. Sika resumes the choking then tags in Afa. A left forearm brings Jimmy to his knees then a left handed punch to the head staggers him. Monsoon makes note of the continuity between the Samoans as Sika nails Snuka from the outside. Once again Sika and Afa choke Snuka in the corner as Andre has enough of that. Andre charges like a raging bull and rams the Samoans’ heads together. Andre leaves as Snuka crawls over to make the tag, only to be stopped by Afa. The Samoans frequently tag in to nail Snuka. Snuka tries to rally but is stopped. A series of right hands drops Sika but Afa tags in.  Together the Samoans send Jimmy off the rope and they floor him with a double chop. A jumping headbutt by Afa and cover gets 1.2…nope. Afa sends Jimmy off but their heads collide. Jimmy makes the crawl over to Andre but Afa headbutts him. Afa tags Sika back in and they execute a double headbutt. Sika gets too close to Andre and the big guy grabs him and delivers a open hand chop to the chest. Afa interferes and decks Snuka with a thrust to the throat before leaving. Sika chokes Snuka in front of the ref as Monsoon says Jimmy can’t take much more. Sika headbutts Snuka and sells it himself. Jimmy starts rallying with right hands but Sika pulls him back into his corner. Afa tags in and the two Samoans deliver a double clothesline. Andre interferes and rams Sika’s head into the turnbuckle. Both Samoans go for another double clothesline but Snuka rolls underneath and leaps to tag in Andre 8 minutes into the match. Andre rams the Samoans heads together and chops both of them down. Andre hammers away then puts the Samoans in the corner for some giant football style. Andre whips both of them into each other then delivers a giant punch to Afa. Andre punches Afa then delivers a back drop. Sika interferes and is scoop slammed. A headbutt by Andre on Afa hurts himself but headbutts him again. Afa makes the tag and is headbutted out of the ring. Sika pounds on Andre but runs right into a giant boot. A headbutt drops Sika and he makes the tag to Snuka who goes up to the top. THE SUPERFLY SPLASH off Andre’s shoulders nails Sika in the dick (can’t really jump off Andre). The cover gets 1…2…3 and its over. Andre picks Jimmy up and carries him around the ring as they hug. Fink gets in to announce the victory as Andre raises Jimmy’s hand. Afa staggers around outside until Andre leaves the ring and headbutts him. The camera shows Afa busted open (from what?) as we cut. Well that was boring. Snuka gets pounded for 8 minutes, Andre gets the hot tag, cleans house, drops one of them and Superfly ends it with the splash. Bing bang boom, onto the next one.

 

Time of match: 10:19 (an official 12:51)

Winners: Andre and Snuka by pinfall

 

Rolling forward to the next bout

 

Match 7

Andre The Giant vs The Masked Superstar

Commentators: Gorilla Monsoon and Pat Patterson

   February 20, 1984…almost a year to the day from the last match in the same venue, Madison Square Garden. For those who don’t know, Masked Superstar is Ax of Demolition years before Demolition. Andre enters wearing the blue tights he’d wear a year later at Wrestlemania. They tie up to begin and Andre heaves MS into the corner. Star complains Andre grabbed the mask but the ref doesn’t give a damn. They tie up again and Andre shoves him down. MS gets up and kicks the bottom turnbuckle as Patterson brings up Andre’s difficulty getting in cabs in Japan. MS gets in a side headlock and Andre just stands straight up with MS now holding on for dear life. Andre shoots him off the ropes and MS runs right into a shoulderblock. MS taunts Andre then runs right into another shoulderblock. Ax…errr Masked Superstar gives the crowd shit then goes for yet another shoulderblock, but catches himself on the ropes. Only he turns around into a giant punch from Andre. Andre steps on MS’ fingers then goes to unmask him. Star bails and regroups on the floor. For some reason we cut to footage of Andre putting his entire hand on Alfred Hays face then to the replay of Andre stepping on MS’ fingers. MS runs off the ropes right into the giant posterior of Andre. MS sells it like he got hit by a shotgun as the crowd pops. Andre stands on top of MS before Star bails to the outside again. Star calls for a timeout as Monsoon says he needs a half hour timeout. Back inside he calls timeout again but Andre has none of it then does giant football style in the corner…until MS alertly sticks a knee to the back. MS rallies with forearms to the back then the front. A whip in the corner moves the ring 8 inches according to Monsoon as Superstar rallies with more forearms to the back, Demolition style. MS puts the boots to him and drops a few forearms. Superstar applies the cobra clutch as the ref checks Andre. Andre breaks the hold by attempting to remove the mask (BRILLIANT!). MS then continues to hammer away but Andre responds with chops and two headbutts. Andre delivers a giant boot then Earthquakes Masked Superstar for 1…2..3 and Andre wins it. After the bell Andre goes to remove the mask but MS breaks free and bails as we cut. Standard 1984 action with Andre getting the duke. Good to see Bill Eadie (Ax, MS) on a WWF tape.

 

Time of match: 6:47

Winner: Andre The Giant by pinfall

 

Without any headway we now go to a famous tag match where Andre gets his hair involuntarily cut.

 

Match 8

Andre the Giant and Special Delivery Jones vs “Big” John Studd and Ken Patera (with Bobby Heenan)

Commentators: Vince McMahon and Bruno Sammartino

   December 15, 1984 was the date for this infamous moment. Andre teams with mid-card jobber Jones to take on the Heenan Family members. Ken’s got the bleach blonde hair and Olympic singlet as Andre wears his Wrestlemania 1 tights (which wasn’t for another 3 ½ months). Jones starts out with former IC champ Patera. Jones leaps over Patera and hooks him arm for the big drag. Andre tags in and wrenches the arm then headbutts it. Jones tags in with an axehandle to the arm before flipping him over. Ken gets his arm free and executes a backbreaker before tagging in Studd. John delivers a series of forearms then floors Jones with a back elbow smash. Studd puts the boots to him then tags in Patera who picks up where Jones left off. Patera continues to slug away but a backdrop attempt earns a kick to the face. Jones hits a headbutt that sends Ken into the face corner where Andre tags in. Patera backdrops Jones over the top to the concrete floor as Andre stalks Ken in the ring. Andre pounds on Ken in the corner then ass bumps him a few times. Patera gets a knee to the back then delivers a forearm to the back of the head. Patera holds Andre for an interfering Studd and they both pound away on the giant. Both men are able to slam Andre together then they both put the boots to him. Studd holds Andre down as Patera scales the second rope for a kneedrop. The ref calls for the bell as Patera and Studd continue to punch and kick at the fallen giant. They trade dropping elbows before Patera holds Andre down for Bobby Heenan to toss a pair of scissors to Studd. Studd proceeds to cut Andre’s trademark afro. The referee makes no attempt to stop the two heels as Patera drops Andre. Studd continues to cut the hair as the fans pelt the ring with garbage. Heenan gets in the ring and kicks Jones out of the ring. Heenan, Andre and Patera celebrate with chunks of Andre’s hair as we cut. Short match but fun for historical purposes. Andre had a big afro for his entire career but would wrestle the final years with short/medium length hair.

 

Time of match: 3:44

Winners: Andre the Giant and SD Jones by DQ

 

We no go Vince McMahon on the set of TNT with a nice black suit. He introduces Andre who sits next to Alfred and Vince remarks that he’s larger than ever. Andre says he’s over 500 pounds now (due to his giantism but let’s not go there) and Vince brings up that Alfred’s known him since he was 17. Vince “He was 17 when you met him and you were old even then Alfred!” Andre says he was 270 pounds at the time and Vince asks him if he’s still mobile. What’s he gonna say Vince, no? Vince then asks Andre how he’s going to prepare for “Big” John Studd at Wrestlemania. Andre says he’s going to do the same as he always does. Vince then sends us to the “revenge” match where Andre took on Ken Patera.

 

Match 9

Andre The Giant vs Ken Patera (with Bobby Heenan)

Commentator: Gorilla Monsoon and Gene Okerlund

  January 21, 1985 in Madison Square Garden, a month and 6 days after the haircut incident saw Andre take on Patera. Patera stalls on the outside with Heenan as Andre stalks him from inside. Patera finally gets in as Andre delivers a punch to the head. A chop and a headbutt sends Patera through the ropes and to the outside. Okerlund scoffs at Heenan and Patera as Andre tells the ref to get out of the way. More stalling by Patera as he and Heenan consult outside. Monsoon points out the power of Patera and still looks small against Andre. Andre catches him with a kick to the ass. Patera bails but Andre steps on Heenan’s hand from inside the ring. Patera goes to knock the foot off but Andre steps on his hand as well. Andre then reaches through the ropes and rams their heads together as the crowd pops. Patera stalls getting back in then begs off. He then goes to kick Andre but the giant catches his foot and proceeds to choke out Ken. Andre lets him go only to deliver a forearm to the chest. Andre grabs Ken’s singlet and chokes him with it like a rag doll. Heenan complains to the referee as Patera bails to the outside again. Back inside Ken begs off again and Andre just glares at him. Andre asks the crowd if they have scissors and Patera shakes his head no. Patera clocks Andre with forearms that have no effect. Andre corners Patera and headbutts him. Andre sends Ken off but Patera kicks him in the head then rallies with right hands. Patera goes for a slam but Andre powers out of it. Another forearm to the chest is followed by an atomic drop that sends Patera over the top to the floor. Andre sends Patera back in the hard way then delivers a giant boot. Patera rolls to the apron where Andre delivers a forearm to the chest. Andre stands on Patera and Ken rolls to the outside. Referee Dick Kroll complains but Andre shoos him away. On the floor Andre delivers a chop then sends him into the guardrail. Andre crawls back inside as Heenan climbs to the rop rope. Heenan nails Andre who collides with Kroll. Heenan then puts the boots to Andre before putting on a pair of brass knuckles. Heenan staggers Andre with a few right hands then leaves as Patera comes off the top….right into a boot. Kroll calls for the bell as Heenan gets in only for Andre to corner the both of them for giant football style. Andre whips Patera in the opposite corner then slaps Heenan around. Andre whips Heenan but Patera ducks and Heenan flips over the top. Andre whips Patera into Bobby then headbutts Ken out to the floor. The heels retreat as Kroll raises Andre’s arm in victory. Modern day booking would have Andre squash Patera with Studd at ringside to set up Wrestlemania but things were a lot more complicated back then. Okerlund laughs as we go to the replay and Monsoon takes delight in Heenan getting tossed around. We cut there and I’d have to say they did a great job not squashing Patera there.

 

Time of match: 8:06

Winner: Andre The Giant by DQ\

 

Back to TNT where Vince makes note of that was Andre’s first match back after the haircut incident. Vince speculates that Andre didn’t quite get revenge by beating Patera but will finish the job at Wrestlemania against Studd. Since Studd was willing to put up 15 grand should Andre slam him, Vince asks if Andre is willing to put up anything to sweeten the pot. Andre says no and that he’s going there to win. Vince tries to stir the spot by asking why Andre why he won’t put anything up. Vince says that Heenan suggested to have Andre put his career on the line. Andre continues to refuse and Vince says that people are gonna call him yellow. An enraged Andre gets up, grabs Vince by the tie and says he’ll do it and the 15 grand will be his. He storms off the set as an upset Vince knocks a cup of something off his desk. We cut there and this was here only to set up the final match of the tape, the Wrestlemania 1 showdown. Since I already covered that, I’ll just re-post it. First, we begin with the pre-match interview with Studd and Heenan. Studd and Heenan enter with the duffel bag of money and its funny to see Okerlund try to stick his hand in as Heenan swats it away. Heenan “There’s only 2 people that are gonna see this money, me and Studd….make it 3, the teller at the bank when we deposit the money.”

 

Match 10

Andre the Giant vs Big John Studd (with Bobby Heenan) in a $15,000 Slam Match

 

Commentators: Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse “The Body” Ventura

 

 Ok, the rules are simple…..if Andre bodyslams Studd he wins 15 grand but if Studd slams Andre then say goodbye to the Giant. Studd attacks Andre in the corner as the bell rings before Andre rallies with chop and a big headbutt. Andre boots Studd to the outside of the ring and John regroups with Heenan, back inside Andre taunts Studd until backing him into the corner. Andre chokes Studd in the corner and Ventura asks where the ref is, but this isn’t a standard wrestling match so there are no DQ’s to speak of. Andre hits a knee to the head and big hamhock to the head before executing avalanches in the corner. Studd goes for a bodyslam but Andre blocks it then chops away at Studd before hitting a bearhug. The fans chats for Andre to slam as Ventura says “25,000 strong chanting”…..thought the building only held about 17,000 but nevertheless it is a sell out. The bearhug spot is worked for 2 full minutes before letting go and hitting a forearm to the back as Ventura says this could be the last time we could be seeing Andre. Andre hits a headlock and hits another hamhock to the mid-section as the crowd erupts. Andre whips Studd off and catches the foot, then hits another right hand to the face. Andre blocks a back elbow smash before chopping John in the corner. Andre kicks away at Studd’s leg and I’ll let Monsoon handle this one. “Andre now going to work on the leg, LOOK AT THIS…ANDRE PICKS EM UP…HE SLAMMED HIM!!!” This one’s over and Andre wins the match as the crowd erupts again as Finkel hands Andre the bag of money. Andre begins throwing money into the crowd before Heenan sneaks up, steals the bag then runs to the back with Studd. Monsoon scoffs but Ventura sats “They don’t call him The Brain for nothin Gino!” Andre poses in the ring and his career will resume….for a few more years anyway. I look at this match not for the catch-as-catch-can but for the drama and the storyline because in 1985, 15 grand or retire was a big deal so this match certainly was legendary. Screw the ROH smarks and spotfest lovers.

 

Time of match: 5:52

Winner: Andre the Giant

 

  The tape ends here with the orchestral theme. Then we get previews for WRESTLEMANIA, BEST OF THE WWF VOLUME 3, BIGGEST, SMALLEST, STRANGEST, STRONGEST and ROWDY RODDY PIPER’S GREATEST HITS. I guess tapes came in 3 packs back then. That’s it for this one though, for a historical perspective it hasn’t aged well. A lot of these matches and angles are long forgotten except for the first Wrestlemania match. It also shows how Andre ages dramatically from a younger, more athletic force into a lumbering giant of power. Still, it was Andre who was up there with Hogan in star power. He deserved a profile tape for sure and this was the best they could do really. Most of his more legendary stuff on Saturday Night’s Main Event and pay-per-view were reserved for other tapes. Its not a bad way to spend 90 minutes but its not overly special either. 4 stars out of 5, one point off for not mentioning his showdown with Hogan at Shea Stadium, but still that worked out in WWF’s favor when Wrestlemania 3 came along. The next tape after this is BEST OF THE WWF VOLUME 2.